The Mississippi River marks the natural western boundary of the United States. Although some states, such as Arkansas, span the Mississippi River, many states are situated completely to the west of the river. Ever since the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the Mississippi River has served as a physical boundary delineating the east from the west geographically.
The states which fall west of the Mississippi River include California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Washington.The total number of states which reside west of the Mississippi river are twelve, along with two outlying territories: Alaska, which lies above Canada on the northernmost border, and Hawaii, which is located in the Pacific Ocean.
The expansive geography of these states makes it difficult to categorize them into one cohesive region, as the regions vary greatly. Of the twelve states which lie to the West of the Mississippi, four are categorized into the Rocky Mountain Region: Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and Utah, with Colorado close beside. Four are categorised as the Southwestern Region: California, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico. The remaining four states, Washington, Oregon, South Dakota and North Dakota, are categorized contentiously as part of the Northwestern Region or the Midwestern Region, with some historical debate among academics.
The variety of climates and geographical features has made the region an attractive destination for diverse cultures, religious beliefs, and species.Those states were the original homelands of numerous Indigenous tribes, who settled there thousands of years ago. The Rockies and the Sierra Nevadas offer alpine eco-systems while the deserts of the Southwest support cacti, different animals and lizards. The National Parks of the region are home to glaciers, hot springs, canyons and expansive plateaus.
The Mississippi River has been a major trade route since the pioneer days of the 19th century. Its meandering flow has led to major ports such as St. Louis, New Orleans, and Memphis serving as major centers of business, industry, and military activity. The states located to the West of the river have also had significant economic and communal contributions to the Nation as a whole, as that region houses four of the most populous cities in the United States, San Diego, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Denver, giving it a high population density.
The government of the United States has sought to protect the citizens and resources of the States within the region. The Native American reservation system seeks to protect the rights of native tribes and preserve their unique culture. Additionally, the Nation’s environmental policy, which was first established in the 1970s and updated in the 1990s, seeks to protect the diverse ecological balance of the states on the western side of the Mississippi. The enforcement of these programs, as well as other national codes and regulations, is overseen and coordinated by federal agencies located in the regions, such as the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Department of the Army.
The states located on the Western side of the Mississippi River have made significant contributions to the historical, economic, cultural and social development of the United States. The twelve states have their own individual character, serving as a melting pot of peoples and cultures, providing diverse eco-systems, and contributing significantly to the nation.
Geographical Features
The Rocky Mountain region, located east to west between the Great Plains and Pacific Ocean, is arguably the most mountainous region of the United States. This region includes the four states of Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and Utah, as well as much of Colorado. The mountain ranges of the Rockies are among the most dramatic sights in the United States and range from the rugged Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho and the Grand Tetons of Wyoming, to the snow-capped peaks of Colorado, Montana, and Utah.
The Southwestern region, situated east of the Sierra Nevadas and north to central Mexico, is one of the largest states in the United States. It includes the four states of California, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico, as well as parts of Colorado. This region is known for its desert landscapes, particularly the iconic Grand Canyon of Arizona, as well as its abundance of natural wonders such as Zion National Park, Monument Valley, and Carlsbad Caverns.
The Northwestern region encompasses the four states of Oregon, Washington, South Dakota, and North Dakota, with smaller portions of Montana and Wyoming. This region includes a diversity of ecosystems, including temperate rainforest, Cascade Mountains, arid shrub-steppe, temperate grassland, and flood plains. Some of the more recognizable areas include Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, Olympic National Park in Washington, and Badlands National Park in South Dakota.
Cultural Significance
In addition to its geographical significance, the region of states west of the Mississippi River has been home to many culturally significant and historically renowned tribes, such as the Cheyenne, Navajo, Hopi, Sioux, Ute, and Apache, to name a few. These tribes were among the first inhabitants of the region and their customs and culture are still evident in many places throughout the region. Additionally, the states west of the Mississippi are home to some of the world’s most iconic cities, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Denver.
The region has also served as a refuge for groups of people seeking political, religious and social freedom. The south-central portion of the region was a prime destination for African Americans during the Great Migration of the early 1900s, as many sought refuge from social and economic discrimination. The region is also home to a disproportionate number of Latino and Asian Americans, making it the most ethnically diverse region in the United States.
The states west of the Mississippi River have also served as a bastion of creativity, innovation and artistic expression. The abundance of natural beauty and sweeping landscapes provides an enchanting backdrop to many famous works of literature and music, such as
