The Midwest region , also bed as the Middle West or the North Central Region of the United States , is home to Lake of the Ozarks , the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and Mall of America . With the factory farm and manufacturing industries , the area has also had a grown economical wallop .
The entire universe of theMidwest statesis approximately69 million , accounting for 20.5 per centum of the U.S. universe .
What States Make Up the Midwest Region?
The Midwestern United States includes 12 states , often grouped into two categories .
5 East North Central States
There are five land in this neighborhood , which admit :
7 West North Central States
This area includes :
Some germ occasionally include West Virginia due to its diachronic ties to the region , but it is a part of the South Atlantic .
A Brief History of the Midwest
Europeans ( particularly the French ) first explore and reconcile in the arena , originally part of the Old Northwest , in the 1500s . During the early days of the U.S. , the Ohio River Valley became a critical field for craft and expansion , put the innovation for the Midwest ’s farming dominance .
During the Civil War , the Midwest play a pivotal role , with its states providing both soldiers and supply for the Union . After the war , the part arise rapidly due to in-migration , industrialization and the development of transportation system meshing , connect it with New England and other regions .
The Midwest Economy: A Powerhouse of Production
The Midwest is know as " America ’s Breadbasket , " earning this moniker thanks to its fertile ground and farming output . Corn , soya bean and straw are staple of the region ’s agriculture economic system .
However , the Midwest is n’t just about farming ; it ’s also a hub for fabrication , especially in urban areas like Detroit , Chicago and Cleveland .
plenteous in rude resources like coal , iron and tone , the Midwest is one of the country ’s centers for heavy industry . Today , its economy has diversify to let in engineering , health care and education .
Politics in the Midwest
Politically , the North Central States are a microcosm of the United States . With a mix of conservative , liberal and swing states , the Midwest is a critical field of battle in national elections . State Department like Wisconsin , Michigan and Ohio are especially important during presidential campaigns , as they often determine the outcome of election .
Historically , the knead - socio-economic class universe and its habituation on industry that Union policy influences have shaped the region ’s politics .
Geography: From Plains to Valleys
The Midwest is geographically diverse , encompassing the Great Plains , rolling hills , forests and the Ohio River Valley . state like North Dakota and South Dakota have astray - unfastened prairies , while others , like Minnesota , feature yard of lake .
The Midwest is also home to the tall man - made monument in the U.S. : the Gateway Arch in St. Louis , Missouri . The region ’s river , including the Mississippi and Missouri , have historically do as lifelines for conveyance and trade .
What Is the Midwest Famous For?
The Midwest neighborhood is known for its friendly multitude , iconic food ( hello , deep - dish pizza pie ! ) and ethnical contribution . It ’s home to major sport squad , world - socio-economic class museum , and some of the nation ’s most prestigious universities .
The part is also famous for its fat agricultural heritage , manufacturing bequest and its purpose as the carrefour of America . And permit ’s not forget landmarks like Mount Rushmore in South Dakota , the Mall of America in Minnesota and Chicago ’s visible horizon .
We created this clause in conjunction with AI technology , then made sure it was fact - checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor program .
