When talking about the West of the Mississippi River, much of the conversation inevitably centres around the United States. However, the West of the Mississippi River also includes parts of Mexico, Canada, and other countries. The US states of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Missouri are the most commonly recognized part of this region. The debate on what other areas constitute the West of the Mississippi often overlooks important subregions or the diversity of the land, its people, and its cultures.
The iconic Great Plains, located in the United States, is one of the most obvious subregions of the West of the Mississippi. It spans more than 1,000 miles and stretches from northern Mexico to parts of Canada. Within the Great Plains is the High Plains, which is flat and arid, and the Central Plains, which is the most fertile region. The Great Plains often experience extreme weather, including flash flooding, tornadoes, and rapidly changing temperatures.
The Southwestern United States is another subregion of the West of the Mississippi. This area is known for its desert climates and canyons, and is home to many Native American and Mexican-American populations. It is best known for the Grand Canyon, a breathtaking landscape situated in Arizona. The Southwestern US also includes the Rocky Mountains and the barren Sonoran Desert in Arizona and Mexico.
The Intermountain West is another subregion situated within the West of the Mississippi. This includes four major mountain ranges: the Sierra Nevada, the Cascades, and the Rocky Mountains, as well as volcanoes, deserts, and basins. The Intermountain West has a variety of climates and habitats. It is also known for its amazing natural beauty, including towering mountains, deep canyons, and powerful rivers.
The Upper Mississippi is another important subregion located in the West of the Mississippi. This region is made up of two major watersheds: the Upper and Lower Mississippi. The Upper Mississippi is a river that drains much of central and southern Minnesota, and parts of Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. It is the longest tributary of the Mississippi River, and is known for its abundance of wildlife and scenic views.
The Great Basin is often seen as an overlooked subregion within the West of the Mississippi. It is made up of overlapping mountain ranges, lava fields, and salt flats, and stretches from central Utah, through Nevada, and into western Michigan. This area is also known for its diverse and abundant wildlife, as well as its vast Great Salt Lake.
The Southwest Pacific Coast is an underrated subregion within the West of the Mississippi. This area spans from California’s central coast to the border of Mexico and is known for its beautiful beaches, vineyards, and farmland. In the summer, temperatures in the Pacific Coast can soar to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, in the winter, the area can experience cooler and wetter weather.
Culture
When discussing the West of the Mississippi River, it is also important to look at the unique cultures of the area. The region is home to a variety of Native American tribes, including the Apache, Hopi, Zuni, and Navajo. The US states of the West of the Mississippi are also known for their diverse populations, including immigrants from Mexico and Latin America. Music, art, and literature from these populations have made a strong impact on the culture as a whole.
Economy
The West of the Mississippi River also has a booming economy with a range of industries. Agriculture, energy production, manufacturing, and tourism are some of the most popular industries in the region. The US states that constitute the West of the Mississippi are known for their production of oil, natural gas, grains, cotton, and livestock. It is also a popular tourist destination, with thousands of people visiting national parks, monuments, and other attractions every year.
Politics
Several US states in the West of the Mississippi are considered swing states in politics. Although Republicans have traditionally been the biggest vote-getters in the region, the last few presidential elections have seen a shift towards the Democratic Party. The West of the Mississippi is also known for being a centre for grassroots activism and progressive causes.
Challenges
Unfortunately, the West of the Mississippi River has its fair share of challenges, ranging from poverty and inequality to underdeveloped infrastructure and public services. Many Native American communities are particularly impacted by these issues and face the added burden of centuries of societal injustices. In addition, climate change is a growing concern for the region, with extreme temperatures and unpredictable weather becoming more and more frequent.
