1. The 5 Major Geographic Regions of Pennsylvania

2. The Atlantic Coastal Plain Region
Very Narrow and Flat
Southeastern Tip of Pa along the Delaware River
First part of our state to be settled
Location of Pa’s first industries and farms
Climate is the mildest part of the state
This provides a longer growing season before the first frost

3. The Piedmont Region Most of the Southeastern part of the state
Piedmont is French for “the foot of the mountains”
Contains rich limestone soil for excellent farming
Also contains a large amount of iron ore
Many immigrants found this region to be second to none

4. The Ridge and Valley Region
Very large region that includes about one third of the state
This region is mostly made up by the Appalachian Mountains
The most important feature in this region is The Great Valley
The Great Valley was formed by wind and rain and is excellent for farming

5. The Allegheny Plateau Region
This is the largest region in the state
Comprised mostly of rolling hills, valleys and streams
The region also contains the states highest point. Mount Davis 3,213 feet above sea level
Iron ore, soft coal, oil and gas helped this part of the state to become a great industrial area
It also contains the center of the states lumber industry

6. The Erie Plain Region This region is very narrow and fertile
It extends a few miles inland along the shore of Lake Erie
The Erie Plain land has rich fertile soil
Today the region contains vineyards, orchards and farmland
The region also has a mild climate