PENNSVALLEY
42
COPYRIGHT
Lesson 25:
Natural Resources and Economy
of theMiddle Atlantic Region
Again, before you start reading,
LLB=Lesson15
. In someways, thenatural resources andecon-
omy of the Middle Atlantic Region are very similar to the New England Region. Two reasons for this
are because of the human resources and other natural resources.The
megalopolis
of NewEngland
continues to stretchalong theEast Coast intonorthernVirginia.Themajor cities of NewYork, Newark,
Philadelphia, and Baltimore are among the busiest port cities in the United States.Many trade items
are being imported and exported from large cargo ships at these port cities.
Another similar industry is tourism.This region is well known for its forests, mountains, beaches,
and historic places.The beaches of New Jersey, Delaware, andMaryland are world famous. Niagara
Falls inNewYork attracts people from all over theworld.
This entire region is well known for its secondary industries in manufacturing. Some products,
suchas clothingandpublishingbooks inNewYorkCity, are the sameas those found inNewEngland.
New Jersey has cranberries just likeMassachusetts. Most states produce chemicals andmedicines.
Products from the forest and fishing industries are very similar.
There are also differences in the natural resources and products of the Middle Atlantic Region.
One major difference can be found in the soil. This region contains much more fertile soil. There is
more farming and a greater variety of farm products. For example, Pennsylvania leads the nation in
mushroom production.NewYork andPennsylvania are top producers of fruits, such as apples.
Another major difference can be found in the ground. Pennsylvania is a major producer of soft
coal.Coal is needed to produce steel.Many products aremade from steel, including the steel beams
that are holding your school together! Pittsburgh, famous for its steel industry, is one of the busiest
inland river ports in the country.
ACTIVITY 1:
Use the information from this lesson and Lesson 22 to compare and contrast the economies of the
NewEngland andMiddleAtlanticRegions. Organize your answer in theVennDiagram below.
Middle Atlantic Region
NewEngland
economies
MiddleAtlantic
economies
similarities in
economies
