Explore map of West Coast, The Western United States, commonly referred to as "The West," is a large region that primarily lies to the west of the Great Plains. This area includes several states as defined by the U.S. federal government: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Historically, different parts of the U.S. have been considered "The West," but this term mainly brings to mind the area west of the Mississippi River. This region is steeped in American cultural history and imagery. It's known for its diverse landscapes that range from plains to mountains and deserts. The West holds a special place in American folklore, often associated with iconic figures and themes like cowboys, Native Americans, pioneers in covered wagons, outlaws, gold seekers, and a society that was forging its path on the edges of the legal framework.
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West Coast of the United States
The West Coast, or the Pacific Coast, is the part of the United States where the land meets the North Pacific Ocean. This area usually includes the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. Sometimes, Alaska and Hawaii are also considered part of the West Coast, especially when the United States Census Bureau classifies regions in the country. This coastline is known for its unique landscapes and is a significant geographical area of the U.S.
There are varying views on which states make up the West Coast of the United States. However, California, Oregon, and Washington are always included in this definition. In many cases, the term also covers Alaska since it's part of North America. For the purposes of the census, Hawaii is considered part of the West Coast along with these four states. The Encyclopædia Britannica describes the Pacific Coast as including Alaska and British Columbia in North America. It notes that Hawaii is sometimes included in this region, but points out that Hawaii's geology is quite different from that of the mainland states.
Different dictionaries have their own ways of defining the West Coast. Lexico specifies that it is the western coast of the U.S. from Washington down to California. The Macmillan Dictionary gives a broader definition, describing it as the western coast of the U.S. along the Pacific Ocean. The Cambridge Dictionary narrows it down to the Pacific coast area of the U.S. that includes California.
History of West Coast
The West Coast's history starts with the earliest known inhabitants of the Americas, the Paleo-Indians. These ancient people traveled from Eurasia to North America across the Bering Strait. There was a land bridge, known as Beringia, that connected the two continents from about 45,000 BCE to 12,000 BCE (around 47,000 to 14,000 years ago). Groups of hunter-gatherers, following large herds of herbivores, migrated deep into Alaska. From around 16,500 BCE to 13,500 BCE (18,500 to 15,500 years ago), pathways free of ice formed along the Pacific coast and the valleys of North America, and possibly also by sea.
The indigenous peoples of Alaska, the Pacific Northwest Coast, and California are descendants of the Paleo-Indians. These groups developed their own languages and established trading networks.
The region was later explored and colonized by Spanish, British, French, Russian, and American explorers and settlers.
A significant event in the history of the West Coast was the completion of the first transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. This railroad connected the West Coast with the eastern part of the United States.
Climate of West Coast USA
The West Coast of the United States features different climates. In the northwest and near the U.S.-Canada border, the climate is mostly oceanic. However, from Northern California down to the U.S.-Mexico border, it shifts to a Mediterranean climate. The northern part of the West Coast, especially coastal areas of Washington and Oregon, experiences quite a bit of rain, mainly in the winter. In contrast, much of coastal California has drier conditions throughout the year.
Temperatures along the coast are generally cooler compared to inland areas, especially in the summer. A striking example of this is in far Northern California, where there's a significant temperature difference of 17 °C (30 °F) between Eureka and Willow Creek, despite being only 40 km (25 miles) apart and Willow Creek being at an elevation of 500 meters (1,600 feet). This kind of temperature variation is common along the coast. It's partly due to the cold Pacific Ocean currents, which help moderate coastal temperatures. Additionally, mountain ranges prevent the maritime air from moving too far inland, especially in summer.
Coastal fog also plays a role in keeping temperatures cool along the shoreline. This fog is well-known in the San Francisco Bay Area, but it also affects areas like Santa Monica in Los Angeles, leading to cooler, overcast conditions in May and June. Coastal California generally has small annual temperature changes, with cooler summers like those in Northern Europe in places like San Francisco, and warmer year-round temperatures further south. However, just a short distance inland, summer temperatures can match or exceed those in other U.S. regions at similar latitudes, often warmer due to hot winds from the deserts of Nevada and Arizona.
Demographics of West Coast U.S.
The 2020 United States Census reveals that California is home to 16 of the 20 biggest cities on the West Coast. Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose are not only the largest on the West Coast but also rank among the top 10 most populous cities nationwide. Each of these cities has over a million residents, with Los Angeles being almost three times as populous as San Diego. Following these, San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland are the fourth, fifth, and sixth largest cities in terms of population on the West Coast. In Hawaii, Honolulu stands as the capital and the biggest city, ranking as the 13th largest on the West Coast. Meanwhile, Anchorage holds the title of the largest city in Alaska and is the 17th largest city on the West Coast.
Top Ten Largest Cities on the West Coast of United States