Geography as exploration and discovery

Abstract

Gold placers attracted initial Spanish settlement to the Antioquia highlands of northwest Colombia. Here there evolved a distinctive culture group, centering on Medellin, that in the nineteenth century fanned out to establish numerous pioneer fronts on Andean slopes. Change has been continuous. Recently Antioqueño colonization has been directed towards the northern tropical lowlands. Medellin, despite locational disadvantages, has become a major industrial center. Through example the author argues for the integrative values of area studies and the significance and rewards of field observation in geography.