Chapter 5: Gallup, a Pheripheral City of the Southwest.

the Atlantic Periphery of North America, as discussed in Chapter 5, was the first area settled by European immigrants. Before European settlement took place in the Atlantic periphery Native Americans inhabited the area, surviving mainly on the natural resources the land offered.  The economy of the Atlantic Periphery relies  heavily on its declining natural resources, and the political policies of neighboring cities such as those in Megalopolis . The isolation created by the region’s natural landscapes and climate has affected  its population growth and survival. A tertiary economic sector has developed in recent years. Tourism based on its scenic beauty, beaches and white winters have revived the area. The majority of tourists come from major, stronger economies in the east coast.

The city of Gallup and the rest of the Southwestern region of the United States, were originally  inhabited by Native American tribes. A high percentage of Native American descendents remain in the region. Gallup and the rest of the southwest region,  lack  natural resources because of its arid, rugged landscapes. Gallup,however, once enjoyed its rich coal deposits and natural gas, but currently  relies on tourism as its basic economic sector. Though, Gallup is located in the Colorado Plateau, it’s  geographical location has helped keep the city alive. Originally founded as  headquarters for the transatlantic rail route, historic Route 66 runs through the city bringing with it  tourists  and commerce. Could  Gallup be a peripheral city of the Southwest? Albuquerque is the largest city in the state as well as   Santa Fe, the state’s capital, are core cities with bigger economies, larger population and more political power

References:

1. Hardwick, S. W., F. M. Shelley, and D. G. Holtgrieve. The Geography of North America: Environment, Political Economy, and Culture. 2. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008. Print.