States in the Western Region of the United States
The western region of the United States is quite diverse, with numerous states, territories, and federal enclaves. All of the states west of the Mississippi River are highlighted in this article. It will focus on the states, their major characteristics, and provide historical and geographical facts about each state.
Missouri
Missouri is the first state west of the Mississippi River. Though it is sometimes referred to as the “Show Me” state, its official nickname is the “Gateway State.” Missouri has a population of approximately 6 million people and the capital city is Jefferson City. Missouri is close to the geographic center of the contiguous United States. It has a diverse climate with humid summers and cold winters in much of the state.
Kansas
Kansas became the 34th state to join the union in 1861. With a population of almost 3 million people, it is the 33rd most populous state. The capital of Kansas is Topeka and the state bird is the western meadowlark. Located right between the Olympic Mountains and the Rocky Mountains, the state experiences extreme weather patterns in the interior.
Oklahoma
The state of Oklahoma became the 46th state of the union in 1907. It is known for its endless horizon of gently rolling plains and its windy, dusty conditions. There are also large areas of forests in the eastern part of the state. Tulsa is the second largest city in the state and the largest city in the great plains region.
New Mexico
Admitted as the 47th state in 1912, New Mexico is a southwestern state rich in unique culture, history, and geography. Its capital is Santa Fe and the population is a little over 2 million people. Its nickname is the “Land of Enchantment.” New Mexico mostly has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters.
Colorado
Colorado became the 38th state in 1876. Its capital is Denver and it is the 22nd most populous state with a population of over 5 million people. It is nicknamed the “Centennial State” to represent its admission to the union during the celebration of the nation’s 100th anniversary. The state is commonly referred to as the “Mile High State” due to its average elevation of one mile.
Arizona
Arizona is the 48th state and is located in the southwestern region of the United States. Its capital is Phoenix and the population is approximately 7 million people. Arizona is known for its extraordinary and unique geography, which includes the Grand Canyon. The state is the sixthlargest by area and is the most popular state for winter retirees.
Utah
Utah is the 45th state of the union and the 13th largest by area. The capital of Utah is Salt Lake City and the population is over 3 million people. It is nicknamed the “Beehive State” as a reference to the hard work of its citizens. Utah is a predominately desert state but it also contains parts of the Great Basin, the Rocky Mountain region, and the Colorado Plateau regions.
History of the States
The states mentioned in this article all have varied histories, most of which are interwoven. During the 1800s and until the Great Depression, many of these states welcomed settlers looking for a fresh start and plenty of land to call their own. This immigration wave forever changed the demographics of the western states. Native Americans, who had been the first to inhabit the area, were displaced or had their populations significantly reduced.
The states of Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, which are sometimes combined and referred to as the American Southwest, have also experienced repeated incursions by Spanish, Mexican, and Native American forces in centuries past. These three states also experienced surge of oil and natural gas production in the 20th century.
Missouri is home to the Missouri Compromise of 1820. This successful compromise, brokered by Henry Clay, kept the balance of power intact between the proslavery and antislavery movements of the early days of the Union, thus avoiding an all-out Civil War for a few more decades. The St. Louis World’s Fair of 1904 also happened in Missouri.
Utah’s past is shaped by Mormons and coal production. The Mormon Church was founded in Utah in 1830 and it is also the site where the transcontinental railroad was joined. The state also became the center for coal production in the United States. Colorado’s history is also linked to its involvement in the forming of the Union and its own gold rush which began in the late 1800s. The state was officially designated the 38th state in 1876.
Demographics
The states west of the Mississippi River offer quite an assortment in terms of demographics. Missouri has the most diverse population with a mix of people of European, African, and Asian descent. Kansas is largely homogenous with a small group of Hispanic people residing in the state. Oklahoma is still predominantly white with a large Native American population and a small but growing African-American population.
New Mexico has the second highest Hispanic population in the United States, only overshadowed by California. Arizona is also known for its large Hispanic population, as well as a Native American population. Utah’s population is largely homogenous and predominantly white, with a notable population of Mormons, who are concentrated in the Salt Lake City area. Colorado is also quite diverse with a mix of European, African, and Asian populations.
Economy
The western states are largely known for their rapidly growing economies. Missouri has a balanced economy and its manufacturing output is the largest in the region. Kansas is largely dependent on the agricultural sector but has made significant strides in emerging technology industries. Oklahoma is known for its oil production and is the nation’s largest producer of gas and oil.
New Mexico’s economy is largely dependent on the federal government, which accounts a large portion of the state’s annual income. Arizona’s economy is largely based on tourism, as people are drawn to its numerous attractions. Colorado is largely known for its booming technology industry and its numerous outdoor sporting activities such as skiing and snowboarding. Utah’s economy is highly diversified and is thriving due to the contributions of the service and manufacturing industries.
Geography
The states west of the Mississippi River all have their own unique geography and geological features. Missouri is made up mostly of flat plains and rolling hills. Kansas is mostly flat but also has rolling hills and numerous large rivers. Oklahoma is composed of large plains and several mountain ranges. New Mexico is highly mountainous with its Santa Fe National Forest being a popular destination for outdoors recreational activities.
Arizona is characterized by its desert climate and landscape. Its Petrified Forest National Park is an example of its ancient and historical land formations. Colorado is renowned for its Rocky Mountains and four national parks. Utah is the most mountainous state in the region and is famously known for its five national parks.
Major Cities
The states mentioned in this article also have quite an assortment of large and mid-sized cities. Missouri is home to the metropolitan areas of Kansas City and St. Louis. Kansas has large city centers in Wichita, Topeka, and Overland Park. Oklahoma is known for its capital city Tulsa, as well as its two largest cities, Oklahoma City and Norman.
New Mexico’s largest cities are Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Arizona’s capital city Phoenix is the most populous city in the region. Denver is the capital of Colorado and its most populated city. Salt Lake City is the capital of Utah and its most populous city.
Conclusion
The states west of the Mississippi River have a storied past and vast potential for technological and industrial growth. These states have diverse populations and economies and offer plenty of natural and man-made attractions for visitors. Their unique geography and climate also provide for unique outdoor recreation activities and landmarks. From the Grand Canyon to the Rocky Mountains and from the rolling plains to the hustle and bustle of large cities, these western states showcase the diversity of the American landscape.
