Which term describes the vast lands between the Mississippi River and the Pacific Coast before 1860?

The term "Great American Desert" accurately reflects the perception of the vast arid region between the Mississippi River and the Pacific Coast prior to 1860. This area was characterized by its sparse population and harsh climate, leading many contemporary observers to label it as a desert, despite the fact that some regions were arable or suitable for grazing.

In the context of the time, the term was often used to emphasize the challenges faced by settlers and travelers in these lands. The Great American Desert was associated with a sense of desolation and difficulty in settling, contrasting sharply with the more fertile lands of the East. The perception of this region contributed to various migration patterns and the broader dialogues about westward expansion and land use in the United States during the 19th century.