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Regions of the United Regions of the United StatesStates

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Class OutlineClass Outline

NortheastNortheast SouthSouth Midwest &Great PlainsMidwest &Great Plains Rocky Mountains/Basin States, Rocky Mountains/Basin States,

including Southwestincluding Southwest Pacific Coast Pacific Coast

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Topics discussed for each RegionTopics discussed for each Region

Physical GeographyPhysical Geography Historical GeographyHistorical Geography Population GeographyPopulation Geography Economic GeographyEconomic Geography Cultural GeographyCultural Geography

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The NortheastThe Northeast NortheastNortheast

Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and the District of ColumbiaMaryland, and the District of Columbia

Color the Northeast states blueColor the Northeast states blue The Northeast can be subdivided into two smaller regions: 1) New The Northeast can be subdivided into two smaller regions: 1) New

England, and 2) Mid-Atlantic States.England, and 2) Mid-Atlantic States.

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Physical Geography of NortheastPhysical Geography of Northeast Northern Appalachian mountains run through Northern Appalachian mountains run through

most of the northeastern states, causing most of the northeastern states, causing little little farmlandfarmland, except in valley areas. , except in valley areas.

Coastal plain is narrow, with an area between Coastal plain is narrow, with an area between the mountains and coast called the fall line.the mountains and coast called the fall line.

Deep bays exist, allowing for Deep bays exist, allowing for port townsport towns..

Jagged, rocky coastlineJagged, rocky coastline in northern areas. in northern areas.

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Climate and Vegetation of Climate and Vegetation of Northeast: Northeast: Humid ContinentalHumid Continental No Dry Season-No Dry Season- this area receives precipitation this area receives precipitation

throughout the year.throughout the year.

Cold, snowy wintersCold, snowy winters and and hothot summers. summers.

Moderate growing season that decreases as you go Moderate growing season that decreases as you go north.north.

Vegetation is mixed forests with deciduous and Vegetation is mixed forests with deciduous and coniferous trees. coniferous trees.

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Historical Geography of the Historical Geography of the NortheastNortheast

The Northeast has the The Northeast has the longest history of longest history of European settlementEuropean settlement . .

Historically, the Northeast has been the Historically, the Northeast has been the gateway to immigrantsgateway to immigrants..

Established itself as the financial and Established itself as the financial and manufacturing hub early in the industrial manufacturing hub early in the industrial revolution.revolution.

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Population Geography of the Population Geography of the NortheastNortheast

Population is concentrated in the Megalopolis that runs Population is concentrated in the Megalopolis that runs from Boston to Washington (AKA Boswash).from Boston to Washington (AKA Boswash).

This is the most densely populated region in the United This is the most densely populated region in the United States.States.

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Economic Geography of the Economic Geography of the NortheastNortheast

The New England states have a long history of The New England states have a long history of maritime industrymaritime industry, although , although forestryforestry exists inland exists inland with little farming.with little farming.

The Mid-Atlantic states dominate the The Mid-Atlantic states dominate the financial financial sectorsector of the U.S., advertising, manufacturing. of the U.S., advertising, manufacturing.

This region is the home to most major This region is the home to most major corporations in the United States.corporations in the United States.

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Land Use in the NortheastLand Use in the Northeast

Dairy Farming (think Vermont…) Dairy Farming (think Vermont…) FarmingFarming TimberTimber Maritime ActivityMaritime Activity Some miningSome mining

Note: As you go north, the growing Note: As you go north, the growing season shortens, which limits farming. season shortens, which limits farming. In part of the Northeast, timber is a In part of the Northeast, timber is a primary economic activity.primary economic activity.

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Economic GeographyEconomic Geography Northeast is the heart of the manufacturing core, but lately Northeast is the heart of the manufacturing core, but lately

has been termed the RUST BELT.has been termed the RUST BELT. This extends into the This extends into the Midwest.Midwest.

Why do you think it’s called the Rust belt? Where have Why do you think it’s called the Rust belt? Where have industries relocated? Why?industries relocated? Why?

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Cultural Geography of Northeast: Cultural Geography of Northeast: Mid-Atlantic Mid-Atlantic

South of New England, the Mid-Atlantic states enjoy South of New England, the Mid-Atlantic states enjoy warmer weather and a longer growing season. warmer weather and a longer growing season.

The economy has The economy has more farmingmore farming activity and has less activity and has less maritime activity, although major shipping waterways maritime activity, although major shipping waterways are present.are present.

Major cities are located on these major waterways: New Major cities are located on these major waterways: New York is on the Hudson R., Philly is on the Delaware, and York is on the Hudson R., Philly is on the Delaware, and Baltimore is located on Chesapeake Bay.Baltimore is located on Chesapeake Bay.

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More on the Mid-Atlantic StatesMore on the Mid-Atlantic States This area is a transition zone between the Northeast This area is a transition zone between the Northeast

(New England in particular) and the South, especially the (New England in particular) and the South, especially the states of Virginia and W. Virginia.states of Virginia and W. Virginia.

Heritage is also centered on colonial times and the Heritage is also centered on colonial times and the American Revolution, although less so than in New American Revolution, although less so than in New England.England.

Home to Washington D.C., the political center of the U.S.Home to Washington D.C., the political center of the U.S.

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The SouthThe South States included: North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, States included: North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia,

Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, and LouisianaAlabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Louisiana Color the South RedColor the South Red Transition States: Virginia, W. Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri, Transition States: Virginia, W. Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri,

Oklahoma, and TexasOklahoma, and Texas Color the Transition States YellowColor the Transition States Yellow

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Variations on the SouthVariations on the South Deep South- consists of the six founding members of Deep South- consists of the six founding members of

the Confederacy: S. Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, the Confederacy: S. Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and LouisianaAlabama, Florida, and Louisiana

Appalachia Region: Virginia, W. Virginia, Tennessee, Appalachia Region: Virginia, W. Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and parts of N. Carolina, Georgia and Kentucky, and parts of N. Carolina, Georgia and AlabamaAlabama

Cajun South: Louisiana and East TexasCajun South: Louisiana and East Texas

Gulf Coast States: Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Gulf Coast States: Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, TexasLouisiana, Texas

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Notes about Transition StatesNotes about Transition States

Southern Louisiana is influenced by Southern Louisiana is influenced by FrenchFrench, , Caribbean, Latin American history.Caribbean, Latin American history.

Texas is divided into the South, Great Plains Texas is divided into the South, Great Plains and Southwest regions.and Southwest regions.

Oklahoma is also included in the Great Plains Oklahoma is also included in the Great Plains region for two reasons: Climate and “Indian region for two reasons: Climate and “Indian territory”.territory”.

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Physical Geography of the SouthPhysical Geography of the South

Dominated by a Dominated by a wide coastal plainwide coastal plain, meandering , meandering river river basinsbasins

What is the most prominent river basin in this region?What is the most prominent river basin in this region?

Where is its delta?Where is its delta?

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Climate and Vegetation of the SouthClimate and Vegetation of the South

Humid subtropicalHumid subtropical, with hot, humid summers and , with hot, humid summers and long growing season. Winters are mild, seldom with long growing season. Winters are mild, seldom with snow. There is no dry season.snow. There is no dry season.

VegetationVegetation: Mixed forests. The South is known for : Mixed forests. The South is known for plants such as live oaks, magnolia trees, flowering plants such as live oaks, magnolia trees, flowering dogwoods.dogwoods.

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Historical Geography of the SouthHistorical Geography of the South The South was settled as an agricultural region, with The South was settled as an agricultural region, with

slavery and cash crops as its driving forceslavery and cash crops as its driving force. The climate . The climate and physical landscape were well-suited for an and physical landscape were well-suited for an agricultural society.agricultural society.

Historically, the South was settled by many different Historically, the South was settled by many different cultures, although the Anglo Protestant plantation cultures, although the Anglo Protestant plantation farmers were the dominant group.farmers were the dominant group.

Other cultures included: Spanish, Caribbean, Creole, Other cultures included: Spanish, Caribbean, Creole, CajunCajun

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Population Geography of the SouthPopulation Geography of the South The South’s population is evenly distributed, The South’s population is evenly distributed,

except increase in density around urban except increase in density around urban centers.centers.

Examples: Atlanta, New Orleans, Mobile, Examples: Atlanta, New Orleans, Mobile, MiamiMiami

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Economic Geography of the SouthEconomic Geography of the South Historically based on Historically based on agricultureagriculture, with tobacco and cotton being the , with tobacco and cotton being the

first cash crops.first cash crops.

Although agriculture has dominated the economy, service industry, Although agriculture has dominated the economy, service industry, manufacturing, and high tech industries are also located in the South.manufacturing, and high tech industries are also located in the South.

FishingFishing is a common activity in Gulf Coast States. is a common activity in Gulf Coast States.

TourismTourism along the Gulf Coast, especially Florida. along the Gulf Coast, especially Florida.

Oil IndustryOil Industry is located in the Gulf and in cities like Houston and is located in the Gulf and in cities like Houston and Beaumont, close to continental shelf drilling.Beaumont, close to continental shelf drilling.

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Cultural Geography of the SouthCultural Geography of the South

Deep SouthDeep South AppalachiansAppalachians Gulf Coast regionGulf Coast region FloridaFlorida Cajun South and East TexasCajun South and East Texas

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Music of the SouthMusic of the South The South is the origin all types of music:The South is the origin all types of music:

Rhythm and BluesRhythm and Blues JazzJazz BluegrassBluegrass Appalachian Folk MusicAppalachian Folk Music GospelGospel Country musicCountry music Rock n Roll (Elvis/Memphis)Rock n Roll (Elvis/Memphis)

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MidwestMidwest Included States: Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Included States: Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois,

Wisconsin, Minnesota, and IowaWisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa Color the Midwest OrangeColor the Midwest Orange

Transition States: MissouriTransition States: Missouri Transition states are yellowTransition states are yellow

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Physical Geography of MidwestPhysical Geography of Midwest

Flat landscape, with river basins.

Distinctive Great Lakes, which provide for shipping.

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Climate of the Midwest: Climate of the Midwest: Humid ContinentalHumid Continental

No Dry Season-No Dry Season- this area receives precipitation this area receives precipitation throughout the year.throughout the year.

Cold, snowy winters and hot summers. Cold, snowy winters and hot summers.

Moderate growing seasonModerate growing season that decreases as you go that decreases as you go north.north.

Vegetation is mixed forests with deciduous and Vegetation is mixed forests with deciduous and coniferous trees.coniferous trees.

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Historical Geography of the Historical Geography of the MidwestMidwest

The Mid-west was considered the “Western The Mid-west was considered the “Western Frontier”, hence the name.Frontier”, hence the name.

Historically known as the breadbasket of the Historically known as the breadbasket of the U.S., as this is also an agricultural region.U.S., as this is also an agricultural region.

Also known as a manufacturing, blue-collar Also known as a manufacturing, blue-collar hub of the U.S.hub of the U.S.

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The Midwest as a Cultural The Midwest as a Cultural CrossroadsCrossroads

Immigrant groups:Immigrant groups: Scots PresbyteriansScots Presbyterians settled in Pennsylvania. settled in Pennsylvania. Dutch Amish and QuakersDutch Amish and Quakers settled in Ohio and settled in Ohio and

Indiana.Indiana. German LutheransGerman Lutherans settled in Ohio, Wisconsin, settled in Ohio, Wisconsin,

Illinois and Eastern Missouri.Illinois and Eastern Missouri. Swedes and NorwegiansSwedes and Norwegians settled in Wisconsin settled in Wisconsin

and Minnesota.and Minnesota. Polish, Hungarians, German Catholics, and Polish, Hungarians, German Catholics, and

Jews settled in Midwestern cities.Jews settled in Midwestern cities.

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PopulationPopulation Large cities include Chicago and Large cities include Chicago and

DetroitDetroit

The region is evenly distributed.The region is evenly distributed.

Population is dense along the Population is dense along the Great Lakes. Great Lakes.

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Economic GeographyEconomic Geography Dairy FarmingDairy Farming in Wisconsin and Minnesota in Wisconsin and Minnesota

Fruit OrchardsFruit Orchards in Michigan in Michigan

CornCorn in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa

ManufacturingManufacturing in urban cities along Great in urban cities along Great Lakes, like Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Detroit and Lakes, like Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Detroit and Chicago (Steel Towns).Chicago (Steel Towns).

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Breadbasket of the USABreadbasket of the USA Corn is most notably grown, but soybeans, wheat, and Corn is most notably grown, but soybeans, wheat, and

fruits orchards are also commonly found throughout the fruits orchards are also commonly found throughout the Midwest.Midwest.

Dairy products are famous in which state in the Dairy products are famous in which state in the Midwest?Midwest?

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Cultural GeographyCultural Geography Home to various immigrant groups, which causes Home to various immigrant groups, which causes

ethnic, racial, and religious diversity in the cities.ethnic, racial, and religious diversity in the cities.

Cuisine reflects the cultural and physical diversity: Cuisine reflects the cultural and physical diversity: Chicago style pizza, Polish bakeries, Wisconsin cheese, Chicago style pizza, Polish bakeries, Wisconsin cheese, and Michigan’s apple cider mills and fruit orchards.and Michigan’s apple cider mills and fruit orchards.

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Great Plains RegionGreat Plains Region Strip of States through the center of the countryStrip of States through the center of the country

Includes: Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Includes: Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North DakotaNorth Dakota

Color BrownColor Brown

Transition States: Oklahoma, Panhandle of Texas, Transition States: Oklahoma, Panhandle of Texas, Eastern portions of Colorado, Wyoming and Eastern portions of Colorado, Wyoming and MontanaMontana

Color YellowColor Yellow

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Physical Geography of Physical Geography of the Great Plainsthe Great Plains

The Great Plains are also called the High Plains, as the elevation increases gradually as you go west.

Generally flat with some rolling hills

Major River Basins: Red R., Arkansas River, Platte River, and the Missouri River

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Climate of the Great PlainsClimate of the Great Plains Generally the Great Plains is Steppe climate Generally the Great Plains is Steppe climate

(Grasslands). (Grasslands). Some of the eastern areas have Humid Some of the eastern areas have Humid Continental climate.Continental climate.

This area receives little rainfall (less than 18 in. a year on This area receives little rainfall (less than 18 in. a year on average).average).

Cold winters, especially in the northern areas.Cold winters, especially in the northern areas.

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Historical Geography of the Great Historical Geography of the Great PlainsPlains

Before Americans settled the frontier, Before Americans settled the frontier, the Great Plains was home to several the Great Plains was home to several indigenous culturesindigenous cultures, most notably the , most notably the Sioux, the Cheyenne, and the Arapaho. Sioux, the Cheyenne, and the Arapaho.

During the 19During the 19thth century, the Great century, the Great Plains became the staging point of war Plains became the staging point of war between the native people and the between the native people and the American settlers.American settlers.

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More on Historical GeographyMore on Historical Geography

The Great Plains was The Great Plains was also used for cattle grazing also used for cattle grazing and and cattle drives.cattle drives.

Many of the cities in this area were founded as railroad Many of the cities in this area were founded as railroad hubs for cattle.hubs for cattle.

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Homestead Act of 1862Homestead Act of 1862 This act provided each settler with 160 acres of This act provided each settler with 160 acres of

land, as long as he cultivated the land.land, as long as he cultivated the land.

This caused a rush of settlers to the Great This caused a rush of settlers to the Great Plains region in the 1800s.Plains region in the 1800s.

Ironically, the Great Plains has lost a third of its Ironically, the Great Plains has lost a third of its population since 1920. Kansas has 6,000 ghost population since 1920. Kansas has 6,000 ghost towns. towns.

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Population of the Great PlainsPopulation of the Great Plains

Two words: Rural and decliningTwo words: Rural and declining

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Economic ActivityEconomic Activity Wheat – another important crop (the Dakotas)Wheat – another important crop (the Dakotas)

spring wheat major crop in the northspring wheat major crop in the north winter wheat (Kansas)winter wheat (Kansas) Associated with wheat are sorghums, Associated with wheat are sorghums,

barley, and livestock productionbarley, and livestock production

Cattle are also a primary economic activity in Cattle are also a primary economic activity in the Great Plains. the Great Plains.

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Ogallala (High Plains) AquiferOgallala (High Plains) Aquifer Because there is little rainfall, farmers use the Because there is little rainfall, farmers use the

aquifers to irrigate crops. The Ogallala is one aquifers to irrigate crops. The Ogallala is one of the largest in the U.S., but it is being of the largest in the U.S., but it is being depleted at a high rate.depleted at a high rate.

The Aquifer runs from the Texas Panhandle to The Aquifer runs from the Texas Panhandle to Nebraska. Almost the entire state of Nebraska Nebraska. Almost the entire state of Nebraska lies on top of the Aquifer.lies on top of the Aquifer.

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Mountain and Basin StatesMountain and Basin States States included: New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, States included: New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming,

Montana, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Arizona color purpleMontana, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Arizona color purple

Transitions: Colorado, Wyoming and Montana are Transitions: Colorado, Wyoming and Montana are also Great Plains States.also Great Plains States.

Southwest: Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Southern Southwest: Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Southern Utah/NevadaUtah/Nevada

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Physical Geography Physical Geography Characterized by the steep and jagged Rocky Characterized by the steep and jagged Rocky

Mountain RangeMountain Range, foothills of the Rockies, High , foothills of the Rockies, High Deserts and Intermountain BasinsDeserts and Intermountain Basins

Diverse physical region, including landforms and Diverse physical region, including landforms and climatesclimates

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ClimatesClimates Highland climate is found throughout the Rockies.Highland climate is found throughout the Rockies.

Desert and Steppe are found in the Southwest and Desert and Steppe are found in the Southwest and Basin area.Basin area.

In general, the area is arid. Farming is done with In general, the area is arid. Farming is done with irrigation.irrigation.

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Historical Geography Historical Geography Mining townsMining towns Outlaws (Wild West)Outlaws (Wild West) Cattle/Sheep GrazingCattle/Sheep Grazing Reservation LandsReservation Lands Las Vegas and Reno- Gambling townsLas Vegas and Reno- Gambling towns National Park ServiceNational Park Service

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Population GeographyPopulation Geography Not densely populatedNot densely populated

Major urban centers include: Major urban centers include: Denver, Salt Lake City, PhoenixDenver, Salt Lake City, Phoenix

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Economic ActivityEconomic Activity

GrazingGrazing MiningMining TourismTourism LumberLumber

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Cultural Heritage of the WestCultural Heritage of the West Old Mining ghost towns Old Mining ghost towns exemplify the culture of the exemplify the culture of the

mountain states. When mining diminished, tourism took mountain states. When mining diminished, tourism took over.over.

Mountain towns are known for their transient population, Mountain towns are known for their transient population, seasonal employment, and influx of touristsseasonal employment, and influx of tourists..

Likewise, Likewise, the Basin states are home to the largest the Basin states are home to the largest number of National Parks.number of National Parks.

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Pacific Coast StatesPacific Coast States California, Oregon and WashingtonCalifornia, Oregon and Washington

Alaska and Hawaii will be covered separately.Alaska and Hawaii will be covered separately.

Physical Geography of West Physical Geography of West CoastCoast

Mountain Ranges (Sierra Nevada and the Cascades) Mountain Ranges (Sierra Nevada and the Cascades) and Rocky coastlines due to Subduction forcesand Rocky coastlines due to Subduction forces

Fertile valleys (San Joaquin) and forests in northern Fertile valleys (San Joaquin) and forests in northern areas that receive more rainfallareas that receive more rainfall

Physical hazard exist across the region due to Physical hazard exist across the region due to tectonic forces.tectonic forces.

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Southern CaliforniaSouthern California The continual presence of natural hazards, The continual presence of natural hazards,

including fire, flood, earthquakes, and intense including fire, flood, earthquakes, and intense drought, has done little to reduce the growth of drought, has done little to reduce the growth of this area.this area.

San Andreas FaultSan Andreas Fault

Los Angeles is the 2Los Angeles is the 2nd largest city in the U.S. largest city in the U.S.

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Climates of the West CoastClimates of the West Coast MediterraneanMediterranean in Southern California in Southern California

Deserts and SteppeDeserts and Steppe in Californiain California

HighlandHighland Climate in Sierra Nevadas and Cascades Climate in Sierra Nevadas and Cascades

Marine West CoastMarine West Coast in North California, Oregon and in North California, Oregon and WashingtonWashington

WindwardWindward and and leewardleeward slopes of mountains are crucial in slopes of mountains are crucial in this area: populations tend to settle on windward (moisture this area: populations tend to settle on windward (moisture laden) side of mountains and become less dense on leeward laden) side of mountains and become less dense on leeward side.side.

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Population GeographyPopulation Geography

More dense along the coastal areas, More dense along the coastal areas, especially between San Diego, LA, and especially between San Diego, LA, and San FranciscoSan Francisco

Other urban centers exist around Other urban centers exist around Seattle and Portland.Seattle and Portland.

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Development in Southern CaliforniaDevelopment in Southern California Began to grow significantly when water was brought Began to grow significantly when water was brought

from the distant Owens Valley to Los Angeles early in from the distant Owens Valley to Los Angeles early in the 20th centurythe 20th century

As water from the Colorado River Project was also As water from the Colorado River Project was also made available to cities in the southwest & in southern made available to cities in the southwest & in southern California, growth acceleratedCalifornia, growth accelerated

Presently, about one-seventh of the United States Presently, about one-seventh of the United States

population lives in southern Californiapopulation lives in southern California..

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Economic ActivityEconomic Activity

Hi-tech IndustryHi-tech Industry Movie IndustryMovie Industry Farming in the San Joaquin Farming in the San Joaquin

ValleyValley Wine (Napa and Sonoma)Wine (Napa and Sonoma) TourismTourism Fishing on the coastFishing on the coast