United States Geography - Physical and Man-Made Features

Continental Divide

An Imaginary Line located in the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Rivers on the Eastern side of the Continental Divide flow to the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico. Rivers on the Western side flow toward the Pacific Ocean.

Saint Lawrence River

Located above the Northern border of the United States in Canada. Very important shipping route for bringing goods to and from the United States.

Atlantic Coastal Plain

Located along the East Coast. Borders the Atlantic Ocean. Great for Agriculture or Farming. Contains many rivers, swamps and marshes.

The Gulf of Mexico

Located between the Eastern Coast of Mexico and the coast of Florida. Contains water that is clear and warmer than the Atlantic Ocean.

Erie Canal

Located in Central New York. Man-Made waterway. Links Lake Erie to the Hudson River. Allowed goods to be shipped along the Great Lakes and further west. Helped make New York City a major trade center.

Death Valley

Located in the Northern America. Home of the lowest point in elevation. 282 feet below sea level. Temperature up to 120 degrees are common here.

The Great Lakes

Located in the Northern United States, between the US and Canada. Largest fresh lakes in the world. Includes five lakes: Lake Superior. Lake Michigan. Lake Huron. Lake Erie. Lake Ontario.

New York City

Located in the Southeast corner of New York. Has access to a large harbor that helped it grow as a trade center. One of the largest cities in the United States. Known as the world's center for business and trade.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Located in the Southeast corner of Pennsylvania. Largest city in Pennsylvania. Known as the birthplace of our nation. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were written here.

Great Plains

Located in the USA. East of Rocky Mountains. Grassy Flatlands. No Trees.

Boston, Massachusetts

Located on a harbor at the mouth of the Saint Charles River. Largest city in Massachusetts. Capital of Massachusetts.

The Great Basin

Located west of the Rocky Mountains. Has many different elevations, mountains, valleys, and low laying areas. Waters does not drain out of this region. It holds rainwater or precipitation like a basin or bowl, because the water is unable to drain to the sea.

Four Examples of Physical Features

Rivers. Lakes. Oceans. Mountains. Flat Lands. Deserts.