The United States of America was founded on July 4, 1776 with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which proclaimed its freedom from Great Britain. It began as thirteen colonies but now consists of fifty states and the capital of Washington D.C. Today the United States is known for being one of the largest, most diverse, and most productive countries in the world. The country stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, to Canada in the north and to Mexico in the south. Across the country is a diverse landscape consisting of forests, mountain ranges, lakes and rivers, plains, and deserts. The largest cities in the US are New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The United States currently has a population of 300 million, a number which is growing rapidly due to immigration from around the world. Millions of international tourists visit each year to see the national landmarks, large cities, and natural wonders of the United States.
Alabama.
The southern state of Alabama, with its temperate climate, vast plains, and river valleys has a long history as one of the foremost agricultural states in America. With over two-thirds of the state covered in forests and rivers, it is a wealth of natural resources and national parks. Alabama is also a leader in the production of iron and steel, automobile manufacturing and mining of the Appalachian Mountains. The NASA Space Flight Centre and US Army Missile Command are headquartered here. Its largest city, Birmingham, is home to the University of Alabama, a world leader in breakthrough medical research. The capital city of Montgomery is now the site of many Civil War memorials and cultural attractions. Mobile, a port city, is located on the Gulf of Mexico in the southernmost part of the state.
Alaska
Alaska, the largest state in the US, is located in the uppermost northwestern part of North America. Although its total area is more than that of California, Texas and Montana combined; it is only ranked 47 out of the 50 states by population. The economy is anchored by the oil and gas industry, and fishing, forestry and tourism are other economic staples. Alaska contains a vast and diverse landscape including over 3 million lakes and rivers, active volcanoes, glaciers, mountains, Artic tundra lands, and the Aleutian Islands. There are a multitude of national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. The climate throughout the state can vary greatly with extremes of -80 to 100 degrees recorded in Fairbanks, Alaska within a single year, while the cities of Juneau and Anchorage experience mild winters and warm summers.
Arizona
Arizona is located in the Southwest region of the country and is known for its desert climate with extremely hot, dry summers. The landscape is shaped by desert basins, mountains, dry plains and forests. The state attracts millions of tourists annually to its beautiful deserts and unique spots such as the Petrified Forest, Meteorite Crater, Spanish Colonial ruins, Native American reservations, and the famous Grand Canyon. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Canyon was formed over millions of years by the Colorado River and is the home of the Grand Canyon National Park. The population of Arizona continues to be one of the fastest-growing and its demographic is made up of many diverse groups including those of Mexican, European, and Native American ancestry.
Arkansas
The southern state of Arkansas is nicknamed "The Natural State". It is full of natural wonders such as waterfalls, a diamond mine, the Ozark Mountains and Hot Springs National Park. The Mississippi River runs along the entire eastern border of the state, creating rich farmland and two deltas known as the Arkansas Delta and the Grand Prairie. Due to the humid subtropical climate and large amounts of fertile farmland, food production generates nearly all the economic income as well as employment in the state of Arkansas. The capital city of Little Rock is the headquarters of many major businesses including Wal-Mart and Tyson Foods. Former US President Bill Clinton was born and raised in the town of Hope, Arkansas.
California
California is a western state bordered by the Pacific Ocean. Starting with the California Gold Rush in 1848 people began moving across the country from New England. By 1964 California was, and still is, the most populated state in the country, with over one-third of the residents being immigrants. The diverse California landscape is covered by forests, deserts, the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges, and several large lakes including Lake Tahoe, which is shared with the state of Nevada. Along the Pacific Coast are beaches and the large metropolitan cities San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego.
Due to the abundance of thriving industries, California ranks in the top ten best economies in the world. Los Angeles, home of Hollywood, is known as the capital of the entertainment industry. The California Central Valley grows one-third of the food in the entire nation, while Napa and Sonoma valleys are world-renowned wine-producing regions. Silicon Valley is a powerhouse for technology and computer science. California has hundreds of colleges and universities, notably Stanford University, the California Institute of Technology and the University of Southern California.
Colorado
Colorado is located in the Central Southwest of the United States, in the Rocky Mountain region. The terrain is mostly uninhabitable, being covered in mountains, basins and plateaus. The capital city of Denver, located in the Eastern Great Plains, is home to over two-thirds of the residents of Colorado. The economy is heavily government-based with many government agencies located throughout the state, notably the United States Air Force Academy and Peterson Air Force Base. Colorado is also known as a world-class skiing destination. Famous landmarks include the Rocky Mountain National Park, Dinosaur Monuments, and Pikes Peak.
Connecticut
Connecticut is located in the New England region of the United States. It is one of the smallest states in the country, yet one of the most densely populated, as are many of the states in the Northeast. Bordered on the south by the coastline of the Long Island Sound, Connecticut has a mild, temperate climate and a long history as a seafaring state. Connecticut is famous for the beauty of its landscape which includes green hillsides, forests, farmlands and mountains. Although most of the state is rural, there are many large, industrial cities including Hartford and New Haven. Connecticut is the wealthiest state in the country with the highest per capita income, lead by a strong manufacturing as well as financial industry.
Delaware
Delaware , the second-smallest state in the country, is located along the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast. Delaware became the first official state in the US in 1787. Historical monuments, parks, and museums are the main attractions for visitors to the state. Quaint beach resorts in charming, small towns attract vacationers who want to get away from the big cities of the northeast.
Florida
Florida is the located in the southeast region of the country. Known as "The Sunshine State", Florida is mostly a peninsula surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on the west coast and the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast. The Florida coastline is covered in beautiful beaches that are millions of years old, while the interior is made up of mostly flatlands covered in tropical vegetation. The tourism-driven economy attracts over 60 million visitors each year. Famous attractions include Disney World, Busch Gardens, and Sea World in Orlando; the Everglades National Park; Daytona, St. Augustine and West Palm Beaches; the major metropolitan area of Miami; and the Florida Keys.
Georgia
Georgia is the largest state in the southeast and is called the Empire of the South. Atlanta, its capital city, is a major metropolitan area and the hub of many industries in the south and worldwide, including the Coca-Cola Company and Delta Airlines. The colonial city of Savannah draws millions of visitors per year to its Historic District, where they can experience Southern hospitality and tradition. Georgia is the home of noted educational institutions Emory University, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the Savannah College of Art and Design. The humid subtropical climate and heavy precipitation contribute to the strong agriculture industry, which produces cotton, corn, tree nuts, tobacco and Georgia's namesake fruit, the peach.
Hawaii
The State of Hawaii is a chain of islands in the central Pacific Ocean. It was the last state added to the Union in 1959. Hawaii consists of eight large, main islands, along with hundreds of smaller islands, all of which were formed by underwater volcanoes. Honolulu is the capital as well as the largest city. Hawaii has a vast array of unique plant and animal life, and is home to more endangered species than anywhere else in the world. Major industries include European, Asian and American tourism, and the exportation of sugar cane, pineapples and coffee. Important sites are the Memorial of Pearl Harbour, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and Waikiki Beach.
Idaho
Idaho is located in the Pacific Northwest region. The landscape is marked by the Snake River, Hells Canyon, Shoshone Falls (actually larger than Niagara Falls), the Rocky Mountain region and other large wilderness areas. Although Idaho is nicknamed "The Gem State" because it is rich in natural minerals, it is also well known for its production of potatoes, among other crops. It is also one of the leading producers of dairy products and beer. Boise, the state capital, is a leading centre for the science and technology industry, with Hewlett-Packard, Dell, and Micron Technology headquartered there.
Illinois
Illinois, the fifth most populated state, is located in the Great Lakes region. It is known as "The Lincoln State", as Springfield is the birthplace of former Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant. Chicago is the largest metropolitan area, where over two-thirds of the Illinois population resides. Chicago is a rich source of American history, including the Jazz and Blues musical movement, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Chicago Art Institute, as well as major universities. The rest of the state consists of smaller industrial cities and farmlands. Important outputs include electricity, coal, oil and petroleum, and nuclear power.
Indiana
The Midwestern state of Indiana is covered by flat farmland, rivers and lakes. The state is mainly rural with only a few small towns and one major city: Indianapolis. Main economic activity is related to steel production, coal mining, power plants, and farming. Indiana is the home of major sports teams the Indianapolis Colts and the Indiana Pacers, and is the site of the annual Indianapolis 500 race.
Iowa
Iowa , located in the Midwest, is an agricultural powerhouse. Iowa produces over one-tenth of the total food grown in the United States and is a lead producer of most major crops, including corn and soybeans. Iowa is bordered by the Mississippi River on the east and the Missouri River on the west. Des Moines is the capital and largest city. State attractions include the Herbert Hoover Presidential Museum, the Iowa State Fair, and Adventureland amusement park.
Kansas
Kansas , a Midwestern state, is located in the centre of the Continental United States. This area is known as America's Heartland and is the country's geographic centre. Being part of the Grain Belt, Kansas grows large amounts of corn, wheat and oats. Kansas is mainly known for its oil and natural gas production, and also produces livestock, especially sheep and cattle.
Kentucky
The state of Kentucky is sometimes included in both the Midwest and the Southern Regions of the US. It is abundant in natural resources, profitable industries, and leisure time activities. Some of Kentucky's natural attractions include Lake Cumberland, a large manmade lake, the Red River Gorge, Mammoth Cave National Park, and Black Mountain, the highest point in the state. Coal mining is still the largest industry, but automobile production, steel, lumber, and textile manufacturing also contribute. Much of the state, however, has still remained rural. Kentucky produces tobacco, among many other crops, and is also home to many famous Bourbon Whiskey distilleries. The Kentucky Derby horse race is run every year in the city of Louisville, Kentucky.
Louisiana
The southern state of Louisiana is surrounded by land on three sides and forms its southern border with the Gulf of Mexico. Baton Rouge is the state capital. Louisiana is famous for its multicultural heritage, especially the French, Spanish and African mix known as Cajun and Creole. The city of New Orleans is a major tourist draw; it features the annual Mardi Gras festival and the historic French Quarter. The Port of South Louisiana, on the Mississippi River, is one of the largest cargo ports in the world. The state produces many chemical products, petroleum and natural gas from offshore drilling, and agricultural products including seafood, rice, and cotton.
Maine
Maine is the uppermost state in the New England region, in the northeast part of the Continental United States. Maine is famous for its rocky Atlantic shoreline, with beaches, fishing villages, and offshore islands. Inland, all but one-tenth of the state is covered in forested areas. Outdoor recreational activities draw many tourists to the state; especially hunting, skiing, camping, and hiking. During the summer, Maine is a popular tourist destination; however the winters are extremely cold and snowy.
Maryland
The state of Maryland is located in the Mid-Atlantic region, along the East coast. Maryland shares its border with the capital of the United States; Washington D.C. Maryland is one of the leading science and biotechnology centres in the nation, with such important institutions as the Human Genome Sciences, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Johns Hopkins University Medical Centre. Annapolis, the state capital, is home of the US Naval Academy. The main geographical feature of Maryland is the Chesapeake Bay, a large freshwater bay which bolsters the huge fishing economy of the state. Other industry is centred on the Port of Baltimore as well as transportation services, including railroads and trucking, and dairy farms.
Massachusetts
The New England state of Massachusetts was one of the first places in America to be settled when the Pilgrims founded Plymouth Colony in 1620. Most of the population lives along the East coast, especially in the capital city of Boston, with the western part of the state being rural land. Massachusetts has a long history as one of the intellectual centres of America. The state has hundreds of highly-ranked colleges and universities and is home to such notable institutions as Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. As such, the economy is anchored by technology, financial services, and the healthcare industries, with agricultural production generating very little economic income. Top tourist destinations are the picturesque Berkshire Mountains, in western Massachusetts, and Cape Cod, where Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Island are located. Historical points of interest include the Plymouth Rock, the site of the Boston Tea Party, and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum.
Michigan
The Midwestern state of Michigan is made up of two distinct peninsulas and is surrounded almost entirely by the Great Lakes. The upper peninsula is heavily forested and mountainous, while the lower peninsula is densely populated and contains many industrial cities. Detroit, Michigan is known as the birthplace of the Automotive Industry. The first Ford manufacturing plant was built in the beginning of the 20th century, and automobile production is still the main industry in the state. Michigan is also an important engineering and technology centre. Scenic resort towns along the beaches of the Great Lakes draw millions of tourists, especially outdoor enthusiasts. Metropolitan Detroit offers casinos, zoos and amusement parks, and many historic museums.
Minnesota
Minnesota , the North Star State, is located in the Midwest and shares its northern border with Canada. It is known literally as "The Land of 10,000 Lakes". Minnesota is also the home of hundreds of protected state parks and forests with a wide range of indigenous animal and plant species. Outdoor recreation, water sports, and winter sports are popular among tourists. The two largest cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, are known as the Twin cities and are a hub of transportation, business and industry. Twin Cities are the headquarters of major businesses including Cargill, US Bancorp, General Mills, 3M, and Target, as well as the Mayo Clinic, a world-famous medical research centre. Minneapolis is also a major centre for arts and culture, with fine arts museums, the Minnesota Orchestra and the St. Paul Orchestra, and the Guthrie Theatre productions.
Mississippi
Mississippi is a Deep South state, bordered in the west by its namesake river, the Mississippi. A small part of its border also touches the Gulf of Mexico. The landscape is mostly made up of heavily forested plains and lowlands. Mississippi enjoys a subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters, but is prone to flooding due to its large number of lakes, bays, and rivers. Mississippi has one of the more diverse population demographics in the nation, with many French Creole, Native American, and Chinese-American living there. The state is still heavily agriculturally dependent, leading the nation in cotton production as well as other important crops: corn, soybeans, rice and peanuts.
Missouri
Missouri is a centrally-located Midwestern state bordered by the Mississippi River on the east, and divided in half by the Missouri River. Due to its central location, Missouri is a mixture of many cultural, political, and economic factors and is considered to be a microcosm of America.. The Gateway Arch, located in St. Louis, is a famous US landmark and the home of American author Mark Twain is also located here. Its mountainous region, the Ozarks, is rich in natural resources including iron, lead, limestone and zinc. Forestry and livestock production are also important industries.
Montana
Montana is a Western state which shares its Northern border with Canada. Although it is the fourth-largest state, it is also one of the least populous in the nation. It is most well-known for its famous national parks, which include the Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park, and the site of the Battle of Little Bighorn. The Rocky Mountains cover the western third of Montana, and provide a large supply of natural resources as well as a tourist destination for hiking and skiing. Other state geography includes scenic valleys, rivers, lakes, and plains. Montana enjoys a beautiful Pacific Coast climate, with mild winters and cool summers.
Nebraska
The Western state of Nebraska is located in the Great Plains region. Lincoln, the capital city, offers an extensive amount of parks and recreational areas. The landscape is mostly flat throughout the state, and experiences large snowfalls throughout the winter months. Farming and agriculture is the main industry. Freight transportation is also an important sector, particularly railroad transport which has a history in Nebraska dating back to the mid 1800s. The Union Pacific Railroad is located in Omaha as well as Amtrak and the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Nevada
Nevada is a Western state known located within the Mojave Desert and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Nevada is most famous for the city of Las Vegas, a large gambling and casino resort. Lake Tahoe, on the California and Nevada border, is home to many ski resorts, and winter and summer recreational activities, and tourist attractions. Outside of tourism, the economy in Nevada is highly dependent on mining. The state accounts for the production of nearly ten percent of the gold mining in the world, and silver, copper, zinc, and mercury are also found. Some other important Nevada attractions are the Hoover Dam, Great Basin National Park, Lake Mead, and Pyramid Lake.
New Hampshire
The New England state of New Hampshire is located in the upper northeast region. It is an important political state and is famous for the New Hampshire primary, traditionally the first primary of the presidential election. New Hampshire was one of the original thirteen colonies formed in the American Revolution. The beautiful White Mountains Range and Mount Washington are main visitor attractions, as is the Hampton Beach and the Isles of Shoals off the east coast. It is one of the most heavily forested states, second only to Maine.
New Jersey
New Jersey is a small state located in the Northeast Region along the Atlantic Ocean. New Jersey has an incredibly large transportation system because of its strategic location to many important cities in the Northeast. The Newark Liberty International Airport serves the New York area and is also one of the busiest in the nation. The Northern part of the state is located within the New York metropolitan area, and connects to Manhattan by the George Washington Bridge and the Lincoln Tunnel. The Jersey Shore along the Atlantic coast is a popular tourist destination with many resort and residential communities. Other attractions in New Jersey include museums like the Liberty Science centre, famous Historic sites, and theme parks including the famous Six Flags Great Adventure. New Jersey is known for being a culturally and ethnically diverse state, with high percentages of Jewish, Muslim, Asian, Indian, and Hispanic residents. The booming pharmaceutical industry is highly prevalent in the state, which is the headquarters of major companies Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer, Schering-Plough, and Novartis.
New Mexico
The state of New Mexico is in the Southwest region and shares a small part of its southern border with the country of Mexico. Along with Colorado, Arizona, and Utah, New Mexico is part of the Four Corners, an intersection where it is possible to stand in all four states at once. New Mexico is known as a minority-majority state; it has the largest number of Hispanics of any state, as well as one of the largest populations of Native Americans. Like many of the Southwestern states, it has mountains and deserts, as well as forests and rivers, namely the Rio Grande. Santa Fe, the state capital, is known for its arts and culture community. It is the home of famous American painter Georgia O'Keefe, and has many museums and performing arts venues, as well as festivals such as the Santa Fe Indian Market. Roswell, New Mexico is the famous site of the 1947 UFO Incident.
New York
New York State is located in the Northeast region and borders Canada along the north. It is the third most populated state in the country and is home to the world-famous New York City, the biggest city in the US. New York City is known as a melting pot of culture and diversity throughout the world. It is made up of the five boroughs of Manhattan, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Some of the well-known landmarks in New York City include the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and Times Square. New York City is also the headquarters of the United Nations and the New York Stock Exchange. Outside of New York City, the state is scarcely populated and has many farms and forests. Niagara Falls and the Adirondack Mountains Park are popular natural attractions in upstate New York.
North Carolina
North Carolina is located in the Southeast region of the United States, along the Atlantic coast. The Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains, two smaller parts of the Appalachian Mountain Range, lie within the Western part of the state. The eastern part of the state, along the Atlantic Ocean, is a costal plain where rural culture and farming are important. Tobacco growing, textile manufacturing, and furniture production are the main staples of the North Carolina economy. Charlotte, the largest city, is the headquarters of Bank of America and Wachovia, along with other Fortune 500 companies. Sports are a big part of North Carolina culture, including golfing, skiing, fishing, and hunting, as well as major and minor league sports.
North Dakota
North Dakota is in the northern Midwest region, along the border of Canada. Bismarck is the state capital. It is the most rural state in the country, with over ninety percent of its land dedicated to farming. North Dakota is rich in fossil fuels and minerals especially coal and oil. Fine and performing arts culture is important in North Dakota with the Fargo Theatre, North Dakota Museum of Art, and four state symphony orchestras. Other attractions include hunting and fishing areas, golf courses and casinos.
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state full of industrial cities. Proctor and Gamble, General Motors, and Jeep all have factories in Ohio. It has a long history of Native American culture with many monuments including the Great Serpentine Mound. The state nickname is "The Heart of It All" because it links many parts of the country through its extensive system of rivers, railroads, and highways. The higher education sector is very important with colleges and universities of all sizes, including The Ohio State University one of the largest in the nation. Ohio has two famous amusement parks: Cedar Point and Kings Island.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a Central state which was made rich by oil production. It is located in the Great Plains region. The landscape is marked by extreme geological diversity, with prairies, marshlands, mountain ranges, forests and rivers. Black bears, red foxes, and American Bison are all native species found through Oklahoma. The Ouachita and Ozark mountain ranges run through the Eastern portion of the state, along with several other smaller ranges. Oklahoma contains over 50 state parks, camping areas, and wildlife refuges. Native American culture is a long part of the history of Oklahoma and has such important sites as the Cherokee Cultural Centre and part of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.
Oregon
Oregon is located in the Northwest region, along the Pacific Ocean. The scenic Oregon Coast is made up of cliffs and rocky shores, and is popular for fishing, scuba diving, boating, and water sports, and the Oregon Coast Aquarium. The coast also contains some Rainforest area. The Cascade Mountains, the Columbia River Gorge, and Crater Lake are other natural attractions. The fertile Willamette Valley grows apples, hazelnuts, and grapes for the flourishing Oregon wine region. Salmon fishing and high technology are the two largest industries. Portland, the largest city in Oregon, is a sprawling metropolitan area and cultural capital. Oregon is well known for progressive political and social movements.
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth State of Pennsylvania is located in the Northeast region. It was one of the original Thirteen Colonies. The Declaration of Independence was written and signed in Philadelphia, as well as the Articles of Confederation and the US Constitution. Pennsylvania is known as "The Quaker State". It has a large Amish population and is home of the Pennsylvania Dutch community. The large, industrial cities of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia contribute to the state having one of the best economies in the nation. The remainder of the state is mainly given to farming and agricultural lands. Main tourist attractions include the historical sites including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, the Hershey Chocolate Factory, the Philadelphia Zoo, and a number of amusement parks.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the US and is one of the New England states. The Atlantic Ocean and Rhode Island Coast form the southern border of the state, with many oceanfront beaches mainly in the city of Newport. In the eastern part of the state lies the Narragansett Bay. Rhode Island is known as "The Birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution", and although manufacturing is still significant, the biggest industries are healthcare services and tourism. The famous Breakers Mansion, Belcourt Castle, and the Touro Synagogue are busy visitor attractions. The education sector is also important within Rhode Island. The city of Providence is home to the noted Rhode Island School of Design, Brown University, The New England Institute of Technology, and Johnson and Wales University.
South Carolina
South Carolina is a Southern state along the Atlantic Ocean. The port cities of Georgetown and Charleston are located on the east coast. The Blue Ridge Region is a small, mountainous area in the western part of the state. The rest of South Carolina is mostly costal plain dedicated to farming and forestation. Among the many institutes of higher education are the University of South Carolina, The Citadel Military College, Wofford College, and Clemson University. College sports are big part of South Carolina culture. Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island are popular vacation getaways, especially for families. Golfing, boating, fishing, and water sports are common recreational activities throughout the state.
South Dakota
South Dakota is a largely rural state located in the upper Midwestern region. The Missouri River running through the centre divides the state into two halves. East of the river is rich farmland used to grow a wide variety of crops. West of the river are Native American Indian reservations, cattle ranches, and the Black Hills Mountain Range. Mining of the Black Hills profits gold, silver, copper, and lead. The most famous monument in South Dakota is the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a carving in the mountainside featuring the heads of former US Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
Texas
Texas is a state located in the Southwestern region, on the border of Mexico. It is the second-largest state in the US, and the second-most populous. Houston is the largest city, followed by the metropolitan area of Dallas-Ft. Worth. Texas has a long history of both Spanish and Mexican culture, as well as Western and Southern American influences. The vast geography of Texas is mostly made up of plains and prairie lands, along with deserts, forests, and mountains. Some natural attractions include the Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Dinosaur Valley State Park, and Padre Island National Seashore on the Gulf of Mexico.
Due to its large size and population, Texas is a thriving centre for industry, travel, and culture. With abundant natural resources, it is the leading producer of oil in the country and is a major agricultural state. Texas has the largest transportation system in the country, with the largest number of highways, railroads, and airports in any state. Technology is a growing area, especially in Austin, which is nicknamed "Silicon Hills" after the "Silicon Valley" of California. Houston is a major centre for arts and culture. It is the home of the Houston Theatre District, as well as many history and art museums including The Modern, opened in 1892. Traditional parts of Texas culture include American Football, cowboy rodeos, and country music.
Tennessee
Tennessee is a Southern state bordered by eight other states. It is popular as an outdoor recreation destination, with the Great Smoky Mountains, Reelfoot Lake, the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park, and over fifty other state parks. Nashville, the capital of Tennessee, is known as Music City USA. It is the home of the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and all of the Big Four record labels. Memphis is the largest city in Tennessee, and is known as the birthplace of Blues, Country, and Rock and Roll music. Famous musicians Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash began their careers in Memphis.
Utah
The Western state of Utah has a tradition of mining and agriculture. It is famous for the natural beauty of its landscape and the variety of its terrain, from the Rocky Mountains to the Mojave Desert, with forests, lakes, and rivers in between. Over eighty percent of the population lives within the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. Tourism is a significant industry in Utah, and its popularity has increased since hosting the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. Other attractions include the Bryce Canyon National Park, the Dinosaur National Monument, and Monument Valley. The Sundance Film Festival takes place every January in Park City, Utah.
Vermont
Vermont , a New England state, is one of the smallest and least populous in the United States. Its northern border is on the Canadian province of Quebec. The Capital of Vermont is Montpelier, and its largest city is Burlington. Vermont famous for dairy cows and produces ice cream, cheese, chocolates and other speciality foods. It is also known for the beauty of its landscape throughout the seasons, but especially in the fall. Some natural attractions are Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains. Hunting, fishing, and skiing draw visitors to the state year-round.
Virginia
The Commonwealth State of Virginia is located in the Southern region on the Atlantic Ocean. Today Richmond is the capital of Virginia. The state has a long history dating back to the American Revolution, where Jamestown was the first English settlement. A well-known visitor attraction in Virginia is Colonial Williamsburg, a historically preserved city, as well as Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Virginia Beach is a resort town located on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, with miles of beaches, hotels and restaurants. Outside of tourism, farming puts the state in the top ten agricultural producers. Virginia is also one of the foremost business states in the nation, with the headquarters of seventeen Fortune 500 companies. The University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson, and the College of William and Mary, one of the oldest schools in the country, are two of the top ten colleges in the US.
Washington
Washington State is located in the upper corner of the Pacific Northwest region. The Cascade Mountains run through the state and the land is densely forested. There are also several active volcanoes, including Mount Rainer and Mount St. Helens. Western Washington is known for its rainy, yet mild, marine climate. The Pacific Ocean on the west coast of Washington supports its commercial fishing industry, and the state is also famous for apples. The Puget Sound Bay is a large seaport important for trade with Asia. Seattle is the largest city and is a leading business and technology centre, known for its liberal people and culture. Famous companies founded and headquartered in Washington are Microsoft, Amazon, and Starbucks.
West Virginia
West Virginia is part of the Mid-Atlantic region; geographically, it is located within both the Southeastern and Northeastern regions of the US. Charleston is the capital and the largest city. West Virginia is called "The Mountain State"
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