westoftheMississippi

West of the Mississippi is a geographic and cultural designation for the portion of the United States located primarily west of the Mississippi River. The river has long served as a symbolic boundary between the eastern and western halves of the country, influencing patterns of settlement, transportation, and development.

Geographically, the region encompasses a wide range of landscapes, including the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountain states, the Pacific Coast, and parts of the Southwest. Definitions vary, but the designation generally refers to areas whose land lies west of the Mississippi River, from the northern plains to the Pacific Ocean and including major urban and rural areas with diverse climates from humid continental to semi-arid.

Historically, settlement west of the river accelerated during the 19th century with westward migration, the Louisiana Purchase, and the expansion of railroads, ranching, and mining. The concept has remained a marker of regional identity, often contrasted with the East in discussions of politics, economics, and culture.

Economy and culture: The region hosts diverse economic activities, including agriculture in the Great Plains and the Midwest, energy production in the West and Texas, technology hubs along the coast, and a variety of industries across urban and rural areas. Culturally, it reflects a blend of Indigenous, Hispanic, Asian, and other influences, with traditions tied to frontier history, migration, and long-standing regional communities.