LET'S EXPLORE THE STATES

by Tish Davidson

Though close geographically, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia are very different. All three states have contributed a great deal to American history. Virginia and North Carolina were among the thirteen colonies that declared independence from Great Britain in 1776. When Virginia attempted to leave the Union in 1861, the tough, independent people of West Virginians refused to go along and instead formed their own state. North Carolina was once dependent on agriculture, but today is a major center for banking, education, and research. This book in the LET’S EXPLORE THE STATES series provides information about these three remarkable states, from their geography, history, and government to their economy, population demographics, and major cities.

by Dorothy Kavanaugh

The three states of the Central Mississippi River Basin are known for their agricultural production. Arkansas is nicknamed the “Natural State” because of its tall mountains, deep valleys, flowing rivers, dense woodlands, and fertile plains. Iowa produces more corn and hogs than any other state, and plays an important role in the politics of American presidential elections. Missouri, located near the geographic center of the United States, was a starting point for pioneers headed West during the nineteenth century. This book in the LET’S EXPLORE THE STATES series provides information about these three significant states, from their geography, history, and government to their economy, population demographics, and major cities.

by Tish Davidson

To Americans after the Revolutionary War, Kentucky and Tennessee represented the Far West—a place full of wild game, plentiful land, and unpredictable Native Americans. Stories about frontiersmen like Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett stirred the imagination, offering the hope of a better life and the promise of adventure. Today, both Kentucky and Tennessee are vibrant and fascinating places to live and visit. This book in the LET’S EXPLORE THE STATES series provides information about both of these unique states, from their geography, history, and government to their economy, population demographics, and major cities.

by Laura Helweg

Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan, which border the Great Lakes east of the Mississippi River, have rich histories, stunning scenery, and down-to-earth, good-hearted people. At the junction of East and West, the states of this region have connected cultures and industries via the Great Lakes, the Ohio River, and many railroad lines and highways. The Great Lakes states have been a land of opportunity, with large manufacturing centers located near some of the nation’s best weekend getaways. This book in the LET’S EXPLORE THE STATES series provides information about these three intriguing states, from their geography, history, and government to their economy, population demographics, and major cities.

by John Ziff

The Southern states along the Gulf of Mexico have very different stories. Alabama, the “Heart of Dixie,” was a key battleground in the Civil War, as well as during the African American civil rights movement one hundred years later. In Louisiana, Spanish, French, African, Caribbean, Cajun, and other influences blended together over centuries to create a unique and fascinating culture. Mississippi, in the Deep South, is the birthplace of a distinctive form of American music: the blues, which in turn helped to spawn rock and roll. This book in the LET’S EXPLORE THE STATES series provides information about these three unique states, from their geography, history, and government to their economy, population demographics, and major cities.

by Daniel E. Harmon

From Native American traditions to flights in outer space, the states of the Lower Atlantic region have made important contributions to the nation. This region is renowned for its mild climate and alluring beaches. It also is famous for its agricultural products, especially citrus fruits. In modern times, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina have attracted an astonishing assortment of new industries, as well as millions of tourists from all over the world. This book in the LET’S EXPLORE THE STATES series provides information about these three alluring states, from their geography, history, and government to their economy, population demographics, and major cities.

by Elisabeth Herschbach

As an abolitionist stronghold, nineteenth-century Kansas was a battleground for civil rights. Nebraska, hub of the first Transcontinental Railroad, was the gateway to the West. Today, both Kansas and Nebraska are leading breadbasket states, producing crops that feed the nation. This region includes both the largest tallgrass prairie preserve and the most extensive sand dunes in the nation. Notable Nebraskans and Kansans who have left their mark on the nation include Amelia Earhart and Warren Buffet. This book in the LET’S EXPLORE THE STATES series provides information about these two interesting states, from their geography, history, and government to their economy, population demographics, and major cities.

by LeeAnne Gelletly

Delaware is known as the “First State,” because it was the first of the original thirteen colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Although Maryland is small, it is known for the rivers, bays, and creeks that feed into the Chesapeake Bay, as well as sandy beaches, forested plateaus, and mountains. The nation’s capital city, Washington, is located in the District of Columbia; it is known for its many monuments and museums, as well as for its critical role as the center of the federal government. This book in the LET’S EXPLORE THE STATES series provides information about two interesting states and the federal district, from their geography, history, and government to their economy, population demographics, and major cities.

by David Petechuk

Alaska and Hawaii were the last two states to join the United States, admitted in 1859. Although they are very different in many aspects—especially size and climate—the two states do share several common traits. They are the only states that do not border at least one other U.S. state. Both have abundant natural beauty, and are popular tourist destinations. Alaska and Hawaii also have unique histories that differ in many ways from the forty-eight contiguous U.S. states. This book in the LET’S EXPLORE THE STATES series provides information about both of these interesting states, from their geography, history, and government to their economy, population demographics, and major cities.

by John Ziff

A large percentage of Americans live in the states of the Northeast, particularly New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. New Jersey is the nation’s most densely populated state, with nearly 95 percent of its population living in urban areas. New York, the “Empire State,” played an important role in the rise and growth of the United States and remains vital in global affairs. New York City is home to more people than any other American city. Some of the most important events in American history took place in Pennsylvania, including the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the pivotal Civil War battle at Gettysburg. This book in the LET’S EXPLORE THE STATES series provides information about these three important states, from their geography, history, and government to their economy, population demographics, and major cities.

by John Ziff

Maine is a beautiful place, with dramatic scenery and an abundance of unspoiled land. Its cities are clean and safe and have a small-town feel. Residents of New Hampshire, the Granite state, pride themselves on their independence and self-reliance. This small state plays a large role in the politics of presidential elections every four years. Vermont was the first new state to join the U.S. after the thirteen original colonies gained independence from Great Britain. Today, it is best known for its dairy farms and ski resorts. This book in the LET’S EXPLORE THE STATES series provides information about these three enticing states, from their geography, history, and government to their economy, population demographics, and major cities.

by John Ziff

The states of the Pacific Northwest region are considered by many people to be among the nicest places to live in the United States. While Idaho is known for its potatoes, producing more than 12 billion pounds of this vegetable each year, the state is also a leading producer of gemstones. Oregon is a state of remarkable geographic diversity, from desolate high deserts to lush rain forests. Washington is home to some of the highest mountains in the United States, and has the Northwest’s largest city, Seattle. This book in the LET’S EXPLORE THE STATES series provides information about these three significant states, from their geography, history, and government to their economy, population demographics, and major cities.

by Dan Harvey

The majestic Rocky Mountains boast some of the highest peaks in North America. But the three states in this region—Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming—are more than just mountains. They include a diverse terrain, including plains and deserts, which inspires fascination and provokes the imagination. The rich history of this western region is filled with colorful characters that add a human face to events that helped shape the character of an expanding nation. This book in the LET’S EXPLORE THE STATES series provides information about these three fascinating states, from their geography, history, and government to their economy, population demographics, and major cities.

by Tish Davidson

The states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island are the most populous part of the region known as New England. All three states were among the thirteen original colonies that declared independence from Great Britain in 1776. Yet despite their shared history, they are very different. The states of southern New England continue to play an important economic, cultural, and political role in national affairs. This book in the LET’S EXPLORE THE STATES series provides information about these three fascinating states, from their geography, history, and government to their economy, population demographics, and major cities.

by Johnna M. Laird

The states of the American southwest have a long and fascinating history. New Mexico is known for its spectacular mountains, red canyons, glistening white sands, and limestone caverns. Once known as “Indian Territory,” Oklahoma has the nation’s second-greatest Native American population. Today the state is a twenty-first century leader in the fields of technology, energy, and space. By area, Texas is the largest of the 48 contiguous states, and has a history that is as oversized as its reputation. This book in the LET’S EXPLORE THE STATES series provides information about these three intriguing states, from their geography, history, and government to their economy, population demographics, and major cities.

by Kirsten W. Larson

The American West is home to big cities and wide-open spaces. Today, Arizona, California, and Nevada are growing, vibrant states with diverse people and bustling economies. California is the nation’s largest state by population, and is an important cornerstone of the U.S. economy. Arizona and Nevada feature popular tourists spots like the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. From cowboys to movie stars, there’s no place quite like the American West. This book in the LET’S EXPLORE THE STATES series provides information about these three alluring states, from their geography, history, and government to their economy, population demographics, and major cities.

by Jada Bradley

While everyone knows there are fifty states in the United States, not everyone is aware that the U.S. government controls other territories around the world, including the islands of Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. These islands all came under U.S. jurisdiction during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Residents of the islands are considered U.S. citizens, but do not yet have all the same rights as residents of U.S. states. Some, such as Puerto Rico, may eventually be admitted as full-fledged states. This book in the LET’S EXPLORE THE STATES series provides information about the major U.S. overseas possessions, from their geography, history, and government to their economy, population demographics, and major cities.

by Jim Westcott

The Northern Plains region includes the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the vast Great Plains, the fascinating history and unusual geography of these states capture the imagination. Native Americans lived in this region long before the arrival of Europeans in the nineteenth century, and their traditional culture still has a strong influence on the state today. This book in the LET’S EXPLORE THE STATES series provides information about these three enticing states, from their geography, history, and government to their economy, population demographics, and major cities.

by John Ziff

The states of Great Lakes region have connected cultures and industries for most of American history. Illinois, a large and dynamic state, has produced numerous leaders in many fields, including presidents Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama. Minnesota, the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” is said to have been the stomping grounds of the legendary giant lumberjack Paul Bunyan. Wisconsin has the reputation of being one of America’s most progressive states. This book in the LET’S EXPLORE THE STATES series provides information about these three important states, from their geography, history, and government to their economy, population demographics, and major cities.