Geography
The Mississippi River is a major water source in the United States of America. As the widest river in the country, it forms part of the iconic Mississippi-Missouri-Ohio meander, reaching thousands of miles through the heartland and providing essential transport services to people and freight alike. The states east of the Mississippi comprise the Eastern Seaboard, which includes the Eastern Atlantic area. As a result, many states lie both east and west of the river.
If we take a look at a map we can see that the states located east of the Mississippi are Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, and Ohio. In the Eastern Seaboard section, specifically, the states east of the Mississippi include Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.
In total, that makes 15 states that are located on the Eastern side of the Mississippi River. These states are separated into two distinct regions – the Eastern Seaboard and the Mississippi Valley. The Eastern Seaboard is home to large coastal cities like Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York, while the Mississippi Valley area is more rural and dominated by agricultural states like Tennessee and Missouri.
The Mississippi River serves a key role in the United States’ economy, forming part of the nation’s economic lifeline – especially in regards to agriculture and transportation. The majority of the crops grown in the United States are produced in the Mississippi Valley region.
The economy of the states east of the Mississippi is diverse and vibrant, which has allowed it to become one of the most prosperous regions in the country. Manufacturing and technology are the two leading industries in these states, and constitute the backbone of their respective economies.
History
The history of states located east of the Mississippi is just as interesting as their geography. The Tennessee and Arkansas borders were initially formed by the Treaty of Hopewell in 1786, which was ratified by the United States Congress. After the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, it created the Mississippi Territory, and the area east of the newly formed state of Mississippi was admitted to the Union as the 14th state in 1817.
In 1812, the United States went to war with Great Britain in what became known as the War of 1812. This war was fought mainly in the area east of the Mississippi, with much of the fighting taking place in what is now modern day Kentucky and Illinois. By the end of the war, the United States had secured its control over the region and the western territories.
The states located east of the Mississippi have a long and storied history in the United States, with many of them playing a pivotal role in the nation’s development since its inception. From the battles of the War of 1812 to the civil rights struggle, these states have been integral to the history of the nation.
Demographics
The states east of the Mississippi are home to a variety of different people and cultures. The largest group in terms of population is white Americans. African-Americans, Asian Americans, and Latinos have immigrated to these states, as well. In Louisiana, over 10% of the population is African-American, while in Maryland and Illinois the percentage of minority groups is much higher.
The states east of the Mississippi are largely urbanized, which has made them some of the most populous states in the country. The states of Illinois, Ohio, Virginia and Pennsylvania have some of the largest populations in the United States, with each boasting over 10 million residents.
The economies of the states east of the Mississippi are largely driven by the service sector, with many people employed in the retail, education and hospitality industries. Manufacturing and technology also play an important role, especially in states like Illinois and Tennessee.
The states east of the Mississippi are also home to a variety of cultural attractions, with many of them being recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Great Smoky Mountains, Mammoth Cave, Niagra Falls and Independence Hall are just a few of the many popular destinations.
Education
The states east of the Mississippi have some of the best educational institutions in the United States. These universities have a long and storied history and have produced some of the world’s most influential leaders, thinkers, and innovators.
In particular, the states of Virginia and North Carolina have some of the best public universities in the country. The University of Virginia, Duke University and the University of North Carolina are all ranked in the top 10 nationally. Likewise, Ohio and Illinois have some of the best public and private universities in the nation, such as Ohio State University, the University of Illinois, and Northwestern University.
These states also have thriving higher education systems, with hundreds of smaller community colleges, vocational schools, and trade programs. They help to ensure that students from all backgrounds and walks of life have the opportunity to pursue a quality education.
The states east of the Mississippi value education and the potential that it has to open up opportunities for people from all backgrounds – both within the state and beyond. This commitment to education has been the contributing factor to ones that have helped turn the states east of the Mississippi into the bustling hubs of activity that they are today.
Culture
The states east of the Mississippi are culturally diverse and vibrant, offering a wide array of art and entertainment to explore. Locally produced music and art are some of the premier attractions in each of these states, with festivals and other special events occurring throughout the year.
The states east of the Mississippi are home to a variety of music genres, such as jazz, blues, bluegrass and rock. These musical styles have been inextricably entwined with the culture of these states since its foundation, and have since become popular around the world. Music legends such as Louis Armstrong and Elvis Presley have all come from the region.
Another popular cultural activity in the region is sports. Baseball is a particularly popular pastime in the states east of the Mississippi, with the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Cincinnati Reds all originating in the region.
The states east of the Mississippi also boast a wealth of cultural activities in the form of museums, galleries, and public parks. Cities like St. Louis, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. all have a wealth of famous galleries and attractions that prove to be popular tourist destinations.
Each of the states located east of the Mississippi is a unique destination in its own right, combining a rich culture and history with diverse and vibrant communities.
Economy
The economy of the states east of the Mississippi is renowned for its stability and growth. Manufacturing and technology are the two leading industries in the region, with many of the states having some of the most prestigious businesses in the country.
In the last decade, the economies of the states east of the Mississippi have flourished. There has been a rise in the number of startups in these states due to their business-friendly laws and incentives. This has caused the number of jobs to increase, and the states to become prosperous centers of production.
The economies of the states east of the Mississippi are also largely driven by the service industry. Tourism, hospitality, education and healthcare are all growing industries in the region, offering great employment and income prospects to those who pursue a career in these fields.
The Mississippi River provides vital transport routes for many of the goods produced in the region, making it a key part of the states’ success. The port cities of New Orleans, Memphis and St. Louis are the busiest on the river. In each of these cities, goods from around the world are collected, stored and distributed throughout North America.
The 15 states located east of the Mississippi are home to some of the most vibrant and prosperous cities in the United States. From the culture and beauty of the Eastern Seaboard states to the research and technology hubs of the Mississippi Valley, these states offer something for everyone.
