Short answer: Is Pennsylvania in the Midwest?
No, Pennsylvania is not considered part of the Midwest region of the United States. It is located in the northeast region, along with states like New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
Debunking Misconceptions: How is Pennsylvania Classified Geographically?
Pennsylvania may be one of the most historic states in the United States, but when it comes to its geography, there are a lot of misconceptions that need to be debunked. From the sprawling metropolitan areas to the densely forested mountain regions, Pennsylvania is a state of incredible diversity – and yet many people still believe that it can be categorized as being located either in the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic regions.
To start, let’s examine these classifications and see how they apply to Pennsylvania – if at all. The Northeast region typically includes Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut & Rhode Island; while the Mid-Atlantic region includes New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. When we compare Pennsylvania with these states regarding their location on a U.S map., one might think that this state fits neatly into either category. However, geography is much more than just geological coordinates.
On closer inspection of maps and climatic patterns alone lets us know that Pennsylvania truly belongs neither in Northeast nor Mid-Atlantic division because those two regions have different climate zone categories which mark them separate. For instance: The majority of Maine is characterized by a humid continental climate with warm summers while Pennsylvania experiences three types of climates statewide: Humid Continental (most parts), Marine West Coast (Erie vicinity) and Subtropical (Philadelphia). Therefore identifying PA based on weather alone would deem nonsensical.
So where does Pennsylvania belong from geographical perspectives? The answer lies in understanding its various topographical features which define it starkly unique from other states.
Pennsylvania comprises six diverse geographical sections namely:
- The Atlantic Coastal Plain,
- The Ridge and Valley,
- The Appalachian Plateau,
- Interior Low Plateaus,
- Allegheny Mountains;
- and Pittsburgh/the Western Lowlands.
If you were to carve out each section from any map individually one would observe vastly different landforms terrain elevations rainfall pattern etc for each chunk!
Depending on the region, Pennsylvania can have flat, low-lying marshes with sandy beaches on its eastern shores to high mountain peaks out west clad in coniferous forests. Arthur Middlewood’s quote summarizes this dilemma “The more details we perceive, the more comprehensively we see and appreciate what is before us.”
Ultimately, one may conclude that Pennsylvanian cannot be classified purely on climatic and proximity classification alone. Yes! It may share some characteristics with states which fall under Northeast or Mid-Atlantic regions but it’s a common misconception leading people astray from understanding its true glory. Therefore, it’s smartest to look beyond them and into detailed topographical features the state offers. This wonderful state is truly deserving of careful attention from anyone looking to expand their geographical knowledge base.
Step-by-Step Analysis: Examining Why or Why Not Pennsylvania is Part of the Midwest Region
So let’s dive right in!
Firstly, we must establish what constitutes the “Midwest.” It is generally accepted that the Midwest region comprises 12 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. These states collectively share cultural ties with each other and have similar geographical features.
Now to examine whether Pennslyvania fits into this criteria. Geographically-speaking there are some similarities – Pennsylvania shares borders with three Midwestern states (Ohio to the west; West Virginia to the southwest; and Lake Erie-led Buffalo which technically overlaps Ohio but hints more towards Eastern US). Likewise when we take into account certain cultural factors such as prominent sport teams like Pittsburgh Penguins having rivalries with Detroit Red Wings from Michigan state certainly gives a slight indication towards regional identity .
However these links are relatively minor compared to the cultural differences separating Pennsylvania from other Midwest states. Historically speaking Pennsylvania served as one of America’s original Thirteen Colonies becoming widely known as an important trading hub due its strategic positioning between eastern seaports like New York City and Boston these played crucial roles in trade. Furthermore on closer observation- Philidelphia served as America’s political hub hosting both The Continental Congress met all over Philadelphian buildings until 1783,during which time they signed The Articles of Confederation signed in 1777 which legally established colonies autonomy paving way towards constitutional federalisation several years later.This historic context only further sets apart Pennsylvania from remaining Midwestern US neighbors who engage vastly within agriculture related fields.
In closing, while it is accurate to say Pennsylvania shares minor geographic and cultural similarities with the Midwest region, its historical and geopolitical weight coupled with major differences in national political importance and reliance on agricultural sectors signifies that Pennslyvania would be better recognised for its individuality rather than attaching a Midwestern tag along when one thinks of it.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Pennsylvania’s Classification as Midwest or East Coast
Pennsylvania is a state that has been classified as both Midwest and East Coast. This has led to confusion from individuals who are wondering where the state falls on the grand scheme of regional classification. Despite being one of the original 13 colonies, Pennsylvania’s location and cultural identity have caused many debates about which region it belongs to. In this blog post, we will explore some frequently asked questions about Pennsylvania’s classification as Midwest or East Coast.
1. Why do people classify Pennsylvania as Midwest?
One reason why people classify Pennsylvania as a Midwest state is its geographical location. It’s found close to the center of the United States and shares similarities with other Midwest states like Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. The flat lands of western Pennsylvania share a similar agricultural landscape with the neighboring Midwestern states; therefore it’s not uncommon for people to view it as more Midwest-leaning.
2. Why is Pennsylvania also considered an East Coast State?
Pennsylvania was one of America’s original thirteen colonies, establishing itself within several influential cities in early American history such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh on its eastern side, earning it a reputation as an important contributor to East-Coast liberal ideas such as being leaders in freedom laws and was an epicenter for revolutionary politics in America’s struggle for independence from Great Britain – hence another reason why the state could be viewed by others leaning toward more “east coast” influences.
3. What makes classification tricky?
Both sides have characteristics of their respective regions but that doesn’t necessarily make all parts fit neatly into one label or another. The Keystone State contains busy metropolitan areas such Philadelphia (eastern side) its largest city forming part-separate area referred to by locals ‘Philly’; while conversely across its width on its west-end lays Pittsburgh shared commonalities with urban areas known all too well that can be found scattered within many Midwestern states.
4. Does classifying really matter?
Some may argue that assigning labels only passively overlooks cultural identity of a particular region. Some of this argument stems from the notion that Pennsylvania is too diverse for any single classification to fit well.
In summary, although many people classify Pennsylvania as more East Coast because it played such an important role in American history and development, it also shares landscapes and socio-cultural similarities with Midwest states like Ohio, Indiana or Illinois. Regardless of how you choose to classify it however, one thing remains undeniable; Pennsylvania is home to some fantastic cheesesteaks!