Thirsty Georgia wants to redraw the map

Rather than undertake sane measures to protect their water supply, Georgia has a short cut – redraw the map. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has a story, a gem of wishful thinking and evasion. The early 19^th century mathematician who made the boundary measurements used a sextant and some inadequate astronomical tables. He even admitted his mistake.

Even more important, moving the boundary line north would give Georgia access to the Tennessee River, a crucial concern as the drought in the state grows ever more dangerous. The story explains some arcane legal doctrines, but the fact remains that Georgia is dangerously thirsty.

Aerial image from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, via ESRI