The historical region generally encompassing the lands north and west of the Ohio River, east of the Mississippi River, and south of the Great Lakes is referred to as the area that would eventually become states like Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. This territory played a significant role in the early expansion and development of the United States. Its governance was initially defined by the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which established a method for admitting new states and prohibited slavery in the territory, setting a precedent for future westward expansion.
The importance of this region lies in its strategic location and abundant natural resources. Control over the territory was crucial for securing trade routes and access to fertile land, which fueled agricultural growth and economic prosperity. The Northwest Ordinance also proved pivotal, establishing principles of self-government, public education, and the prohibition of slavery, shaping the social and political landscape of the developing nation and influencing the trajectory of the slavery debate leading up to the Civil War.
