There are a number of similarities between the Inland South and Washington state. For starters, there is a lot of rainfall throughout the whole area. This sometimes results in flash floods in the southern Appalachians where the mountains are steep. Because of the high rainfall, there are extremely thick forests that attracted Euro-Americans to settle here. Also much like Washington, commerical foresty is a significant contributor to to the local and regional economies (Hardwick et.al. 2008). The warm, humid climate allows for trees to grown almost out of control. Trees like pine and poplars are among the fastest growing trees in the region. These are harvested to produce paper, woodpulp and other products (Hardwick et. al. 2008). Along with foresty, the Inland South also must depend on raising livestock and growing crops. Farmers raise animals such as hogs, chickens and turkeys along with others. The farmers on the eastern side of washington grow pears and apples along with wheat.
Washington also has a unique connection to the Inland South; music origins. The Inland South is a popular region for country music. Country music has dominated the region and has been homes to many famous country artists. Many record label companies are established there as well as venues like The Grand Ole Opry. Washington state is said to be the origin of grunge music starting in the mid 1980's. This is do to the climate of the region; being a very gloomy and rainy place as are the song topics. This is where bands such as Nirvana, The Melvins, Soundgarden, and Green River originated (90's 411, 2013). Grunge is said to be the root of what is now alternative rock which changed music forever (90's 411, 2013).
Hardwick, Susan W., Shelley, Fred M., Holtgrieve, Donald G. The Geography of North America. Glenview, 2008. Print.
http://www.90s411.com/history-of-90s-grunge.html
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