What are All the States East of the Mississippi River?
The Eastern United States is an expansive region, largely influenced by the presence of the Mississippi River. This great river has played an important role in the history and culture of many of the states located east of it’s banks. From the former slave state of Louisiana to the big business of Illinois, states east of the Mississippi have a unique history and characteristics. In this article, we will explore all of the states east of the Mississippi River and delve into the rich history behind each one.
Alabama is one of the original 13 colonies and was part of the Confederacy during the American Civil War. Today, it is known for its bbq, southern hospitality and its football. It is home to one of the largest and most vibrant civil rights movements in the nation, which was responsible for desegregating much of the south.
Georgia is another original state located east of the Mississippi. It is a hub for technology, arts and culture and was the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It also has a strong agricultural industry, including the famous peaches. As part of the Confederacy, it was heavily involved in the Civil War, and the aftermath can still be seen today.
Mississippi was the final state to join the Union, in 1817. It was also the site of significant Civil War battles and the heart of the civil rights movement. It is famous for its blues music, delicious southern cooking and its coastal region. Mississippi is also home to the famous city of New Orleans, which is known for its Cajun food, jazz music and Mardi Gras.
Tennessee is another southern state located east of the river. It is known for its whiskey and southern hospitality. It was also an important part of the antebellum south, as well as an integral player in the civil rights movement. It is also home to some of the most beautiful national parks in the country, such as Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Kentucky is the home of bourbon, horse racing and bluegrass music. It was also an important battleground in the Civil War and the site of famous generals such as Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee. Today, it is a thriving state filled with vast amounts of opportunities and economic growth.
Virginia is one of the oldest states east of the Mississippi River, having been part of the original 13 colonies. It is known for the lush Green Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains and Hampton Roads Bay. It was a major part of the Civil War, both union and confederate, and is full of history and culture.
South Carolina
South Carolina is another former Confederate state located east of the Mississippi. It is known for its stunning beaches and coastline, antebellum homes, and seafood. It was an important cog in the antebellum south, and was the first state to fire on Fort Sumter, beginning the Civil War.
North Carolina is a state filled with stunning mountain ranges, beautiful beaches, and some of the greatest universities in the country. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in North Carolina and is one of the most popular national parks in the US. It was an important part of the Confederate war effort, and was home to many soldiers of both sides of the war.
Louisiana
The final state east of the Mississippi River is Louisiana. It is the only state in the eastern half of the United States that is not part of the original thirteen colonies. It was purchased from the French in 1803 in the Louisiana Purchase, and was an integral part of the slavery-era south. Today, Louisiana is known for its musical culture, its vibrant French influence, and its food. It is one of the most diverse states in the country and is home to many cultures, including Cajun culture, which is particularly prevalent in the southern part of the state.
Impact of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has had a profound impact on the states located to its east. From Alabama to Louisiana, states situated along this great river have been shaped by its presence and, in many cases, the economic opportunities it has presented to the people living in these areas. As the major trade route for much of the country, the Mississippi has played an essential role in the growth of many states east of its banks.
The river’s influence is particularly visible in the culture of these states. For example, Louisiana’s Creole-influenced culture is only possible due to the transportation of slave traders and others along the river. Most states have strong agricultural roots as well, largely due to the shipping capabilities the river provides. The river has also played an integral role in the Civil War, with battles, such as the Battle of Vicksburg in Mississippi, being fought around its banks.
Conclusion of the Mississippi River’s Presence
The Mississippi River has been an integral part of the history and culture of the states located east of it’s banks. From providing an avenue for transportation and commerce to fuelling civil war battles, this great river has had a lasting impact on the development of many states in the eastern United States. Today, the river continues to be an important part of the lives of those living in its proximity.
Historical Significance of Each State
Alabama is renowned for its beautiful beaches, plantations and music, rich in influence from African Americans. Two of its most popular attractions, deep-sea fishing and gambling, are both results of legalized and regulated activities along the Gulf Coast. Georgia, famous for its sweet tea, peaches, peach pie, Civil War memorials and landscapes, is proud of its contributions and legacies from its colonial era.
Still part of the Confederacy, Mississippi was heavily impacted by the Civil War, leading to a natural desegregation of the state, fought on the battlefronts and in courtrooms. Today, the state is host to many thriving universities, places of recreation, agriculture and blues music. Tennessee, located in the mountains and home of the historically revolutionary Great Smoky Mountain National Park, has been known for its moonshine and whiskey distilling, and contributions to classic American music. Kentucky, part of a line of Union states, is host to the Kentucky Derby and homes to many beautiful hillyscapes and distilleries.
Virginia, once a part of the United Kingdom’s colony in the New World, has landscape and distinguished towns made famous by historical figures such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Music, aerospace industry and technology are all now aspects of its rapidly evolving state. It is known for historical significance, but expanding its horizon to the new economy. South Carolina is a mix of restored colonial towns, old-world plantations and modern seaside resorts, all decorated with colorful azalea blooms. Its marshes and barrier islands are home to bird sanctuaries. Although its participation in the Civil War caused great loss and despair, it continues to contribute in industry, culture and art.
Lastly, Louisiana is know for its famous Mardi Gras, jazz music and New Orleans. With its subtropical climate, access to the Mississippi River, and history of French, African, Spanish and Native American occupation, Louisiana speaks to an integrated and unique culture. World-class food, music, visual arts and festivals follow the state’s unique spirit.
