The Mid Atlantic-- what is unique to it as a region? (houses, catholic schools)

[emotiioo]

I am always struck when I go south or north, or even west, that my beloved mid Atlantic region can seem a little bland. I am not trashing it or knocking it, but I am a bit sad that I can't think of a specific architectural flourish or cultural tradition that says "only in the mid Atlantic!" But maybe I am just having an off day.

So I ask you guys-- what is unique to the mid Atlantic region? Can you think of anything?

[OptimusPrime69]

I just lump the mid-Atlantic into the northeast generally. Particularly Philly and to a lesser extent DC. It's generally the same

[kyle19125]

American history comes to mind, the area is rife with it.

[phillyjawns]

I'm going to focus on Philly, but I think it'll make sense. The Continental Congress was held at Carpenters' Hall, and the State House, and eventually, the 1st U.S. Congress was held at Congress Hall (i.e. origin of our Declaration of Independence, and Constitution). This has earned Philly the title of the "Birthplace of America." Betsy Ross, who created the first American flag, was also a Philadelphian. There were also many important Revolutionary War battles fought in this area too. If you take some time to learn about our history, you'll see that there's plenty of culture here. Plus, cheesesteaks.

[annie_himself]

I always think of Maryland and crabs and fishing boats and Baltimore.

[BigCityDreamer]

Originally Posted by emotiioo

So I ask you guys-- what is unique to the mid Atlantic region? Can you think of anything?

Can you think of any other city quite like Washington DC?

Not really. Pretty unique, I'd say, given that it's been the seat of the U.S. government for the last 220 years.

[emotiioo]

Originally Posted by BigCityDreamer

Can you think of any other city quite like Washington DC?

Not really. Pretty unique, I'd say, given that it's been the seat of the U.S. government for the last 220 years.

Yeah, we have some great cities. I am thinking of REGIONAL things. Like for example, New England has lots of Cape Cod and saltbox style houses with cedar shakes and window boxes. I see one, and I think "New England" no matter where it is.

The Southwest has a lot of turquoise jewelry. My friend has a squash blossom necklace that she wears and every time I see it I think "New Mexico" even though she probably didn't get it in the Southwest.

And the Southeast? My goodness. Biscuits and gravy. Greek revival mansions. Red beans and rice. Just so many.

What does the mid Atlantic have?

[emotiioo]

Originally Posted by annie_himself

I always think of Maryland and crabs and fishing boats and Baltimore.

I am sad that you think about Baltimore....I kinda wish it would move itself to a different state...

Crabs and boats, yes. Old Bay seasoning is a Maryland thing, but I don't know if I think of it as a regional thing.

[calgirlinnc]

When I think "mid-Atlantic", I think Colonial history...Jamestown, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Alexandria, Mount Vernon, Monticello, Annapolis.

I think "tidewater" and the Chesapeake Bay...crab feasts and fishing.

I think Amish country.

Truly, the mid-Atlantic states seem to blend the best of New England and Southern stereotypes.

[qworldorder]

Originally Posted by emotiioo

Yeah, we have some great cities. I am thinking of REGIONAL things. Like for example, New England has lots of Cape Cod and saltbox style houses with cedar shakes and window boxes. I see one, and I think "New England" no matter where it is.

The Southwest has a lot of turquoise jewelry. My friend has a squash blossom necklace that she wears and every time I see it I think "New Mexico" even though she probably didn't get it in the Southwest.

And the Southeast? My goodness. Biscuits and gravy. Greek revival mansions. Red beans and rice. Just so many.

What does the mid Atlantic have?

Rowhouses. Scrapple. Crab cakes. Wawa. Lacrosse. Catholic schools and universities. The Mid Atlantic has tons of defining characteristics.