What Are Some Interesting Facts About the Southeast Region of the United States?
The Southeast United States has a unique backdrop and history. Some of the neighborhoods there are some of the oldest in the country. Additionally, the geography of the area includes the longest river in North America and a huge subtropical wilderness area.
The Southeast contains 12 states, including Mississippi, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, Georgia, Virginia, Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Do you want to learn more about the area? Check out these interesting facts.
Geography & Animals
This region of the country is divided into two groups. The South Atlantic states include Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. Then, the East South Central states include Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alabama.
The Florida Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness area in North America. Florida is also home to the Port of Miami, which is the most popular cruise ship port in the world. Additionally, the Okefenokee Swamp is located in Florida and Georgia. It is the most well-known swamp in the U.S.
The Southeast is home to many points of interest. It also houses a unique assortment of animals. For example, the region is home to nearly two million feral pigs. These boars are invasive because they cause devastation to the vegetation in the region.
Population & Economy
Florida is the most populous state in the Southeast. The state is home to more than 21 million people. The largest cities in the South are Jacksonville, Florida; Charlotte, North Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; Memphis, Tennessee; and Louisville, Kentucky.
What prompted the region’s population to grow? Early on, the Southeast was known for the crops that grew there. The region still makes a significant amount of money based on the production of crops. The weather there was ideal for growing peanuts, tobacco, and cotton. Some states, like Louisiana, have also seen success growing sugar cane. Natural resources in the area include coal and pine trees.
Capitals
Today, Richmond is the state capital of Virginia. During the American Civil War, the city was also the capital of the Confederacy. Montgomery, Alabama, was also the capital of the Confederacy at one point.
Buildings
Georgia is home to the large drive-in restaurant in the world. The restaurant, The Varsity, was built in Atlanta in 1928. It can host 600 cars at one time.
Laws
Some states in the southeastern U.S. have interesting laws. For instance, South Carolina did not allow tattoo shops until 2004. In Kentucky, it is illegal to sell baby chicks dyed different colors, unless you are selling them in groups of six or more. In North Carolina, it is not legal to play more than 10 hours of bingo per week. In Tennessee, it is also illegal to use another person’s Netflix account.
History
This area is also home to many historical sites. They include battlefields from the Civil War. Fredericksburg, Virginia, is one of the most popular sites. Visitors also visit Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, to pay their respects to soldiers from many wars.
The Southeast is a region with a rich history. The culture in the area offers something not found in the rest of the country.
