Environmental Setting: The Great Plains are located to the east of the Rocky Mountains and the region is defined by the relatively flat landscape. Las Vegas and the Great Plains share many environmental characteristics: dry and hot climates, step topography caused by river erosion, or downcutting, and the rain shadow is cast over both regions. In addition both regions are considered desert lands for their lack of trees. Due to the scarcity of precipitation, irrigation techniques were used in both regions to support agriculture. The Great Plains are home to Tornado Alley, the most tornado ridden region in the world which was showcased in the film "The Wizard of Oz".
Historical Settlement:
The climate shared by the Great Plains and Las Vegas had a direct impact on the early settlers who were concentrated around rivers to provide water. The Native American population, some of which remains today, included the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek and Seminole Indians. Hunting bison allowed these Native American populations to prosper. The bison population would later attract European setters that nearly wiped out the species. The Native American population was also threatened by European settlers who forced most of them onto reservations in Oklahoma. Railroads were responsible for later rapid development of Las Vegas and the Great Plains.
Political Economy: The Great Plains and Las Vegas also share primary sector activities such as mining and energy produciton. Some of the resources found in the Great Plains are oil, natural gas, helium, and coal. Another commodity are the high winds that sweep through the Great Plains which are being harnessed to produce electricity. Similarly Las Vegas has also harnessed a natural resource to create electricity provided by the Hoover Dam. In contrast with Las Vegas, the Great Plains does not attract a large tourist population from outside the region.
Historical Settlement:
The climate shared by the Great Plains and Las Vegas had a direct impact on the early settlers who were concentrated around rivers to provide water. The Native American population, some of which remains today, included the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek and Seminole Indians. Hunting bison allowed these Native American populations to prosper. The bison population would later attract European setters that nearly wiped out the species. The Native American population was also threatened by European settlers who forced most of them onto reservations in Oklahoma. Railroads were responsible for later rapid development of Las Vegas and the Great Plains.
Political Economy: The Great Plains and Las Vegas also share primary sector activities such as mining and energy produciton. Some of the resources found in the Great Plains are oil, natural gas, helium, and coal. Another commodity are the high winds that sweep through the Great Plains which are being harnessed to produce electricity. Similarly Las Vegas has also harnessed a natural resource to create electricity provided by the Hoover Dam. In contrast with Las Vegas, the Great Plains does not attract a large tourist population from outside the region.
