12 Midwest States: A Hub for Agriculture and Heavy Industry

The Midwestern United States includes 12 states, often grouped into two categories.

5 East North Central States

There are five states in this region, which include:

7 West North Central States

This area includes:

Some sources occasionally include West Virginia due to its historical ties to the region, but it is a part of the South Atlantic.

Europeans (particularly the French) first explored and settled in the area, originally part of the Old Northwest, in the 1500s. During the early days of the U.S., the Ohio River Valley became a critical area for trade and expansion, laying the foundation for the Midwest's agricultural dominance.

During the Civil War, the Midwest played a pivotal role, with its states providing both soldiers and supplies for the Union. After the war, the region grew rapidly due to immigration, industrialization and the development of transportation networks, connecting it with New England and other regions.

The Midwest is known as "America's Breadbasket," earning this nickname thanks to its fertile soil and agricultural output. Corn, soybeans and wheat are staples of the region's farming economy.

However, the Midwest isn't just about farming; it's also a hub for manufacturing, especially in urban areas like Detroit, Chicago and Cleveland.

Rich in natural resources like coal, iron and timber, the Midwest is one of the country's centers for heavy industry. Today, its economy has diversified to include technology, healthcare and education.

Politically, the North Central States are a microcosm of the United States. With a mix of conservative, liberal and swing states, the Midwest is a critical battleground in national elections. States like Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio are particularly important during presidential campaigns, as they often determine the outcome of elections.

Historically, the working-class population and its dependence on industries that federal policy influences have shaped the region’s politics.

The Midwest is geographically diverse, encompassing the Great Plains, rolling hills, forests and the Ohio River Valley. States like North Dakota and South Dakota have wide-open prairies, while others, like Minnesota, boast thousands of lakes.

The Midwest is also home to the tallest man-made monument in the U.S.: the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. The region’s rivers, including the Mississippi and Missouri, have historically served as lifelines for transportation and trade.

The Midwest region is known for its friendly people, iconic food (hello, deep-dish pizza!) and cultural contributions. It's home to major sports teams, world-class museums, and some of the nation's most prestigious universities.

The region is also famous for its rich agricultural heritage, manufacturing legacy and its role as the crossroads of America. And let's not forget landmarks like Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, the Mall of America in Minnesota and Chicago's skyline.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.