Is Pennsylvania Part of the Southern States?

While the question might seem straightforward, delving into the cultural and geographic history of Pennsylvania reveals more nuance. This article explores why Pennsylvania is not considered part of the Southern states.

Common Misconceptions about Pennsylvania's Classification

Often, people mistakenly believe that Pennsylvania is part of the Southern states. However, it is classified as a Mid-Atlantic state in the Northeastern region of the United States. The Southern states typically include states like Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia.

Cultural and Geographical Climates in Pennsylvania

While Pennsylvania does share some cultural and historical similarities with Southern states, its characteristics align more closely with the Northeastern states. The state's rich cultural and historical landscape makes it unique in several ways.

The Philadelphia/Eastern region of Pennsylvania feels much like New York, New Jersey, Delaware, DC, and Baltimore, which are all considered Mid-Atlantic states. The Northwest/Erie region, including Erie and the surrounding areas, shares many characteristics with the Midwest, especially Ohio and Michigan. The Pittsburgh area and the rest of the southwestern part of Pennsylvania feel more akin to West Virginia and Kentucky, with many residents even possessing southern accents.

The Impact of the Mason-Dixon Line

The Mason-Dixon line, a historical boundary that traditionally marks the border between the Northern and Southern states, serves as the Southern border of Pennsylvania and the Northern border of Maryland. Very few people today would even consider Maryland a Southern state. Pennsylvania even hosted the northernmost battle of the Civil War, the Battle of Gettysburg, located in southeastern Pennsylvania. This event brought a sense of division but not of Southern affiliation.

Personal Anecdotes and Cultural Nuances

To put the question to rest, a personal experience might serve as a brief but effective anecdote. A local from New England once referred to Pennsylvania as "kind of southern," a statement that was amusing to a native Pennsylvanian. However, it is more accurate to view Pennsylvania as a unique blend of several regional characteristics.

A more concrete example involves a visit to South Carolina. There, my friend's mother made a point to declare that "there's no such thing as a good Yankee," a statement that crystallizes the regional stereotypes and dispels any notion that Pennsylvania shares a strong connection with Southern states.

In conclusion, while Pennsylvania shares some elements with Southern states, it is best classified as a Mid-Atlantic state. Its diverse cultural and geographic features make it a unique region with characteristics that vary significantly across different areas within the state.