entertainment, and business. Now think about how it would be different if the city was on an
island or on the coast. There are many different cities around the world which have various
geographic, financial, and social characteristics that affect their lifestyles. Out of a harbor,
island, and fall line, a harbor site is the best place to build a city. Many diverse points show the
differences and similarities between these three sites and support the ideal that harbor sites are
the best place to live.
Melbourne, Australia is a harbor site with a strong economy and a huge port. Melbourne
began as groups of tents and huts by the port. In the 1850’s, the construction of stone and brick
buildings began in the downtown core. Throughout the year 1940 to 1971, there was a great
migration to Melbourne, and in the 2000’s, the city entered a period of economic growth. I fever
attacked, Melbourne cannot be completely surrounded and can requisition troops from inland to
defend the city. As for transport, the Frankston and Werribee railway lines and various highways
allow for easy transport of goods. The Melbourne Port has many places where freight ships can
easily dock and unload products and goods as well. Melbourne has numerous natural resources
such as freshwater, produce, gold, brown coal, and oil. It also has ten water reservoirs that lie
on the outskirts of the metropolitan area. The North-South pipeline provides water for Melbourne
in time of critical need. The city has a clustered settlement pattern, which means the buildings
are usually centered on a landmark such as a port or a town square and have no planned
structure.
A fall line is where a river meets a waterfall. Richmond, Virginia is a fall line site with
beautiful forests and winding roads. It was established as a city in 1830. After the Revolutionary
War, George Washington helped build the James River Canal and the Kanawha Canal to
bypass rapids near the waterfall. From 1963 to 1965, seven hundred buildings were constructed
in the downtown area, and the population grew swiftly. In 1995, a flood wall was built to provide
protection to the city as a precaution for flash floods. During an attack, the James River was too
narrow and rough for battle ships to navigate and they were not able to access the canals built
for transport of goods. There are many interstates and railways branching out from the city as
well. Richmond’s’ major natural resources include oysters, uranium, produce and livestock. The
settlements are clustered in the downtown area. However, settlements in rural areas are more
linear (built along a river or highway), built along the tributaries from the James River.
Venice, Italy is an island site known for its numerous canals and waterways. Venice has
a rich history including art, architecture, and the growth of its economy. Since the city was built
long before anyone settled in North America or Australia, Venice has a stronger foundation that
continues to develop and grow. Some contemporary developments have aided the city in
becoming more productive, such as building a more industrial and tourism-oriented city in the
one hundred years by using the canals and architecture to their advantage. Also, there are
some areas in Venice such as Castello, which is the home of Venice’s shipyards, and Giudecca
which mostly has factories and mills. Due to its island situation, Venice is vulnerable to attack
from all sides. On the contrary, they can also see if anything is approaching them. For transport,
there are many canals as well as a few tunnels leading back to the mainland. Unfortunately,
Venice is located in a lagoon, eliminating the possibility of harvesting any natural resources.
Instead, they have to be shipped in