Top 10 Most Important U.S. States
California is a state in the Southwestern United States. With 39.6 million residents across a total area of about 163,696 square miles (423,970 square kilometers), California is the most populous U.S. state and the third-largest by area. The state capital is Sacramento, and the largest city is Los Angeles... read more If California secedes, it would hurt America more than it would hurt California. California contributes significantly to the federal government, yet it isn't very dependent on federal resources. America relies heavily on its agriculture, leading to increased prices for fruits, vegetables, dairy, wine, and nuts.
Major companies such as Google, Apple, and Disney are based in California, and if they remained there post-secession, America would suffer significantly. Furthermore, Hollywood is integral to American culture. Losing California would mean losing a major part of America's identity.
The primary challenges for California would be the increased cost of water supply and a decrease in tourism. Currently, 20% of tourists in California are from other American states. With potential backlash from secession, tourism could see a significant decline. Despite these challenges, California's strength and independence, coupled with its diverse population, underscore its resilience.
New York is a state located in the Mid-Atlantic Region. New York was one of the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States. With an estimated 19.54 million residents in 2018, it is the fourth most populous state. In order to distinguish the state from the city with the same name, it is... read more New York is arguably the center of the world. From the Revolutionary War and even before, New York has been the center of trade and mixing of culture. The Dutch, Swedish, and English coexisted around New York, and the Founding Fathers originally worked from NYC. The Erie Canal was mostly in New York, and it was a major mode of transportation.
The steamboat was originally developed in New York. NYC has all the banks and is the center of the financial world. Many immigrants are in the USA, bringing the culture of the world together and mixing in a bit of our own, and New York especially does this.
Texas is a state in the Southern USA. It is the second largest by area and population. Its largest city is Houston. Everyone just needs to know that Texas has, by far, the most history of any state. Without Texas, the USA would probably not be as awesome as it is now. All the states are important, but without Texas, California, which the creator listed as number one, would just be a state with very few oil and gas resources, which I think every state needs.
Also, don't forget about Houston, and the state capital, Austin. Dallas, San Antonio, and Fort Worth are also big cities. El Paso is notable for its sandy spots in the desert. Corpus Christi and Galveston are near the Gulf of Mexico. Beyond these cool cities, Texas has a famous desert and low prices so you can have a good life. The schools are nice too, so you and your family can have the best life here in Texas. So, you should know by now that Texas is by far the most important state.
Pennsylvania, officially the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is a state located in the northern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. Historically, Pennsylvania has played a pivotal role in almost every aspect of the United States. The state was instrumental in the birth of the nation, being home to its first capital. The signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution took place in Philadelphia. The War of 1812 occurred off the coast, and the natural harbor in Erie, Pennsylvania, provided a strategic barrier between Canada and the US. Pennsylvania was a key player in the Civil War, marking the turning tide of the conflict and repelling the Confederacy. It was also where the first Slave Abolition Act was signed. Oil was first discovered in Northwest Pennsylvania, and the state was the birthplace of the steel industry that built the infrastructure for other cities.
Additionally, Pennsylvania is home to over 21 Fortune 500 companies. In terms of education, the state boasts highly regarded universities and colleges, such as the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon, among others.
Pennsylvania also holds a pivotal role in the political field, with 21 electoral votes. This is the second-most in the Northeast and the fourth-most in the USA as a whole.
Virginia, officially the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a state located in the South Atlantic region of the United States. Historically, it's the most important state. Today, it's critically important for a number of reasons, including that almost all internet traffic travels through the state. It houses the Pentagon, Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the CIA, and many other government offices. Norfolk is the world's largest naval base and home to more than half of the U.S. carrier fleet. Additionally, it's considered the most beautiful state.
American History Enthusiasts - Read your history and Constitution.
Virginia was crucial to both the beginning and end of the Civil War. It was the site of the first English colony and played a pivotal role in the conclusion of the Revolutionary War. Richmond served as the capital of a country, albeit the Confederacy, for four years.
Without Virginia, figures like Washington, Jefferson, Monroe, Madison, and Lee would be absent from our history. One might wonder if the United States would even exist without these influential men.
Virginia is home to significant naval bases and boasts two of the wealthiest counties in the country, possibly even the world: Loudoun and Fairfax. The median family income in Loudoun County was last reported to be over $120,000, making it the county with the highest median family income in the U.S. This fact certainly outshines Maryland.
Incorporating West Virginia, which is gradually embodying the traditions of "Old Virginia," thanks to Northern Virginia's influence, only adds to the state's prestige. I could delve into their shared history, but that would make Virginia's case too strong, especially compared to states like Mississippi. However, Massachusetts, you're acknowledged as a close second.
Virginia's appeal might even extend to feminists, considering the symbolism of our state flag as an embodiment of feminism or reparative justice.
Why is there even a debate? Virginia should unequivocally be ranked number one.
Florida is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. Florida is the southeasternmost U.S. state, with the Atlantic on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. Florida is a very important state in my opinion, as it has four major cities. Dare I say, Florida should at least be fourth, as it is also home to the Kennedy Space Center and has a GDP around the same as Texas, mostly from farming and tourism. This means it has a lot less pollution than most U.S. states. It also has been turning green in recent years, and the GDP is still going up!
Florida should have a higher rank than Pennsylvania. It has so much more cultural diversity, agriculture, unique landscapes (Everglades), big cities, and top colleges in the country. Plus, it contains the country's oldest city: St. Augustine.
Massachusetts, officially the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is the most populous state in the New England part of the northeastern region of the United States. This state has quite possibly the most important historic influence, as well as an incredibly strong presence in the fields of education, medicine and science, finance, entrepreneurship, military, technology, and various industries. In some cases, it has the strongest presence. Massachusetts is also a leader in social movements towards a freer America and is the home to several ideas that sparked social change. For example, it was the first state to legalize gay marriage.
We also have some of the strongest state pride (I am an example), and our leadership is strong. For example, Menino was the mayor of Boston for life, and Walsh probably will be too. Great state and go Sox!
Illinois is a state in the midwestern region of the United States. It is the 5th most populous state and 25th largest state in terms of land area, and is often noted as a microcosm of the entire country. I live in Illinois. Illinois is number one in selling our pumpkins, and we are not affected by things much. We hardly have any natural disasters and we are usually friendly. Plus, half of our food comes from hand-grown farms. We have the freshest water, the most food, and we know how to survive.
Illinois has produced some of the world's most commonly used items out of the World Fair, including the zipper!
They have great colleges and historical sites there. Go Abraham Lincoln!
Ohio is a state in the midwestern region of the United States. Ohio is the 34th largest by area, the 7th most populous, and the 10th most densely populated of the 50 United States. Produced the most steel, tires, glass, inventors, astronauts (as well as flight), presidents (7 presidents, tied with Virginia), important generals (Grant, Sheridan, Sherman).
The state of Ohio has been the "deciding" state for quite a long time, which means they have power over whether the state goes for the Democratic or the Republican Party. Plus, most astronauts have come from Ohio.
Ummm... without Ohio's inventors, there would be no light, no football, and no planes. As for history, let's not forget 8 presidents, the first man on the moon, oh, and Jesse James.
Maryland is a state located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. Maryland has one of the most influential roles in U.S. history. Not only is it the land that birthed the most powerful city in the world, but Maryland has also had a major influence throughout the Civil War, the Cold War, and the civil rights movement. Baltimore was the wealthiest black majority city in the country for most of U.S. history. It was also where the national anthem was written and the largest port in the country before New York took over.
Now, Maryland is the richest state in the Union and also one of the most educated. NASA's first location is in Maryland, and it is now still its most important research center. Maryland's public schools are also ranked the best in the country, with the top 5 in the country all located in Maryland.
There are so many reasons, but it would take forever to list them all.
New Jersey is a state in the northeastern and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. It is bordered on the north and east by New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania, and on the southwest by Delaware. New Jersey provides residency for two of the nation's largest cities. The Port of Elizabeth, major railroad services, major highways, and one of the busiest airports (Newark) all converge in North Jersey. Culturally, New Jersey has produced incredible talents including Bruce Springsteen, Frank Sinatra, Danny DeVito, Whitney Houston, and many countless others.
Historically, New Jersey was an important battleground during the Revolutionary War. Besides all the above, it's the most ethnically and culturally diverse epicenter in the US outside of NYC. It's the most densely populated state because people love it so much.
Washington is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States located north of Oregon, west of Idaho, and south of the Canadian province of British Columbia on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. It is the only state named after a president. Washington is becoming more and more the gateway to Asia, which is emerging as an important block of countries in world economics. The natural beauty of the state, temperate weather, diversity, and great companies -- Microsoft, Nordstrom, Starbucks, Boeing, Costco, Amazon, Weyerhaeuser, REI, and Westin Hotels & Resorts -- are making it a great place to live, work, and innovate. The state university system is also a great value-add to the educational system. With all of this, there is so much migration movement toward the great state of Washington.
New Hampshire is a beautiful state. I have been living here and everything is fantastic, especially the people. It is important both politically and historically.
New Hampshire is very diverse politically. In the southeast, you have conservative people, but in Manchester, you have liberal people. We have great senators and a great governor. Historically, it was one of the 13 colonies. Despite how small our state is, we have had many important historic figures, such as Levi Woodbury and perhaps Franklin Pierce. It has the lowest poverty ratings now. You should visit the state.
Nevada is a state in the Western, Mountain West, and Southwestern regions of the United States of America. Massively important for the American tourism industry thanks to Las Vegas and Reno. Additionally, 78% of the U.S.' gold is mined in Nevada. That's 5.4% of global gold production from one state! The Hoover Dam is also an important structure in Nevada. And let's not get started on Area 51.
Louisiana is a very important, if not the most important state in the U.S. Without this state, the U.S. would not have bought the Louisiana Purchase, and our country would never have been able to expand past the Mississippi River. Louisiana is also a leader in lumber, fur, and minerals such as oil, natural gas, salt, and sulfur.
We have possibly the largest port in the country and hold many world records, such as the tallest state capitol building and the world's second-longest bridge. We are also known for Mardi Gras, our giant wetlands, jazz, and many other things. Louisiana is the best state ever!
Delaware is one of the Mid-Atlantic states located in the Northeast megalopolis region of the United States. Delaware was one of the 13 colonies participating in the American Revolution and, on December 7, 1787, became the first state to ratify the Constitution of the United States, thereby becoming known as The First State. Delaware has tax-free shopping. That means 99-cent stores are for real! The University of Delaware was the first college in America to have a study abroad program. They went to France in 1923 by boat. In your face, World War I!
So the next time someone asks you... "Dela where?" You can be like, "DelaRightHere!"
Minnesota is a state in the Midwestern United States. Minnesota was admitted as the 32nd state on May 11, 1858, created from the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory. Minnesota should definitely be near the top because of its iron production, along with being one of the most important agricultural states. It is also the foundation for the US healthcare industry with the Mayo Clinic and United Healthcare. It has many more Fortune 500 companies than a state of its size should have, and the Minneapolis area is the largest and most important city for hundreds of miles in every direction and the capital of the north.
The first hospital I worked in was in Baudette, Minnesota. Many important figures like Walter Mondale, Hubert Humphrey, and Eugene McCarthy were from there, and it's DAMN COLD.
Arizona is a U.S. state in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the Western and the Mountain states.
North Carolina is a state in the southeastern region of the United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west, Virginia to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. North Carolina has invented tons of things that are popular today. Some examples include Cheerwine, Pepsi, Harris Teeter, Krispy Kreme, Slim Jim, and tobacco. We were also the first state visited by England. Therefore, if North Carolina wasn't here, the country known as the United States wouldn't be here either. We contributed some of the best soldiers in the Civil War and a lot of soldiers in World War II. We are home to an extremely large and important fort known as Fort Bragg.
We were also a very large port state in the U.S., and Wilmington was the key port city. North Carolina is also a very important state when it comes to trading goods and supplies. We were a key factor in the Civil War. We had Fort Fisher, which was a fort allowing brigade runners in for the Confederacy. When it fell, the Civil War was pretty much over.
It's also very cool to have both mountains and beaches in our state, and to be home to some of the best colleges and basketball teams in the U.S. Heck, we even have the Biltmore House, which is the largest privately owned property in the entire United States!
California can say they are the best and have valid arguments, but they lack something they can't live without: fresh water. If the Western states were not able to obtain fresh water from Michigan (and they do, just ask anyone who owns waterfront property on the Great Lakes), then they would be in huge trouble.
We also provide most of the nation's cereal. Both Post and Kellogg's are headquartered in Battle Creek. It's also a little-known fact that, next to California, Michigan produces the most diverse amount of agriculture. It produces more fruit than any other state. The Big Three car companies are all headquartered here as well.
Not to mention the presence of the University of Michigan, which is a well-respected university worldwide, not just nationally. Plus, there is a ridiculous amount of natural resources in the Upper Peninsula that have hardly been touched.
That's not even including the fact that Michigan built Chicago twice (get your act together, Illinois) with its vast forest supply. Take tourism into consideration, and you have a lot of reasons why Michigan is at least in the top 10 of the most important states in America.
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. There's a reason we were the only state on the East Coast to host the Olympics. Atlanta is the gateway to the South. Most musical legends and athletes come out of here. Home of the DAB!
Georgia is the state for travel and transportation. It's the hub of the South.
Atlanta (duh). World's busiest airport (Hartsfield-Jackson). 4th busiest port in the US (Savannah).
Colorado is a state in the United States encompassing most of the Southern Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains. Geographic diversity, including some of the highest mountains in North America, the presence of microclimates allowing a variety of economic and recreational activities at a given time, a large area, a greater than average population, relatively high GDP, a strong federal and military presence including the US Mint and US Air Force Academy, cannabis legalization, and a sweet flag. Too many reasons to mention.
Colorado is home to the Colorado River that Las Vegas and Southern California owe their very beings to. Also, the Rio Grande starts in Colorado and feeds Albuquerque, a lot of New Mexico's population, and Texas and Mexico.
Hawaii is the 50th and most recent state of the United States of America, receiving statehood on August 21, 1959. The war stage of the Pacific, and an important stop for economic reasons.
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Oregon is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean, on the north by Washington, on the south by California, on the east by Idaho, and on the southeast by Nevada. A beautiful state that contributes things such as Nike, also having historical importance with things such as the Oregon Trail.
Beautiful nature and one of the cleanest, greenest parts of the world!
Iowa is a U.S. state in the Midwestern United States, bordered by the Mississippi River on the east and the Missouri River and the Big Sioux River on the west.
Iowa is a strong Republican state with Constitutional Carry. Masks have never been mandatory and Iowa was never locked down. Iowa boasts the seventh-largest output of manufacturing and is the second-largest agricultural state. It ranks in the top ten for best education and is the second-largest renewable BTU (billion) producer. Additionally, it is home to Ashton Kutcher, John Wayne, Shawn Johnson, and Lolo Jones.
Progressive Iowa was the first state to allow men and women to go to college together, the first to legalize medical marijuana, and the site of the first mosque built. It was the third state to allow women to vote, the second to allow full gay marriage, and the U.S. Army held its first candidates class for African Americans in Des Moines, Iowa. So... now who do you choose?