Introduction to AP Human Geography Site and Situation
- Slides: 31
Introduction to AP Human Geography Site and Situation Mr. Stepek
“Site and Situation” • site = what gives a location its distinctive character (land, labor and capital) (combines absolute location w/place characteristics) • situation = how the “site” factors give this location importance (what connections does it facilitate? what advantages does the site factor give? ) (relative location and movement) • London • Site: • island • North Atlantic • Thames River = estuary • Situation • protected from invasion • ideal for triangular trade • 1530 = 50, 000 • 1750 = 750, 000
New York City “Site and Situation” Site • island • large, natural, deep-water harbor • Atlantic coast
New York City “Site and Situation” Site Situation • island • ideal for shipping • large, natural, deep-water • docks numerous and protected harbor • connect to Europe • Atlantic coast • triangular trade
New York City “Site and Situation” Site • mouth of Hudson River
New York City “Site and Situation” Site • mouth of Hudson River Situation • connects to the interior • Erie Canal (1825) • before RRs • ship through Great Lakes • access to raw materials • center of commerce and trade • overtakes Philly as largest port
Chicago “Site and Situation” Mr. Stepek
SITE AND SITUATION • Site factors: • Chicago lies between two watersheds
Mississippi and Great Lakes Watersheds • Chicago was originally “desirable” as a portage site between two watersheds for travelers by canoe. • “Portage Park”
Chicago Portage
La. Salle, Joliet, Marquette etc.
Chicago: Site and Situation • Site factors: • Chicago is on the southern tip of Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes
Chicago’s role as coordinator of northsouth and east-west flows lumber traveled from north to south
Chicago’s role as coordinator of northsouth and east-west flows hardware had to be directed from east to west
Situation clue = “Player with Railroads” “Nation’s Freight Handler”
Early Railroad hub
Chicago: Site and Situation • Site factors: • Chicago is centrally located within the U. S.
Situation = Chicago is a major transportation hub
Situation = Chicago is the center of the catalog/mail order industry
Chicago: Site and Situation • Site Factors • Chicago is in the Midwest
Situation clue = “Stacker of Wheat”
Situation clue = “Stacker of Wheat”
Situation clue = “Hog Butcher to the World”
Situation = Major center of commodity exchanges
Chicago: Site and Situation • Site factors • Illinois has abundant coal fields. • Lake Superior has the Iron Range of Minnesota (1 st)
Chicago = “the City that Works”, “the City of Big Shoulders”, “Tool Maker” Situation = Chicago was a center of heavy industry!