Rust Belt facts for kids

Map showing the location of the Rust Belt in the United States

The Rust Belt refers to an area of the north central United States. The area is mostly the states near the Great Lakes. This area was once known for steel production and heavy industry. That industry has greatly decreased since the middle of the 20th century. Much of this decrease is because of the United States using manufacturers from other countries.

Most Rust Belt cities, for example, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Youngstown, Ohio, have had very large decrease in population since the 1950s and 1960s.

"Rust Belt" cities include:

• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Erie, Pennsylvania
• Youngstown, Ohio
• Canton, Ohio
• Steubenville, Ohio
• Gary, Indiana
• Flint, Michigan

Images for kids

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  The Great Lakes megalopolis (shown in orange) is associated with the Rust Belt.

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  Allentown, Pennsylvania in the U.S. Rust Belt, May 2010

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  Sectors of the US Economy as percent of GDP 1947–2009.

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  Deteriorating U.S. net international investment position (N.I.I.P.) has caused concern among economists over the effects of outsourcing and high U.S. trade deficits over the long-run.

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  The Bethlehem Steel plant in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania was one of the world's largest steel manufacturers for most of the 20th century. It suspended most of its operations in 1982 and declared bankruptcy in 2001. Its Bethlehem-based blast furnaces remain intact, but part of the property was sold in 2007 and turned into the Wind Creek Bethlehem resort and casino.

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  A disused grain elevator in Buffalo, New York

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  An abandoned Fisher auto body plant in Detroit

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  The Huber Breaker in Ashley, Pennsylvania was one of the largest anthracite coal breakers in North America. It was built in the 1930s and closed in the 1970s.

See also

In Spanish: Rust Belt para niños