222
Modern Business Geography
B. What positions cause the greatest growth of cities.
1. From Table 5 (page 330) make a list of the twenty-five largest cities of
the United States. Check those that have been mentioned in this chap-
ter as transportation centers. On an outline map put a small figure
for each, to show its rank in population.
Classify the twenty-five cities as seaports, lake ports, or river ports. Frame
a statement to show the sort of locations where transportation has most
effect on the growth of cities.
Let each member choose the city in the United States that most interests
him and report on it to the class. (See Representative Cities, by Caroline
Hotchkiss.)
Other ports on the Atlantic coast.
Some of the seaports of second rank on the Atlantic coast are:
(a) Portland, Maine (d) New Haven (9) Savannah
(b) New Bedford (e) Washington (h) Miami
‘c) Providence (f) Charleston (1) Mobile
Which of these are located (a) on harbors formed by submergence of the
coast; (b) at the mouths of important rivers? Which are the terminals
of railroads that run far inland without encountering rugged relief?
Decide which of these cities have been hampered by the following condi-
tions: (a) small size of hinterland; (b) scanty population of hinterland ;
(c) limited production of hinterland ; (d) slight depth of harbor; (e) com-
petition with neighboring cities having better harbors or easier routes to
the interior.
Find what each city is distinguished for and what are its chief exports and
imports.
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Other ports on the Pacific coast.
On the Pacific coast, what seaports not previously mentioned have a popu-
lation of more than 75,000?
Explain how a city may start with an inland position but ultimately raise
itself to great importance as a port. To what city on the Pacific coast
does this apply? What has it done to make itself a great port?
Los Angeles ships from its harbor a huge fonnage of goods, — more than
any other city in the United States except New York. Nevertheless, the
value of its foreign trade is not much more than half that of Baltimore's.
How do you reconcile these facts? (Pages 129, 131.)
What Pacific ports are especially important in the lumber and grain trades?
River cities of the United States.
Make a list of all the cities of more than 100,000 inhabitants that are lo-
cated on navigable rivers in the United States. Check those already dis-
cussed in this chapter or in the exercises. Which ones are (a) at the mouths
of rivers; (b) at the highest point to which ocean steamers can ascend :
(c) at or near the junctions of navigable rivers?
How do the cities on the Mississippi and its branches compare with the
other river cities in number and size?