Unit 6: The Southwest

The Southwest has only four states, but the region has coastline, plains, prairies, deserts, and mountains. Other landforms include buttes, plateaus, and mesas. The Grand Canyon was formed millions of years ago when the Colorado River wore away the land, creating deep canyons, gorges, and ravines. The plants and animals in this dry region have adapted to their surroundings. There are droughts when little rain falls. People have also adapted to this region by using aquifers for drinking water and irrigation. Oil and minerals are natural resources of the Southwest. The oil industry and petroleum production create many jobs. Farming is also an important industry, as many vegetables are grown in the Southwest region. Cattle graze across the region and beef is an important food product. Computer and space technology, as well as solar energy research, are important to the region's economy.

Native American groups include the Navajo, Hopi, and the Pueblo people. About 700 years ago, the Ancestral Pueblo left behind their many cliff buildings, pueblos, adobe houses, and pottery. Some Pueblo still live in these pueblo houses today. The Spanish explorer, Coronado, came to the region looking for gold. Other Spanish settlers arrived, bringing sheep to the region. The Navajo soon learned how to raise large herds of sheep. The Navajo reservation is one of the largest in the United States. There are also many Mexican and Spanish influences that can be seen in the area.