The Southwestern United States, also known as the American Southwest or simply the Southwest, is a geographic and cultural region of the United States that includes Arizona and New Mexico, along with adjacent portions of California, Colorado, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah.

Southwest, region, southwestern United States, historically denoting several geographic areas in turn and changing over the years as the nation expanded. After the War of 1812, the Southwest generally meant Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana; after Texas was annexed, it, too, was included.

The American Southwest is rugged, beautiful, and filled with American History. It lures visitors with red-rock canyons, Old West legends, Spanish and Native American cultures, and wonderful national parks such as the Grand Canyon, Arches National Park, Big Bend National Park, and Carlsbad Caverns.

Discover the fascinating history of the American Southwest's desert regions, including the stories of early explorers, Native American tribes, gold rush boomtowns, and notable figures like Olive Oatman. Learn about the cultural and historical landmarks that define this unique landscape.

The Southwest has a special place in the American imagination – one filled with canyon lands, cacti, roadrunners, perpetual desert heat, a glaring sun, and the unfolding of history in places like Tombstone and Santa Fe.