The Rocky Mountains
The Rocky Mountains are a major mountain range stretching through western North America, known for their dramatic peaks, extensive national parks, and significant role in shaping the American West.
Stretching from Canada down through the United States, this rugged mountain range has served for centuries as both a formidable natural barrier and a defining symbol of the American frontier.
A Continental Divide
The Rocky Mountains form the Continental Divide of North America, determining whether rivers flow toward the Pacific or Atlantic Ocean, and stretch from Canada down through the western United States.
Extensive National Parks
The range is home to numerous celebrated national parks, including Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain National Park, protecting significant wilderness areas and diverse wildlife populations.
A Symbol of the American Frontier
The Rocky Mountains played a central role in 19th-century American westward expansion, serving as both an obstacle and a defining backdrop for pioneers, fur trappers, and later settlers.
Rich Mineral History
The range's mineral wealth, including gold and silver deposits, fueled significant mining booms throughout the 19th century that helped drive settlement and development across the American West.
