The United States of America is home to some of the most iconic rivers in the world and the Mississippi River is one of them. As the fourth-longest river in the entire world it greatly impacts the geography of the United States, making a north-south divide between the states that are east of it and those that are west of it. It’s bordered by ten states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. But what states are west of the Mississippi River, and why is this division important?
Since its completion in the mid-nineteenth century, the Mississippi River has been a major economic and travel artery for the midwestern and southern states in the US. With coast-to-coast railroads becoming commonplace, if one were to look for a division that encompassed a greater set of issues and challenges, the Mississippi River would be the most logical choice. This is mainly because of its length and the variety of climates associated with it, which can take one from the frozen tundra of the northern states to the balmy climates of the Gulf of Mexico within a day’s travel.
To answer the question of how many states are west of the Mississippi River, the answer is twenty: Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Nevada, California, Alaska, Hawaii, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Louisiana. In terms of the area that these states encompass, the land to the west of the Mississippi River amounts to approximately 2,586,107 square miles or 40.2 percent of the total land area of the United States. In addition to this vast area, the population to the west of the Mississippi River is estimated to be 103,014,609, or nearly 37.8 percent of the total population of the United States.
The division of the United States into an east and a west of the Mississippi has a historical significance that extends beyond its geographic importance. It is often used to refer to the north and the south during the period of the Civil War, when the North and the South were split along the sides of the Mississippi. This division of the states has been a source of contention for many of the Union states—such as Missouri, Kentucky, and Maryland—which were situated on both sides of the river. It also has been noted by anthropologists and historians as being a marker of the segregation between different racial and ethnic groups in certain regions of the country.
Moreover, this division has been the source of strong political and ideological differences between states on either side of the river. A regional divide between the traditionally farming states of the Midwest and the more urbanized and industrialized eastern states is one of the clearest, most obvious examples of this phenomenon. This division is seen today in the differences between the politics, economies, and cultures of the states on either side of the Mississippi. These regional differences have, in part, been a major factor in the political polarization seen in the United States in recent years.
While the division of the United States east and west of the Mississippi River has had a historical and cultural significance, it is clear that its role in regards to the division of resources, the economy, and politics is still just as relevant today. With the continuation of this division, it is important to be aware of the challenges that states on both sides of the river must face in order to ensure a prosperous future for all.
Natural Disasters
The states located west of the Mississippi River often suffer from natural disasters that cause serious destruction and loss of life. The most frequent of these is floods and such events occur on a regular basis due to the heavy snowfall combined with the often hard-to-predict weather patterns the Mississippi valley is exposed to. The destruction that floods can cause to infrastructure, homes and lives can be catastrophic. The states of Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana are particularly prone to flooding and suffer from such events every few years.
In addition, the volcanoes located in the western states are a potential danger for the nearby communities. The Yellowstone caldera is a giant dormant volcano in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming and its eruptions have had an extraordinary impact on the environment and population in the region. Earthquakes are also common in this area which can cause great destruction in a matter of seconds. The states located to the west of the Mississippi River are regularly tested by these natural disasters and it is important they are prepared and able to manage such events.
The governments of the western states have introduced numerous regulations and programs to help residents in areas liable to natural disasters. These can range from strict building regulations to warning systems. In addition, the federal government has implemented various relief programs that assist affected communities in the west. Organizations such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are especially important in helping western states struggling with natural disasters to recover and rebuild.
Economy
The economy of the states west of the Mississippi River is largely based on the industries of mining, oil and gas production, forestry, and agriculture. However, due to the close proximity of these states to the California coastline the economy is highly influenced by the technology, film and tourism industries from the western coast. The states of Nevada and Arizona are known for their thriving gambling and tourism industries, while Oregon, Washington and Colorado are renowned for their high-tech industries and cutting-edge research.
The economy of the western states is quite diversified and the states rely heavily on one another for goods and services. For example, Arizona has recently become a major producer of solar power energy and has used the energy to power other states such as California and Nevada. In addition, the states are heavily connected economically with natural gas pipelines, highways, and railroads flowing in between them to move goods and services.
The overall economy of the states west of the Mississippi River is strong and growing. This is mostly due to the variety of industries from the region which create a vibrant and diverse job market as well as an elastic consumer spending environment. As a result, many of these states have seen an influx of entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking to capitalize on the growing economy in the region.
Politics
The political structure of the states west of the Mississippi River has created a strong and independent atmosphere. This can be seen in the more relaxed political climate compared to most of the states east of the Mississippi. While issues such as gun control, social security, and taxation are still commonly discussed in the political realm, the states west of the Mississippi River tend to be more open to suggestions and ideas from their citizens.
Many of the issues being discussed tend to have a regional or local tie. For example, states like Wyoming and Idaho have extensive debates on the role of oil corporations and what rights the states have to regulate them. In addition, the states have formed coalitions that are actively pushing for better funding and protective measures for rural communities and Indigenous tribes such as the Sioux.
Moreover, the states west of the Mississippi River also have a strong representation in the US Congress, Senate, and US Supreme Court. The region has many influential representatives who are bringing to the table important issues and legislation that impact the day to day lives of their constituents. With the passing of the recently ratified Great American Outdoors Act, many of the western states will benefit from increased investments in public lands.
Culture
The states west of the Mississippi River have a unique and diverse set of cultures that are deeply rooted in the regions history and landscape. The states in this area have very vibrant communities that celebrate their Indigenous heritage and embrace the diversity of their populations. For example, the state of Nevada has a large Hispanic population that is reflected in its language, cuisine, and overall culture.
In addition, the states to the west of the Mississippi River are home to multiple national parks, monuments, breathtaking landscapes and cultural attractions. This has made them popular tourist destinations and they annually host visitors from all over the country and the world. The states are also very inclusive of all visitors, often holding events and festivals that celebrate the diversity of the western region.
Finally, the states west of the Mississippi River are also home to some of the most influential artist, musicians, and writers in the United States. Artists from this region have won prestigious awards and several of their songs and pieces can be heard playing all over the world. Great examples are Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Lucinda Williams and many others who have become household names within the music industry.
Education
The states located west of the Mississippi River invest heavily into education, as it is seen as a key factor in creating economic development and a healthy society. The western states are especially dedicated to providing high quality higher education to all their citizens and offer a wide range of support such as tuition assistance and funding for research projects.
In terms of primary school education, all the states in this region have adopted the Common Core, a national set of standards which all public schools must adhere to. This has ensured that all student regardless of class or location receive an equal quality of education. Additionally, many of the western states are experimenting with innovative teaching tools such as virtual reality and augmented reality to improve the educational experience of students.
The western states have also enlisted the help of technology to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas in regards to education. Programs such as the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund are investing billions of dollars in order to improve and expand the digital infrastructure of the region. This will then allow more remote areas to access faster internet and better learning resources, aiding the educational improvement of these communities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the states located west of the Mississippi River have a significant historical, geographical and cultural importance within the United States. It is a region that is heavily reliant on resources from the oil, gas and agricultural industries and that is rapidly adapting to the ever changing environment caused by new technologies.Furthermore, the states in the region have invested heavily into education and are diversely embracing their cultural heritage and Indigenous population.
