States … Alaska Joined the union together with Hawaii in 1959. Known as the land of snow and ice. People go there on cruises to see whales and icebergs.
Minnesota
In north of the US, industrial and farming area, production of milk
Texas
Large state in south of US, long border with Mexico, Important center of oil and gas industry, also cattle and crop farming Became part of US in 1845, people are proud of their state Association with Cowboys, Bush’s home
Florida South eastern state of US, Sunshine State: known for having warm weather all year, many people move there in retirement
California
South western state of US, next to Pacific Ocean Main cities: San Francisco, Los Angeles Assoziation: Disneyland, Hollywood, beaches, warm weather
Regions … Everglades
Area of low, wet and warm land in Florida, National park, famous for special plants, animals (esp. alligators!)
Hollywood Area of L.A. Center of US film industry since before WWI, Many VIP live there ( Beverly Hills)
Grand Canyon Very large and deep gorge (=steep-sided valley, cut by river) In state Arizona, national park
Disneyland
Large park with amusements, rides, shops, restaurants, hotels.
Niagara Falls Two waterfalls, very large, at border to Canada, used to produce electricity, may freeze in winter
Mississippi River
Longest river in the US, 2350 miles long, flows from Minnesota to Gulf of Mexico
The Great Lakes Group of 5 lakes along border between US and Canada. Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, LakeErie, Lake Ontario connected to form St. Lawrence Seaway
Cities... San Francisco
City and port in California, Known to be very beautiful city. Built on hills next to a bay Famous areas: Chinatown, Golden Gate Bridge, prison island of Alcatraz Known for cable cars Almost destroyed by earthquake in 1906. Silicon Valley close: center of the computer industry
Golden Gate Bridge
Crosses Golden Gate in San Francisco Bay, symbol for San Francisco
New Orleans
Large city in Louisiana with huge port in Mississippi River, famous for historical Old Town 'French Quarter, called the cradle of Jazz, feared hurrican on 1st Sept08, destroyed by hurrican in 2005
Las Vegas City in the desert of state Nevada Known for its casinos (i.e. Luxor, Caesar’s Palace) Popular place for people to spend their honeymoon or marry
Washington DC (capital) ‚the District of Columbia’ (it governs itself, not contained in states) many government buildings: White House, Capitol, Supreme Court
The WhiteHouse
Official home of the president
New York (biggest city) 5 boroughs: Manhattan, Brocklyn, Richmond, Bronx, Queens 8.2 mio inhabitants
→ Statue of Liberty Situated on Liberty Island, given to US by France in 1884, to celebrate American and French Revolution. Represents freedom. Words: Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" —Emma Lazarus, 1883
→ Rhode Island Smallest of the US States, one of the 13 original states, named after its red soil, city Providence founded by Roger Williams in 1636
→ Manhatten
Island and borough of N.Y. city, between Hudson River and East River. Business (Wall Street) and cultural centre. Fifth Avenue (expensive shops, department stores) Broadway (many theatres) Harlem (poor area with cheap houses and apartments) ‚big apple’, city that never sleeps
→ Empire State Building
To be found in N.Y., famous, very tall office building with 102 floors, Built in 1931, for many years tallest building in the world
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Times Square
Large square in N.Y. city, close to many theatres, New Year’s Eve celebrations
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World Trade Center
Group of buildings in Manhattan, included two very tall skyscrapers, destroyed on 11Sept01 by terrorists flying planes into it. More than 3000 people died.
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Central Park
Main city park in N.Y., popular during day but considered dangerous at night
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Greenwich Village Area of N.Y. city, home for many artists, esp. of those who are young and reject common standards of society, Fashionable place, many homosexuals
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Madison Square Garden
Place in N.Y. city where concerts and sports events, especially boxing matches, are held, Very large crowds of people may attend