©2010, TESCCC Regions of the United States. ©2010, TESCCC Class Outline Northeast South Midwest Great Plains Rocky Mountains/Basin States, including.

©2010, TESCCC

Regions of the United Regions of the United StatesStates

©2010, TESCCC

Class OutlineClass Outline

NortheastNortheast SouthSouth Midwest Midwest Great PlainsGreat Plains Rocky Mountains/Basin States, Rocky Mountains/Basin States,

including Southwestincluding Southwest Pacific Coast Pacific Coast

©2010, TESCCC

Topics discussed for each RegionTopics discussed for each Region

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

2010, TESCCC World Geography, Unit 3, Lesson 1

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

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.

©2009, TESCCC

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

through most of the northeastern states, through most of the northeastern states, causing causing little farmlandlittle farmland, except in valley , except in valley areas. areas.

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


Climate and Vegetation of Climate and Vegetation of Northeast: Northeast: Humid ContinentalHumid Continental

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

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

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

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

©2009, TESCCC

Historical Geography of the Historical Geography of the NortheastNortheast

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

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

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

©2009, TESCCC

Population Geography of the Population Geography of the NortheastNortheast

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

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

©2009 TESCCC

Economic Geography of the Economic Geography of the NortheastNortheast

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

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

©2009, TESCCC

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.

©2010, TESCCC

Economic GeographyEconomic Geography Northeast is the heart of the manufacturing Northeast is the heart of the manufacturing

core, but lately has been termed the RUST core, but lately has been termed the RUST BELT. This extends into the Midwest.BELT. This extends into the Midwest.

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

©2010, TESCCC

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

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

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

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

©2010, TESCCC

More on the Mid-Atlantic StatesMore on the Mid-Atlantic States

This area is a transition zone between the This area is a transition zone between the Northeast (New England in particular) and the Northeast (New England in particular) and the South, especially the states of Virginia and W. South, especially the states of Virginia and W. Virginia.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 Home to Washington D.C., the political center of the U.S.U.S.

©2010, TESCCC

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

Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, and LouisianaTennessee, Arkansas, and Louisiana

Transition States: Virginia, W. Virginia, Kentucky, Transition States: Virginia, W. Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, and TexasMissouri, Oklahoma, and Texas

©2010, TESCCC

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

members of the Confederacy: S. Carolina, members of the Confederacy: S. Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and LouisianaLouisiana

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

Cajun SouthCajun South: Louisiana and East Texas: Louisiana and East Texas Gulf Coast StatesGulf Coast States: Florida, Alabama, : Florida, Alabama,

Mississippi, Louisiana, TexasMississippi, Louisiana, Texas

©2009, TESCCC

Notes about Transition StatesNotes about Transition States

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

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

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

©2009, TESCCC

Physical Geography of the SouthPhysical Geography of the South

Dominated by a Dominated by a wide coastal plainwide coastal plain, , meandering meandering river basinsriver basins

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

Where is its delta?Where is its delta?

©2009. TESCCC

Climate and Vegetation of the Climate and Vegetation of the SouthSouth

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

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

©2009, TESCCC

Historical Geography of the Historical Geography of the SouthSouth

The South was settled as an agricultural region, The South was settled as an agricultural region, with slavery and cash crops as its driving force. with slavery and cash crops as its driving force. The climate and physical landscape were well The climate and physical landscape were well suited for an agricultural society.suited for an agricultural society.

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

Other cultures included: Spanish, Caribbean, Other cultures included: Spanish, Caribbean, Creole, CajunCreole, Cajun

©2009, TESCCC

Population Geography of the SouthPopulation Geography of the South The South’s The South’s

population is population is evenly distributed, evenly distributed, except increase in except increase in density around density around urban centers.urban centers.

Examples: Atlanta, Examples: Atlanta, New Orleans, New Orleans, Mobile, MiamiMobile, Miami

©2009, TESCCC

Economic Geography of the Economic Geography of the SouthSouth

Historically based on Historically based on agricultureagriculture, with tobacco and , with tobacco and cotton being the first cash crops.cotton being the first cash crops.

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

Houston and Beaumont, close to continental shelf Houston and Beaumont, close to continental shelf drilling.drilling.


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

©2009, TESCCC

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)

©2009, TESCCC

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

Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and IowaIllinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa Transition States: Pennsylvania, MissouriTransition States: Pennsylvania, Missouri

©2010, TESCCC

Physical Geography of MidwestPhysical Geography of Midwest

Flat landscape, with river basins.

Distinctive Great Lakes, which provide for shipping.

©2009, TESCCC

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

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

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

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

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

©2009, TESCCC

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.

©2009, TESCCC

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.

©2009, TESCCC

PopulationPopulation Large cities include Large cities include

Chicago and DetroitChicago and Detroit The region is evenly The region is evenly

distributed.distributed. Population is dense along Population is dense along

the Great Lakes. the Great Lakes.

©2009, TESCCC

Economic GeographyEconomic Geography

Dairy FarmingDairy Farming in Wisconsin and in Wisconsin and MinnesotaMinnesota

Fruit OrchardsFruit Orchards in Michigan in Michigan CornCorn in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa ManufacturingManufacturing in urban cities along in urban cities along

Great Lakes, like Pittsburgh, Great Lakes, like Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Detroit and Chicago Cleveland, Detroit and Chicago (Steel Towns).(Steel Towns).

©2010, TESCCC

Breadbasket of the USABreadbasket of the USA

Corn is most notably grown, but Corn is most notably grown, but soybeans, wheat, and fruits orchards are soybeans, wheat, and fruits orchards are also commonly found throughout the also commonly found throughout the Midwest.Midwest.

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

©2010, TESCCC

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

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

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

©2010, TESCCC

Great Plains RegionGreat Plains Region

Strip of States through the center of Strip of States through the center of the countrythe country

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

Transition States: Oklahoma, Transition States: Oklahoma, Panhandle of Texas, Eastern Panhandle of Texas, Eastern Colorado, Wyoming and MontanaColorado, Wyoming and Montana

©2010, TESCCC

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

©2010, TESCCC

Climate of the Great PlainsClimate of the Great Plains

Generally the Great Plains is Steppe Generally the Great Plains is Steppe climate (Grasslands). Some of the eastern climate (Grasslands). Some of the eastern areas have Humid Continental climate.areas have Humid Continental climate.

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

Cold winters, especially in the northern Cold winters, especially in the northern areasareas

©2009, TESCCC

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 cultures, most notably the indigenous cultures, 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.

©2009, TESCCC

More on Historical GeographyMore on Historical Geography

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

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

©2009, TESCCC

Homestead Act of 1862Homestead Act of 1862

This act provided each settler with This act provided each settler with 160 acres of land, as long as he 160 acres of land, as long as he cultivated the land.cultivated the land.

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

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

©2009, TESCCC

Population of the Great PlainsPopulation of the Great Plains

Two words: Rural and decliningTwo words: Rural and declining

©2009, TESCCC

Economic ActivityEconomic Activity Wheat – another important crop Wheat – another important crop

(the Dakotas)(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 Cattle are also a primary economic

activity in the Great Plains. activity in the Great Plains.

©2009, TESCCC

Ogallala (High Plains) AquiferOgallala (High Plains) Aquifer

Because there is little rainfall, Because there is little rainfall, farmers use the aquifers to irrigate farmers use the aquifers to irrigate crops. The Ogallala is one of the crops. The Ogallala is one of the largest in the U.S., but it is being 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 The Aquifer runs from the Texas Panhandle to Nebraska. Almost Panhandle to Nebraska. Almost the entire state of Nebraska lies on the entire state of Nebraska lies on top of the Aquifer.top of the Aquifer.

©2009, TESCCC

Mountain and Basin StatesMountain and Basin States

States included: New Mexico, States included: New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, ArizonaUtah, Nevada, Arizona

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

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

©2009, TESCCC

Physical Geography Physical Geography

Characterized by the steep and jagged Characterized by the steep and jagged Rocky Mountain Range, foothills of the Rocky Mountain Range, foothills of the Rockies, High Deserts and Rockies, High Deserts and Intermountain BasinsIntermountain Basins

Diverse physical region, including Diverse physical region, including landforms and climateslandforms and climates

©2009, TESCCC

ClimatesClimates

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

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

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

©2009, TESCCC

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

©2009, TESCCC

Population GeographyPopulation Geography

Not densely populatedNot densely populated Major urban centers Major urban centers

include: Denver, Salt include: Denver, Salt Lake City, PhoenixLake City, Phoenix

©2009, TESCCC

Economic ActivityEconomic Activity

GrazingGrazing MiningMining TourismTourism LumberLumber

©2010, TESCCC

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

culture of the mountain states. When culture of the mountain states. When mining diminished, tourism took over.mining diminished, tourism took over.

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

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

©2010, TESCCC

Pacific Coast StatesPacific Coast States

California, Oregon and WashingtonCalifornia, Oregon and Washington Alaska and Hawaii will be covered Alaska and Hawaii will be covered

separately.separately.

Physical Geography of West Physical Geography of West CoastCoast

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

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

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

©2010, TESCCC

©2010, TESCCC

Southern CaliforniaSouthern California

The continual presence of natural The continual presence of natural hazards, including fire, flood, hazards, including fire, flood, earthquakes, and intense drought, has earthquakes, and intense drought, has done little to reduce the growth of this done little to reduce the growth of this area.area.

San Andreas FaultSan Andreas Fault Los Angeles is the 2Los Angeles is the 2ndnd largest city in the largest city in the

U.S.U.S.

©2010, TESCCC

Climates of the West CoastClimates of the West Coast MediterraneanMediterranean in Southern California in Southern California Deserts and SteppeDeserts and Steppe in California in California HighlandHighland Climate in Sierra Nevadas and Climate in Sierra Nevadas and

CascadesCascades Marine West CoastMarine West Coast in North California, in North California,

Oregon and WashingtonOregon and Washington WindwardWindward and and leewardleeward slopes of slopes of

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

©2010, TESCCC

Population GeographyPopulation Geography

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

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

©2010, TESCCC

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

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

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

Presently, about one-seventh of the United Presently, about one-seventh of the United States population lives in southern California.States population lives in southern California.

©2010, TESCCC

Economic ActivityEconomic Activity Hi-tech IndustryHi-tech Industry Movie IndustryMovie Industry Farming in the San Farming in the San

Joaquin ValleyJoaquin Valley Wine (Napa and Wine (Napa and

Sonoma)Sonoma) TourismTourism Fishing on the coastFishing on the coast

©2010, TESCCC Regions of the United States. ©2010, TESCCC Class Outline Northeast South Midwest Great Plains Rocky Mountains/Basin States, including.

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