Geography of the States
The 24 states of the United States located east of the Mississippi River are commonly referred to as the American East and Midwest. These 24 states all border the Mississippi River, making it an important geographic landmark. The Mississippi River is the fourth longest and tenth largest river system in the world. It is the second longest river in the United States and the largest in North America. The Mississippi River runs from its headwaters in northern Minnesota to its delta in the Gulf of Mexico.
The states east of the Mississippi include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
Economic Infrastructure
The 24 states east of the Mississippi River are an important economic power in the United States. These states are home to some of the country’s most populous cities such as Chicago, Detroit, and St. Louis. The area is especially known for its strong manufacturing industry and for its agricultural production.
The states located east of the Mississippi are also the home to some of the world’s most renowned educational institutions. The University of Michigan, the Ohio State University, and the University of Wisconsin are just a few of the many top-tier schools located east of the Mississippi.
Demographics
The 24 states located east of the Mississippi River are home to approximately 150 million people, making up roughly 39 percent of the total US population. Most of the population growth in this region has occurred in the last 50 years, making it one of the fastest growing regions in the country.
The demographic makeup of the East is slightly diverse; 84% of the population is non-Hispanic White, 8% is African American, 4% is Asian, and 4% is Hispanic or Latino. The median household income in the region is $56,000, which is slightly higher than the national median of $55,000.
Politics
In terms of politics, the states east of the Mississippi have traditionally been politically divided. In presidential elections, the states have generally voted for the Democratic candidate. However, in the past few decades, some states have moved towards the Republican party due to changing economic issues.
In terms of representation in Congress, the 24 states east of the Mississippi are represented in Senate by 14 Republicans, 9 Democrats, and 1 independent. In the House of Representatives, there are 55 Republicans, 60 Democrats, and 2 independent representatives.
Popular Attractions
The 24 states east of the Mississippi are home to some of the United State’s most popular tourist destinations. Cities such as Chicago, New York City, Nashville, and Washington DC are just a few of the major attractions in the region.
Additionally, in the region there are numerous parks, state forests, and natural preserves. The region is also the home to many of the United State’s most prominent historical landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Statue of Liberty, and the Liberty Bell.
Impact of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has had a dramatic impact on the inhabitants of the region. For example, aside from providing a source of transportation and commerce, the Mississippi River has also been a source of contention between the various states in the region. Disputes have arisen over their various rights to the water source and the impact of their activities on the river.
The impact of the Mississippi River has also been seen in the environment. The river serves as the main drainage for a large portion of the eastern United States. Due to this, the river is subject to pollutants in the area and has caused numerous environmental issues.
Regional Cuisine
The region east of the Mississippi River is also known for its diverse cuisine. Each of the 24 states offers a unique selection of traditional dishes. Some of the region’s most popular dishes include Cajun cuisine from Louisiana, barbeque from Tennessee and Texas, and regional seafood dishes from the states along the Atlantic coast.
In addition to these traditional dishes, each state in the region is also home to its own unique type of cuisine. For example, Michigan is known for its pasties, a type of savory meat pie. Ohio is well-known for its sauerkraut-based dishes, while Indiana is home to a variety of dishes made with corn.
Natural Phenomena
Additionally, the 24 states located east of the Mississippi River are known for their many natural phenomena. This includes the Aurora Borealis, which is typically visible in the northern states, and the Great Lakes in the Midwestern United States.
The region is also home to numerous national parks and preserves. These include the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Everglades National Park, and the Allegheny National Forest.
Conclusion
The 24 states located east of the Mississippi River are an important part of the United States’ economy and culture. These states are home to some of the most populous cities in the country, have strong economic infrastructure, and are home to some of the world’s most prestigious educational institutions. The region is also known for its natural beauty and unique cuisine. All of these characteristics make the states located east of the Mississippi an important part of the United States and the world.
