Geography 321- Chicago : Ch. 11 The Great Plains

This region includes parts or all of the following states; Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, Minnesota and Iowa. Along with three provinces of Canada; Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Most of the land in the Great Plains is flat. The land has been greatly influenced by eroded sediments that where in the Rocky Mountains. Even though the land has been drastically changed the sand and gravel is great for agriculture. There are many rivers that cross the Great Plains, which is helpful in terms of water supply.

If you visit the region, you wouldn't predict the weather. The weather is variable and extreme at times. In the northern plains, winters are cold and mild in the South. Tornadoes are very prone, which causes great amounts of damage. The Great Plains has been an important place for settlement. Prior to European settlement, Natives depended on hunting bison and other wild animals. Much of the land was acquired through the Homestead Act of 1867. In the 19^th century many Native Americans were removed and/or killed. Europeans quickly began to settle in the land. African Americans began to settle after the Civil War. In recent years Latinos have moved to the region.

During early settlement farming was the major economic contribution, but now Tertiary and Quaternary sectors are taking over. A very well-known drought was the Dust Bowl of 1930’s. Many dust storms happened that caused the land to dry out. Important crops to the region are wheat, barley, sunflowers, canola and flax. Coal, Oil and natural gases are also a major contributor to the economy. Meatpacking is very important in the Great Plains, and it’s the leading meatpacking center in North America. The Great Plains and provinces of Canada have attempted to attract business of high-technology. The region has a low cost of living, as well as low rates of crime. These factors have attracted many businesses to the area. Those who reside in the Great Plains are mostly older people. Most of the young residents moved from the region. The Great Plains have the highest percentage of elderly in all North American.