4 ms·

"Lower 48" is a term from Alaska, and predates Hawaii's statehood. ie, an updated version would be "Lower 49".

• whyenot 6y ago
  ...but Alaska and Hawaii both became states at almost exactly the same time (January and August 1959). Maybe it makes sense if Alaska considered themselves a state in the years before they officially became one? Otherwise, there would be no need for the "lower" part.
  • fermienrico 6y ago
    It's practical to call the collective states with joint borders. For example, "Lower 48 shipping" on Amazon is different rate.