1. The Middle West:
Physical Features

2. Plains
*Flat, grasslands provided food for herds of buffalo, which roamed the region until the late1800’s.
*The Plains Indians, early inhabitants in the region, moved about the region following the buffalo.
*Corn, wheat, and other crops are grown in the fertile soil.
*Grassy prairie is used for grazing livestock, which provide dairy products and meat.
*Early settlers built homes called sod houses from the grass and sod of the plains.

3. Sod house
Lakota Indians
Buffalo herd

4. Rolling Hills *Provided a windbreak for crops.
*Early settlers in the region used the rolling hills to build homes called dugouts.

5. Rivers
* The Mississippi River and its tributaries provided a transportation network to bring new settlers and supplies to the region.
* Provide water for the crops grown in the region.

6. Lakes
* The Great Lakes provided transportation for new settlers and for the trading of goods.
* Provide recreation areas and water supplies for cities in the region.