The Rocky Mountain Region

The Rocky Mountains contains some of the highest peaks in the United States. It extends approximately 200 miles from central New Mexico to northeastern British Columbia. Snow and rain falling on the west side of the divide will flow to the Pacific Ocean that runs along California coast. This snow that melts in the spring or summer provides water to rivers and streams that are near the Rocky Mountain region. "The Colorado, Snake, Missouri, and Arkansas rivers rise in the Rockies. Waterways that originate in the Rocky Mountains sustain massive desert communities outside the region such as Los Angeles"(Pearson). Many people around the nation are dependent on the water that flows from the Rocky Mountains. Water from the continental divides of the East side of the Rocky Mountains flows to the Atlantic Ocean which feeds the Colorado river. The Colorado River is Los Angeles primary source of water. The Colorado River is a vital link in sustaining the economy of Southern California -- water for irrigation, water for cities and hydroelectric power for both. Today it supplies about 65 percent -- and by the turn of the century, still as much as 55 percent. Southern California’s rights to Colorado River Water were thought to be solidified in the 1930s when a number of agencies signed water delivery contracts with the Secretary of the Interior. Contracts detailed the priorities, to use and store California's apportionment of river water.

The Great Plains

The Great Plains has experienced a variation of regional economies that has caused many residents to travel West to California. The Dust Bowl in the 1930's was concentrated in the Great Plains region. "Much of the region experienced one of the longest, most severe droughts in recorded history. Massive dust storms-their fury exacerbated by the absence of prairie grasses that held once stabilized the region's soil-wreaked havoc throughout the region" (Pearson). Massive dust storms swept through the region causing major ecological and agricultural damage. These intense storms often hindered visibility for a few feet. Damaging farms and crops, the Dust Bowl quickly decreased the population in the Great Plains. The severe conditions of the Dust Bowl in addition to the Great Depression forced many residents to migrate to California in search of better opportunities.

As described in The Geography of North America and from my personal experience reading the play "The Grapes of Wrath", this script outlines the hardship of families traveling across the country to the West in hope of jobs and survival. Many of these lower class families held behind their homes and suffered on their way to the West. In Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck focuses on a family who arrives to California; however, the dreams of a better life are shattered.

This phenomenal play is currently in theatre in Pasadena, California. last month I attended this show and I can honestly say I was blown away by the set and performance. It depicts the variety of lifestyles across the nation throughout the Dust Bowl and its economic, social and religious effect on citizens of America. Below I have attached a link to direct you to the theatre where purchase of tickets online is available.

This is a MUST SEE show!!

http://www.anoisewithin.org/play/the-grapes-of-wrath/