Natural
Resources and Industry in the Southeast
Bodies of water are a natural resource in the Southeast region. The Chesapeake Bay has a lot of fish, shellfish, wildlife and birds. The Southeast coast has more seafood than anywhere else in the United States. Fish, Oysters, clams and shrimp are all products of the Southeast region. Another use for water is energy. Water from the Tennessee River is used to make electricity in Tennessee. The Tennessee River is
Cotton is another natural resource in this region. It is used in textile mills to manufacture fabrics for clothes. North Carolina has more textile mills than any other state in the Southeast. South Carolina and Georgia also have textile mills. The Southeast region has more textile mills than any other region in the United States.
Trees and tree products are another resource in the Southeast. Paper companies own tree farms. They grow pine trees to manufacture wood pulp and make paper. Pine is also used to make furniture. North Carolina is known as the Furniture Capital of the World. The Southeast region also manufactures cars, computer parts and machinery.
Coal mining is an important industry in the Southeast. The Appalachian Mountains contain a lot of coal. Kentucky produces more coal than any other state. Coal is used to create steel. Birmingham, Alabama is the steel center for the Southeast region. To make steel, manufacturers need coal, iron ore, and limestone. Zinc and gemstones are also mined in the Southeast region.
Petroleum is important to Southeast. Louisiana is the third largest producer of petroleum in the United States. Drilling for oil and natural gas is important to the petrochemical industry. Louisiana's petrochemical industry makes plastic goods, fertilizer, paint and much more.
Tourism is an important industry in the Southeast region. Tourist enjoy the warm weather and beaches. Tourism in Florida is a major industry.