Regions of the United States

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Regions of the United States

Regions of the United States

“Not merely a nation but a nation of nations.”

— Lyndon B. Johnson

Encompassing approximately 3.7 million square miles, the United States stands as the third-largest nation in the world by land area and ranks near the top in population. This vast country shares borders with Canada to the north and Mexico to the south, with the contiguous 48 states nestled in between. Separated by Canada, Alaska anchors the northwestern corner of North America, while the island state of Hawaii lies far to the southwest in the Pacific Ocean, a tropical jewel distant from the mainland.

The United States, a tapestry woven from 50 distinct states, is often categorized into various regions. Each region possesses its own unique blend of geographic characteristics, including climate and natural resources, as well as a distinct culture and other features that differentiate it from its neighbors. These regions, shaped by history, geography, and the people who call them home, contribute to the multifaceted identity of the nation.

Over time, eight generally recognized regions have emerged within the continental United States, each offering a unique flavor of American life: New England, the Mid-Atlantic, the South, the Midwest, the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, the Southwest, and the West Coast. While Alaska and Hawaii are geographically detached from the other 48 states, they are integral parts of the political landscape of the United States, adding to the nation’s diverse tapestry.

It’s important to note that government agencies and educational institutions may group states differently, depending on the specific criteria, such as geography, culture, or economic factors. The categorization presented here aligns with the Core Knowledge Sequence, a framework that outlines the shared knowledge deemed essential for all children in U.S. schools.

Across this expansive nation, the landscape presents a breathtaking array of contrasts. From the sun-kissed tropical beaches of Florida to the gently rolling prairies of the Midwest, the soaring peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the arid expanses of the Western deserts, and the dense, untamed wilderness areas of the Northeast and Northwest, the United States is a land of unparalleled natural beauty. Adding to this splendor are the magnificent Great Lakes and the mighty Mississippi River in the Midwest, the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon in the Southwest, the majestic Yosemite Valley and Yellowstone National Park in the West, and countless other natural wonders that captivate the imagination.

Just as the geography varies dramatically, so too does the climate. From the tropical warmth of Hawaii and Florida to the arctic conditions of Alaska, the semiarid climate of the plains west of the Mississippi River to the arid conditions of the Great Basin in the Southwest, the weather patterns across the United States are as diverse as the landscape itself.

The nation is often divided into six major regions: New England, the Mid-Atlantic, the Southeast, the Midwest, the Southwest, and the West. Each region, with its distinctive characteristics, contributes to the rich and complex mosaic of American identity.

New England: This northeastern corner of the United States, comprised of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, is a land of contrasts. Despite its relatively small size, New England boasts a diverse geography, encompassing coastal plains, rolling hills, and the northern reaches of the Appalachian Mountains. This region holds a prominent place in American history as the site of the first European settlements, including the Pilgrims’ arrival at Plymouth Harbor, Massachusetts, where they celebrated the nation’s first Thanksgiving in 1621. New England is also home to natural treasures such as Acadia National Park in Maine and Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts. Rhode Island, the nation’s smallest state, and Boston, the largest city in the region, further contribute to New England’s unique identity.

The climate of New England is characterized by cold winters and warm summers, with milder winters and warmer summers in the more southerly areas. The region’s economy is primarily driven by industry, trade, commercial fishing, and commercial farming, reflecting its historical ties to the sea and its industrious spirit.

Mid-Atlantic: This dynamic region, encompassing New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., presents a tapestry of landscapes and cultures. Characterized by a varied geography, the Mid-Atlantic boasts a broad, flat coastal plain that lines the Atlantic shores. With the exception of Pennsylvania, all of these states border the Atlantic Ocean, a defining feature that lends the region its name.

The Mid-Atlantic played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, with much of the fighting taking place on its soil. The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, marking a turning point in American history. Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, is strategically located along the Potomac River. With its numerous industrial areas, the Mid-Atlantic attracted millions of European immigrants, fostering the growth of some of the East Coast’s largest cities, including New York City, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. The climate in the northwest is humid, with cool summers in the northernmost areas. Snow is common during the winter months, as temperatures frequently dip below freezing. Major geographical features include the Appalachian Mountains, the Atlantic Ocean, the Great Lakes, and the border with Canada to the north. The economy is largely based on industry, trade, commercial farming, and some commercial fishing. New York City, a global hub of finance, culture, and commerce, is the most populous city in the United States.

South: The South, a land of rich history and diverse landscapes, includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The Southeast is a region of subtropical forests and, particularly near the Gulf Coast in Florida, extensive wetlands. This region is home to natural treasures such as Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee, and the Everglades in Florida. Virginia, known as the "Birthplace of Presidents," has produced eight U.S. presidents. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world, serving as a major transportation hub. The states of the South faced significant challenges in the aftermath of the Civil War, a period of reconstruction and transformation. The climate in the Southern region is humid subtropical with hot summers. During the summer and fall months, hurricanes can make landfall along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, posing a threat to coastal communities. Major geographical features include the Appalachian Mountains, the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Mississippi River. The economy is largely based on commercial farming, industrial areas, and oil drilling, reflecting the region’s diverse economic activities.

Midwest: Often referred to as the "Nation’s Breadbasket," the Midwest is a region of fertile lands and agricultural abundance. It includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. West of the Appalachian Mountains lies the Mississippi River basin, along with its two major eastern tributaries, the Ohio River and the Tennessee River. The Ohio and Tennessee Valleys, along with the broader Midwest, feature rolling hills and productive farmland, making it a prime agricultural region. The climate is generally humid throughout the region, with snow common during the winter, particularly in the northern areas. The Midwest is known for its major cities, including Chicago, "the Windy City," which played a pivotal role in the development of the meat-packing industry; Detroit, the "Motor City," renowned for its automotive industry; the five Great Lakes, a vast freshwater resource; St. Louis, with its iconic Gateway Arch; and numerous other cities and towns. The region’s economy is primarily based on commercial farming and manufacturing, reflecting its strong industrial and agricultural heritage.

Great Plains: The Great Plains region, comprised of Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Oklahoma, occupies the northern central part of the United States. This vast expanse of flat land stretches west of the Mississippi River and east of the Rocky Mountains. Before its widespread conversion to farmland, the Great Plains were characterized by extensive grasslands, supporting a diverse ecosystem. The elevation gradually rises from less than a few hundred feet near the Mississippi River to over a mile high in the High Plains. The climate is characterized by cold winters and warm summers, with precipitation varying from year to year, and much of the winter precipitation falling as snow. The economy is largely based on commercial farming and cattle ranching, reflecting the region’s agricultural focus. The Great Plains are associated with "Tornado Alley" and dust storms, buffalo, Native Americans hunting on horseback, the last Indian wars, cattle trails, the Homestead Act, and westward expansion, all iconic elements of the American West.

Rocky Mountains: Home to rolling plains, towering mountain peaks, cowboys, and the pioneering spirit of the United States, the Rocky Mountains region includes Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. The climate is characterized by cold winters with abundant snow and warm summers, creating a diverse landscape for outdoor activities. The economy is primarily driven by tourism and some commercial farming, taking advantage of the region’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Early settlers were drawn to the Rocky Mountains to work in the fur trade and to mine valuable metals, contributing to the region’s rich history. The Rocky Mountains are known for skiing, potato cultivation in Idaho, the Mormon Church in Utah, and stunning parks such as Yellowstone National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. The Rockies extend into northern New Mexico, Washington state, and Canada, showcasing their vastness and geological significance. The region is best known for its numerous recreational opportunities, including skiing and snowboarding in the winter and road and mountain biking, hiking, camping, kayaking, horseback riding, and white water rafting in the summer.

Southwest: The Southwest, encompassing Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Texas, is renowned for its stark beauty and dramatic landscapes of prairie and desert. However, the Southwest’s geography is diverse, including the Coastal Plains, the Great Plains, and the Rocky Mountains. The climate in the Southwest is drier than that of the adjoining Midwest, contributing to its unique desert environment. The population is less dense and, with significant Spanish-American and Native American influences, more ethnically diverse than in neighboring regions. Two major rivers flow through this region: the Rio Grande, originating in the Rocky Mountains and forming the border between the United States and Mexico, and the Colorado River, which carves its way through the Grand Canyon, descending more than 1,000 feet in elevation. Major geographical features include the southern Rocky Mountains, the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon, Carlsbad Caverns, the Gulf of Mexico, and the border with Mexico to the south.

West Coast: The West Coast, home to rolling plains, high mountain peaks, and deserts, includes Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington. This diverse region encompasses a wide range of environments, from endless wilderness to barren desert, coral reefs to Arctic tundra, and Hollywood to great national parks. Along the Pacific coast is a series of low mountain ranges, creating a scenic coastline. Much of the Pacific Northwest coast is covered in some of the densest vegetation outside of the Tropics, including the tallest trees in the world (the Redwoods). Alaska features rugged mountains and river valleys, while much of Hawaii’s landscape is dominated by volcanic topography. The West is home to the highest point in the United States, Denali (Mt. McKinley), at 20,320 feet, and the lowest point, Death Valley, at 282 feet below sea level, highlighting the region’s extreme elevations.

The region exhibits a variety of climates, including semiarid and alpine mountain areas, hot summers and cool winters along the southern coast, and mild winters and summers but with substantial rainfall year-round in the northwest. The economy primarily relies on mining, cattle ranching, light industry, lumbering, and dairy products. The West Coast is known for the California Gold Rush, mining towns, Spanish influences in the architecture, and a broad diversity of people, reflecting its history and cultural influences.

Compiled and edited by Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated May 2024.

“The dark and mysterious Ohio, and Cincinnati and dawn. Then Indiana fields again, and St. Louis as ever in its great valley clouds of afternoon, the muddy cobbles and the Montana logs, the broken steamboats, the ancient signs, the grass and the ropes by the river. The endless poem. By night Missouri, Kansas fields, Kansas night-towns in the secret wides, crackerbox towns with a sea for the end of every street, dawn in Abilene.”

— Jack Kerouac, On the Road

Also See:

  • American History
  • Destinations In America
  • National Parks
  • Scenic Byways & Historic Trails
  • United States Geography
  • United States Photo Gallery

Sources:

  • About Geography
  • Coreknowledge.org
  • Ducksters
  • Mr. Nussbaum
  • National Geographic Kids
  • Wikipedia

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