North American GeoQuest

This visually exciting and unique sets of videos provide a stimulating overview of both the history and geography of all 50 of the United States of America, Washington D.C., the Eastern and Western Provinces of Canada and Mexico.
In addition to a significant overview of the 13 regions, each state or province is highlighted showing the early history, geography (including climates and major geographic regions), current commerce, modern day appearance, capitol cities, and other significant points of interest and history.

Episode Descriptions

North America

1 Pacific Region— On horseback and on ships, Spanish explorers, like Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, entered the Pacific region after establishments in Mexico. While others, like Pioneers from Missouri chose to follow the Oregon trail. Spanish missionaries also occupied the area to establish mission houses along the Pacific Coast. (23:56)

2 Mountain West Region— Descendants of the Nomadic-Indians were the first
known inhabitants to occupy this land. Later, the first European settlers, mostly from Spain, began to explore this region during the mid 1500’s. 500 million years ago this land was flat as the entire area was covered by an inland sea called the Sauk Sea. (24:54)

3 Midwest Region— Midwest region has geographical significance. With the rapid pace of todays modern society, the Midwest with its carved granite rock at Mount Rushmore–to the rolling grass prairies of Iowa–offers much needed tranquillity. Each year, millions of travelers visit this region to experience its unique solitude. (23:48)

4 Southwest Region—The discovery of this region resulted in the growth of old and new industries such as oil, timber, mining and cattle ranching. Since this land lies along the U.S./Mexican border it became the scene to many battles. In 1836, 187 Texans fought 5,000 Mexican soldiers in the famous battle cry known as the “Alamo”. Later, in 1846-48 the Mexican War was declared as U.S. and Mexican forces again disputed over territorial grounds. (22:53)

5 Mississippi River Region—This region became the battleground for one of the bloodiest wars in U.S. history. The Civil War was a conflict which both divided and defined the U.S. as a nation. Because of its vast river connections, this region became a strategic area for both the northern and southern states. With its river highways, the Mississippi River Region experienced a rapid development in product trade, manufacturing, and agriculture. Mark Twain one of America’s most famed novelist, articulated the mystical wonder one captures along these rich river banks. (23:53)

6 New England Region— Descendents of the Paleo-Indians, the Algonquian
Indians, were the first known inhabitants to occupy this land. Later, the first European settlers, mostly from England, began to explore this region during the early1600’s. Aboard ships, these early settlers arrived in New England seeking religious and political freedom. Eventually, tensions grew between the new settlers and the British authorities in Europe. Those tensions lead to the Revolutionary War in 1775. Lexington Massachusetts, is where the Revolutionary War began when a group of men called minutemen, fired the first shot against the British in what is today known as, “the shot heard round the world”. (22:06)

7 Great Lakes Region— The five great lakes are the largest fresh water basin in the world–totalling more than 95,000 square miles. Entry to and from this region allows both the U.S. and Canada to transport vast amounts of imported and exported goods. Located in the North Central part of the United States, the Great Lakes Region is home to over 146,000,000 acres of productively rich farmland. (25:36)

8 Mid-Atlantic Region— After the Revolutionary War, the Mid-Atlantic states began to form a Union, which eventually grew and is known today as the United States of America. Later, another war entered the Mid-Atlantic scene. The Civil war became known as the bloodiest war in U.S. history. Famous battles fought on Mid-Atlantic soil include; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and Antietam, Maryland. Also associated with this region are many significant historical figures like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison and more. (23:35)

9 Southeast Region— Early settlers arrived in the Southeast region seeking religious and political freedom. Eventually, tensions grew between the new settlers and the British authorities in Europe. Those tensions lead to the Revolutionary War in 1775. After the war, the Southeast territories began to join the Union. Later however, another war entered the Southeast scene. (24:12)

10 Washington D.C.—After the Revolutionary War in 1775, George Washington chose the site for the nation’s new capital, which later became known as Washington D.C. Throughout the history of the United States, Washington D.C. has developed into one of most powerful political centers in the world. Measuring only 70 square miles in size, the politicians of this small city debate, analyze and discern those decisions which commonly effect both individual lives and global relations. (22:07)

11 Eastern Canadian Provinces— After the Vikings, other European explorers arrived in the early 1600’s, mostly from France and Britain. Aboard ships, these early settlers arrived in the Eastern Canadian provinces seeking new opportunities. Eventually, tensions grew between the trading companies owned and operated by both the French and British governments. As trading competition grew, each country tried to gain control over the landholdings in North America. Those tensions led to the French and Indian War in 1754-63. The war ended in 1763, when the British defeated the French in the Battle for Quebec. (24:16)

12 Western Canadian Provinces— Along with its rich history the Western Canadian provinces has geographical significance. From the grandiose wilderness of the wooded uplands, to the scenic coastal routes along the Pacific Ocean, each year millions of travelers visit the Western Canadian provinces to capture both its natural and historic elegance. (22:54)

13 Mexico— Throughout its early history Mexico had been dominated by numerous Indian cultures. Migrating from Asia, these ancient people settled throughout Mexico and into the southern tip of South America. For many years archeologists have studied one of the most famous of Mexican indian tribes, the Mayas. These studies indicate that Mayan society was very well educated and had developed an organized system in hieroglyphic writing, advanced math, agricultural methods and other related disciplines. (19:53)

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