Urban Sprawl

Memphis

Initial growth was slow, but by the 1850s, thriving river commerce transformed it into a fast-growing city.

Memphis

The city rebounded, as cotton and lumber industries grew and new railroad lines and bridges extended its trade area.

Memphis

overdevelopment caused a collapse in the real estate market and decay of the city center.

Memphis

Other problems include housing shortages, residential segregation, and strained city services.

Las Vegas

First settled in the late 1800’s when it became a stopping point between Salt Lake City and Los Angeles.

Las Vegas

Gambling, legalized in the 1930s, cheap electricity, and proximity to southern California’s growing population fostered a tourist driven economy.

Las Vegas

This rapid expansion has stressed urban infrastructure. New power sources were needed to meet growing energy demands. The expansion of roads creates flooding during thunderstorms. Water use has lowered the region’s aquifer and the Colorado River is an unreliable source of water because its use is already heavily committed to other states and Mexico.

Houston

grew as a commercial center, servicing rural communities that specialized in forestry and agriculture.

Houston

By 1930 the city was an industrial center thanks to Gulf coast petroleum resources and the development of the port.

Houston

The city’s continued growth has, however cause regional problems including water and air pollution, waste disposal, ground sinking from extensive ground water pumping, flooding because of increased runoff from urban surfaces

Houston

Population 2 million to 3.4 million

Las Vegas

Population 270,000 to 750,000

Memphis

Population 800,000 to 950,000