Chapter Eight - The Great Lakes & Corn Belt

The Great Lakes and Corn Belt are the heartland of America, due to its central location in the United States.  This label is placed on this region, particularly the state of Ohio, due to the fact that it is "at the heart of it all" (being the United States).

The Great Lakes-Corn Belt region of the United States encompasses the areas adjacent to and south of the Great Lakes, as well as eight US states (Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Minnesota), and the southern portion of Ontario, Canada.  Because of this region's location, the area's economy is highly integrated and diverse.  

The Great Lakes-Corn Belt includes the region's largest city, Chicago, which is very similar to New York City.  Both are considered to be the metropolitan centers of their respective regions, with transportation connections extending to all over the world.  Chicago and New York City alike are influential global financial and commercial centers.  

Chicago

Like NYC, Chicago has many ethnic enclaves, including Little Italy and Chinatown, creating a diverse and unique living space.  

Little Italy, NYC

Works Cited - 

http://cascourses.uoregon.edu/geog471/pdfs/Topic12Greatlakescornbelt.pdf