The Western United States: A Geographical Reader

"The Western United States: A Geographical Reader" by Harold W. Fairbanks is an early 20th-century educational book that looks at the geography of the western United States. It focuses on the land's physical features and how they affected the area's settlement and growth. Designed for older elementary students, the book uses clear descriptions and personal stories to help readers understand geography. The book starts by talking about the Colorado River, explaining its geological past and how it dramatically changed over time; Fairbanks describes how the river came to be as the Rocky Mountains rose, mapping out its path and the difficulties it caused for early explorers. The book shows the river's awesome beauty and its wild nature, capturing why it was so mysterious for both Native Americans and European explorers. Fairbanks sets the scene for a thorough look at the West's geographical features demonstrating the connection between what people do and the environment around them.