Unit 4: The Southeast

The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States, starting in Minnesota and ending at the mouth at the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. There are many wetlands in this region that are home to a variety of plants and animals. The largest peninsula in this region is the state of Florida. The Southeast region is home to many islands, including barrier islands, which form as ocean waves drop sand along the coastline. The climate of the Southeast boasts hot summers and mild winters, perfect for farming cotton, oranges, and other fruits. Coastal areas in the Southeast are frequented by hurricanes, such as Hurricane Katrina, in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2005. This hurricane disrupted oil production in the Gulf of Mexico for a short time. In addition to petroleum production, the economy of the Southeast is dependent on other nonrenewable resources, such as coal. Renewable resources include cotton, which is still an important industry for this region. Electronics and computer technologies are also big industries in the southern states. Tourism continues to improve the economy as the Southeast is a popular travel destination, providing many service jobs.

A large number of Cherokee live in the Southeast. Spanish explorers settled in Florida in 1565, making this area the oldest continuously lived-in European settlement in the region. English explorers also came to this area, settling in Virginia. Many French settled in Louisiana and their descendants are known as Cajuns. The Cajuns are known for Zydeco, one of several types of musical styles that originated in this region. Many Africans came to this region unwillingly, as enslaved workers. In the late 1950s and 1960s, the civil rights movement worked hard to improve the quality of life and opportunities for many African Americans.