the South: Quick Facts

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Last updated

Nov. 11, 2026

News •

Black Southerners Voted at Unusually High Levels — and They Voted for Democrats • Nov. 5, 2026, 3:33 PM ET (New York Times)

A group of former Freedom Riders is encouraging young voters in the South • Oct. 27, 2026, 4:15 PM ET (NPR)

Who won Michelin stars in Nashville? See the 2026 results • Oct. 22, 2026, 12:06 AM ET (The Tennessean)

Photos and Videos

Pinnacle Overlook in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Cotton Pressing in Louisiana

Map showing the Tennessee Valley Authority region, with an orange-shaded area representing the Tennessee River watershed spanning parts of Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia. A red outline marks the broader area served by TVA power, including major cities and dam locations.

Regional map of the Deep South in the United States, highlighting the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and parts of Arkansas, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The map shows major cities, state capitals, rivers, lakes, and physical features such as the Mississippi Delta, Appalachian Mountains, and swamps like the Okefenokee and Atchafalaya. Insets indicate the region's location within the continental United States.

Map of the Upper South region of the United States, highlighting states including Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and parts of surrounding states. The map shows major physical features such as the Appalachian Mountains, Blue Ridge, Cumberland Plateau, major rivers, and lakes, along with the locations of national and state capitals and numerous cities.

Historical map of the southern United States showing county-level voting results on secession from the Union in 1860-1861. Counties are color-coded: orange for secession, purple against secession, pink for divided delegations, and green for no returns. State boundaries and dates of secession are labeled, with dashed lines marking Union-Confederacy boundaries.

Tour the U.S. Southeast region and learn about its warm climate, landforms, and water features

Study the settlement of the American South and the evolution of music in the region from gospel to country

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