Why Americans Call the Northeastern States the 'Midwest'

It might come as a surprise to many, but there is a common misconception among Americans regarding the geographical division of states in the United States. Frequently, the term 'Midwest' is used to refer to the northeastern states, specifically areas like New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, which are actually part of the Northeast. This article aims to clarify the geographical confusion and explain why the Northeast is not considered the Midwest, and why it is mistaken for it.

Defining the Midwest and the Northeast

First, let's define the Midwest and the Northeast. In fact, the Midwest, also known as the American Heartland, is generally considered the area between the East and the West, spanning between the Allegheny Mountains and the Great Plains. However, the Northeast, often equated with the term 'Midwest,' is a completely different region.

The Historical Context

The Northeast originated as the original 13 British colonies along the Atlantic coast. The lands west of the Appalachian Mountains were seen as the western frontier, largely inhabited by Native Americans and French settlers. During the 18th century, the northwest region—now known as the Midwest—consisted of states like Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio. These territories were officially organized in 1787 with the Northwest Ordinance, which laid down the groundwork for creating new states.

The Expansion of the United States

The United States underwent significant territorial expansion in the early 19th century. Historically, the Mississippi River marked the boundary between the East Coast and the new territories to the west. Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase in 1803 added Louisiana and other vast territories including parts of present-day Texas. After the Mexican War (1846-1848), a large swath of land, now called the American West, was acquired, which included states like California and New Mexico.

The Civil War and Beyond

During the Civil War, the Midwest, as we now know it, emerged, encompassing states west of the Mississippi River but not reaching the Rocky Mountains. The Midwest term came to be used to describe this region. Even though Ohio and Illinois, for instance, are geographically closer to the Atlantic states, they are often considered Midwest due to their historical and economic ties to agricultural and industrial growth.

The Misconception and Geographic Confusion

However, the term Midwest primarily refers to states such as Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and parts of Missouri and the Dakotas. It often excludes many northeastern states like Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania. Due to historical and cultural reasons, these northeastern states are sometimes mistakenly referred to as the Midwest, leading to confusion.

Conclusion

The Northeastern states, despite their sometimes mistaken association with the Midwest, have their unique geographical, historical, and cultural identities distinct from the Midwest. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate geographical and historical education in the United States. The Midwest, while geographically vast, does not include all of the northeastern states, and it's important to recognize and appreciate these regional differences.