Western United States, Geographic region in United States.
The western part of the United States stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Rocky Mountains and includes thirteen states with varied landscapes and climate zones. This broad region runs from the coastal cities of California and the Pacific Northwest through the deserts of Nevada and Arizona to the mountains of Colorado and Wyoming.
The region grew after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, when territories passed from British and Mexican control through treaties and land acquisitions. The Gold Rush in the mid-19th century brought hundreds of thousands of settlers westward and reshaped the demographic and economic landscape forever.
Rodeos, country music, and outdoor culture shape life in many communities, where cowboys and ranchers still carry on rural traditions. In coastal cities, Asian, Latin American, and Pacific influences blend in kitchens, festivals, and daily encounters with people from around the world.
Seasons bring major differences in weather, with mild winters on the coast and cold, snowy winters in mountain regions. Long drives between cities and sights are common, so travelers should plan enough time and prepare for varying elevations.
Silicon Valley in California and the Hollywood entertainment industry have produced technologies and films that people around the world use and watch. The region also holds some of the lowest and highest points in the country just a few hundred miles apart.
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