| Age | Millions of years old |
| Terrain | Rugged, dramatic, with jagged peaks, steep rock faces, deep valleys, and rivers |
| Location | Western North America |
| Formation | Volcanic and tectonic activity |
| Resources | Valuable natural resources |
| Inhabitants | Indigenous groups, colonial powers (Russia, Hawaii, United States) competing for control |
The Rocky Mountains, commonly referred to as the Rockies, are a major mountain range located in western North America in this alternate timeline. Stretching from the Mexican Plateau in the south to the Arctic Ocean in the north, the Rockies are characterized by towering peaks, deep valleys, and a diverse array of natural resources that have played a crucial role in the region's history and development.
The Rocky Mountains of this timeline were formed by a complex interplay of volcanic and tectonic activity, resulting in a more geologically active and resource-rich range compared to our own. Ongoing volcanic eruptions from peaks like Mount Saint Helens, Mount Shasta, and Mount Rainier have repeatedly reshaped the landscape, while the uplifting of the mountains along major fault lines has exposed valuable mineral deposits.
In addition to its volcanic features, the Rockies are also defined by the remnants of massive inland seas that once covered large portions of the region. The desiccation of these prehistoric lake systems, such as the Western Interior Seaway and Lake Bonneville, has left behind fertile valleys, salt flats, and mineral-rich sediments that have supported human settlement and economic development.
The Rockies' natural resources have been a mainstay of the regional economy for centuries, with mining, agriculture, and energy production playing crucial roles. The mountains are a major producer of copper, gold, silver, and other valuable minerals, while the valleys and foothills support thriving agricultural sectors focused on crops like wheat, barley, and potatoes.
The lands encompassed by the Rocky Mountains have been home to diverse Native American tribes for thousands of years. Groups such as the Blackfeet, Crow, Cheyenne, and Ancestral Puebloans developed sophisticated cultures and economies adapted to the Rockies' unique environments, including extensive trading networks and complex systems of resource management.
European exploration of the Rockies began in the 18th century, with Spanish, French, and Russian traders and trappers establishing outposts and trading posts across the region. However, the mountains remained largely under indigenous control until the mid-19th century, when the United States and other colonial powers began to assert their dominance over the area.
Unlike in our timeline, the colonization and settlement of the Rocky Mountains followed a more gradual and chaotic path in this alternate reality. The western regions of the Rockies were first colonized by the Russian Empire, which established a series of forts and settlements in the Pacific Northwest, while the Kingdom of Hawaii exerted influence over the southwestern portions of the mountain range.
It wasn't until the late 19th century that the Rockies were fully integrated into the growing United States, with the admission of several new states, including Montana, Idaho, and Colorado. This later and more contested process of American expansion allowed indigenous groups and colonial powers to maintain a greater degree of autonomy and influence in the region compared to our timeline.
The legacy of this complex colonial history is reflected in the diverse cultural tapestry of the modern-day Rocky Mountains, where Russian, Hawaiian, Mexican, and other influences coexist alongside the various Native American tribes. This blend of traditions is evident in the region's architecture, cuisine, languages, and economic activities.
Today, the Rocky Mountains continue to play a vital role in the geography, ecology, and economy of western North America. Despite the challenges posed by natural disasters, resource extraction, and the ongoing impacts of climate change, the Rockies remain a rugged and invaluable landscape, providing essential resources, recreational opportunities, and a testament to the region's unique history and cultural diversity.
As the United States and the world continue to evolve, the Rockies stand as a enduring symbol of the power of place, the resilience of indigenous cultures, and the ability of a region to chart its own course, even in the face of dramatic change.
