Geography of West of the Mississippi River
The land west of the Mississippi River is vast, ranging from the Rocky Mountains to the Ozark Plateau. This region of the United States is bordered by the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia; the Gulf of Mexico; the Pacific Ocean; and the states of California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. For this reason, it is often referred to as America’s Heartland or the Great Plains.
The area west of the Mississippi River is actually an intersection of several distinct geographical regions. The Rocky Mountains, situated in the western region, are one of the most iconic mountain ranges in the world and they are a popular destination for hikers, fishermen, and skiers. Further east, the Great Plains stretch out in an endless sea of grass and fields. Finally, the Midwest region — a combination of the Great Lakes and the Great Plains — is most known for its rolling hills and agricultural production.
In terms of economic activity, the region west of the Mississippi River is highly diverse. The Rocky Mountain states of Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado have become a hub for the tech industry and tourism, while the Midwest and Great Plains states of Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Iowa are heavily reliant on industries such as farming, manufacturing, and energy production. The Great Lakes states of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois also have a strong manufacturing base, while Texas, located deep in the heart of the region, is home to the nation’s largest concentration of oil and gas production.
Meanwhile, the natural resources found in region are just as plentiful. The great lakes are home to hundreds of species of fish, while the grasslands of the Midwest and Great Plains provide a natural habitat for countless species of wildlife. Furthermore, the vast timberlands of the Rocky Mountains are a source of lumber for much of the country.
The cultural landscape of the West of the Mississippi River is just as vast and varied as its geography. It’s a melting pot of cultures, including Native American tribes, descendants of European settlers, and African Americans in search of a better life. From the Spanish-influenced cities of California to the cowboy culture of Oklahoma, the area is full of unique customs.
Finally, the area is home to some of the nation’s most iconic landmarks. The Badlands of South Dakota, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, and the Rocky Mountain National Park all attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Whether you’re looking for a vacation spot or just a new place to explore, the West of the Mississippi River has something for every traveler.
Demographics of West of the Mississippi River
As of 2019, the population of the West of the Mississippi River was estimated to be roughly 98 million, making it the most populous region of the United States. This is largely driven by the region’s robust economic activity and numerous metropolitan areas, such as Denver, Austin, and Minneapolis. The area is also home to a large number of immigrants, with roughly 15 million foreign-born residents in the region.
In terms of language, English is the predominant language spoken in the region, with Spanish being the second most common language. This makes the region a diverse melting pot of cultures, with each state and metropolitan area having its own unique blend of cultures and customs.
The region is also home to many prominent universities and academic institutions, such as the University of Texas, the University of Colorado, and the University of Nebraska. These institutions are major sources of talent and research for the area, while also providing an important source of education to the region’s population.
Finally, the area is home to some of the largest cities in the country, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, and Denver. These metropolitan areas provide opportunities for employment, entertainment, and culture and are major economic engines for the region.
Economy of West of the Mississippi River
The West of the Mississippi River is home to some of the most vibrant and diverse economies in the United States. Due to its size and population, the region contributes a large portion of the nation’s output, generating roughly 23% of the nation’s GDP. This makes it the largest regional contributor to the US economy.
In terms of economic activity, the region is diverse and many industries are present. Some of the more prominent industries are the energy sector (oil, gas, and coal), agriculture and livestock, manufacturing, tech, tourism, and transportation. The booming tech industry, in particular, has played an important role in the region’s recent economic growth.
The diverse economic activity has led to the production of a large number of jobs in the area. In fact, the region boasts the highest jobs growth rate in the nation, with over 3 million new jobs added to the region’s economy in the past four years. In addition, the region accounts for a large portion of the nation’s exports, with international exports totaling more than $500 billion in 2018.
In terms of wages, the average salary in the region is slightly higher than the national average. This is largely due to the variety of industries, with many high-paying jobs available in the tech and energy sectors. Furthermore, the cost of living in many areas of the West of the Mississippi River is lower than the national average, making it a more affordable place to live.
History of West of the Mississippi River
The area west of the Mississippi River has a long and storied history, stretching back thousands of years. Its early inhabitants were Native American tribes, who were living in the area long before European settlers arrived. Spanish conquistadors were the first Europeans to explore the area, followed by the French and British, who made their presence known in the 1600s.
In the early 1800s, the Louisiana Purchase, a treaty between the United States and France, was signed, transferring ownership of the entire region west of the Mississippi River to the United States. During this time, the area was quickly explored and trails were blazed, allowing the United States to expand westward. This period in history is often referred to as the American Frontier.
The region quickly became an important part of the United States, with its states and territories playing a key role in the development of the nation. From gold rushes in California to the Transcontinental Railroad, the West of the Mississippi River became a vital part of the nation’s infrastructure and economy.
As the nation moved into the 20th century, the region was transformed. The area’s deserts and forests were explored and developed, while the economies of its cities evolved. Today, the area remains an integral part of the American story and is one of the nation’s most important and diverse regions.
Agriculture of West of the Mississippi River
Agriculture has long been an important part of life west of the Mississippi River. From cattle ranching in the Great Plains to corn and soybean farms in the Midwest, the region has been at the forefront of the nation’s agricultural production for many years.
Today, the region is home to some of the most productive farms in the world, with over $200 billion in agricultural sales each year. The region is also home to several major food processors and manufacturers, such as Cargill, Tyson Foods, and Smithfield. Finally, the region is home to a large number of farmers markets, which offer locally-sourced produce.
Livestock production is another important part of the economy, with over 500,000 cattle farms in the region. Cattle production is especially important in the West of the Mississippi River, as the region is home to some of the nation’s largest stockyards. On top of this, the region produces a large amount of dairy products and poultry, making it a major producer of food on the national level.
Finally, the region is also home to a large number of ranches, which are used for a variety of purposes, from raising horses to producing wool. Regardless, agriculture plays an integral role in the region and has been a major contributor to its economy for centuries.
Tourism of West of the Mississippi River
The region west of the Mississippi River is home to a wide array of tourist attractions and destinations, making it a popular destination for travelers. The area’s national parks, such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton, are some of the most iconic in the nation and draw millions of visitors each year. Similarly, iconic landmarks, such as the St. Louis Arch and the Pike’s Peak railway, are major attractions that pull tourists to the area.
In addition, the area is home to numerous cities and metropolitan areas, each of which offer their own unique attractions and experiences. For example, the cities of Denver, Austin, and St. Louis are hubs of culture and entertainment. Meanwhile, the cities of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Salt Lake City, Utah, are known for their unique combination of culture and history.
Finally, natural attractions also draw attention to the region. From the rugged beauty of Yellowstone National Park to the sandy beaches of Oregon, the area is full of natural wonders. Regardless, tourism plays an important role in the area’s economy and is one of the region’s most vibrant industries.
Sports of West of the Mississippi River
Sports are an integral part of life in the West of the Mississippi River. From basketball in the Midwest to football in Texas, the area has numerous teams in a variety of professional and collegiate sports. Professional teams range from the San Antonio Spurs to the Kansas City Chiefs, while collegiate teams span the entire region, including the LSU Tigers, the Colorado Buffaloes, and the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
The area is also home to a large number of major sporting events, such as the Super Bowl, the NCAA basketball tournament, and the NBA Draft. In addition, many of the region’s major cities host professional rodeos and horse races, while cities like Denver and Albuquerque are known for their outdoor sports and recreational activities.
Finally, the area is home to a wide variety of outdoor activities, from skiing in the Rockies to hiking in the Ozarks. Regardless, the region’s sports and recreational activities are a major source of entertainment for residents and tourists alike.
