{"id":11681,"date":"2023-12-23T16:25:09","date_gmt":"2023-12-23T15:25:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=11681"},"modified":"2023-12-23T16:25:09","modified_gmt":"2023-12-23T15:25:09","slug":"what-is-the-area-west-of-the-mississippi-river","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/what-is-the-area-west-of-the-mississippi-river\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is The Area West Of The Mississippi River"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Geographic Overview<\/h2>\n

West of the Mississippi River is an area filled with natural beauty, historical importance and a variety of cultures. The Mississippi River marks the boundary between various states, essentially making it a dividing line between the East and West. It begins in Lake Itasca in Minnesota and flows south over a span of 2,340 miles into Louisiana and eventually flows into the Gulf of Mexico. The 30 states that are located west of the Mississippi River include California, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Kansas, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, Louisiana, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Idaho, Arkansas and Texas.<\/p>\n

The area is approximately 1,500,000 square miles and is comprised of many significant features. These include a portion of the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, the Great Basin and the Columbia Plateau. Additionally, it is endowed with numerous rivers and lakes, including the Yellowstone, the Colorado, the Rio Grande and Lake Superior. The oxygen-rich atmosphere of the area makes it the home to the largest temperate forests in North America.<\/p>\n

Economic Significance<\/h2>\n

From an economic point of view, the area west of the Mississippi River is vitally important. It is home to numerous industries including agriculture, banking, oil and gas production, energy, technology and tourism. The presence of the Rocky Mountains makes the area a major source of mineral resources like silver, copper, uranium, and coal. The Flathead river, one of the largest tributaries of the Missouri River, is an important source of irrigation for the agricultural sector.<\/p>\n

In addition to its agricultural activities, the area also serves as an important transport corridor between the western states, the east coast and Canada. Railways, highways and pipelines all run through the region and provide essential links between the different areas. Of particular significance is the Mississippi River itself, which serves as a major freight transportation hub.<\/p>\n

Cultural Impact<\/h2>\n