Geography Exercise 1: Western US/late 19thCentury

Dr. Utgaard/History 109/Modern American History Geography Exercise 1: Western US/late 19thCentury (25 points) Due Sunday 7 April Using maps from chapters 17 and 18 of The American Promise (see pages 446, 458, 492) as a guide, get a blank piece of paper and draw by hand a map of the United States west of the Mississippi River to include the features listed below. Photocopying is not allowed. Using colored pencils can enhance your map. Points can be deducted for work that lacks detail or is messy. Bonus points are possible for exceptional maps. Upload your completed map as a PDF in the Depot for Exams and Assignments. Political boundaries (10 points): Outline and label all states and territories west of the Mississippi. Features, landmarks, towns, etc. (10 points): The Missouri River The Platte River The Great Salt Lake Plot the 100 degree west meridian Ogallala (the town….not the aquifer) Denver The Union Pacific rail line (from Omaha to Ogden—be sure to label the towns) The Central Pacific rail line (Ogden to Sacramento—be sure to label the towns) Great Northern rail line (from Duluth to Everett—be sure to label the towns) Cattle trail from Fort Worth Texas to Abilene Kansas Chief Joseph’s route Little Big Horn Wounded Knee The Black Hills Writing: (5 points) By hand, answer the following question in a few sentences. Based on the film “The West: Geography of Hope,” explain why farming on the plans was so challenging. Print and sign your name. Also include your favorite hamburger topping.