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In the first map, I think we can all agree the "Metrolachia" is bs. I do like "Agrilachia" as a region. So often people think of Appalachia as coal fields and forest. It's good to ID the agricultural parts of the region.
I know the Appalachian Regional Commission extends into northeastern Mississippi, but how much of that area is really "Appalachia?" I haven't been to that area of MS before, but it doesn't seem, based on topography, that it's all that Appalachian.
Also, once the map gets north of the Potomac, there are many eastern counties that can't legitimately be considered part of Appalachia. Montgomery, Howard, Baltimore, Harford and Cecil counties in Maryland? Half of those counties are in (or at least partially in) the coastal plain. Montgomery County, PA? Fairfield and New Haven counties in CT? There are some small hills in some of these places, but they're "piedmont" at best.
The second map makes a little more sense, though I'd like to see it cover New England's Appalachian regions and it may dip a bit too far into Alabama. I know Tallapoosa and Elmore counties aren't quite Black Belt yet, but there's a southern Piedmont or space between Black Belt and Appalachia that these types of places would be classified in, IMO. I think Shelby County is really as far south as you can go with "Appalachia." The land starts to flatten out quite a bit south of Alabaster.
FWIW, I read long ago that the Appalachian Regional Commission was designated by Congress with considerable debate and gerrymandering and political favors extended, etc., etc. There were definite financial rewards to counties who were designated under the legislation.
The second one doesn't seem to extend far enough west in Alabama. It excludes Walker County, which is pretty rugged, known for coal mining, and full of poverty and drugs. Franklin County just above it is also a fairly rugged location, low population, poor, etc.
The first map is pretty fascinating. Apparently, I live in Yankeelachia as a nice chunk of DC-Baltimore is part of that subregion, which is interesting. It also has a couple of metro Atlanta counties in Dixielachia, including Gwinnett County, which is also interesting. I wouldn't extend the subregion that far south, but Cherokee County, where I used to live, is included and I agree with that.
It lumps Hartford, Fairfield, and New Haven counties in Connecticut into this category. Maybe one or two towns in those counties have an upcountry vibe, but the vast majority of residents in all three are urban/ suburban.
For Yankeelachia in Upstate NY, I'm surprised that they didn't just follow the Appalachian Plateau and consider anything from there down. With that said, I'm with the second map instead of the first map.
The first map was written by someone who doesn't know the area just wants a graphic for there cutsie names.
The 2nd map has some merit, but the "interior ridgelines" district should extend further southwest for a few more counties and "holler land" should include the upper cumberlands.
Holler land is the culture people think of as Appalachian, most of the "smokies" region is influenced by rich retirees.
Charlotte isn't in Appalachia at all. In the South, I'd be inclined to say Birmingham, which, incidentally, was historically called the Pittsburgh of the South.
Charlotte is Piedmont. Technically that's appalachia.
Location: Appalachian New York, Formerly Louisiana
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On the first map, what is the real difference between "Yankeelachia" and "Pennsylachia"? (Yes, I read the article) I like it though. Some interesting counties added that are often not. Plus attention to New England.
The second map I am not as keen on as it excludes some important counties in NY, such as Cattaraugus county (which is highly Appalachian).
Overall, two very interesting maps.
Edit: The comment "Don" left on the first article states that Appalachian culture is totally absent from "Yankeelachia". On the extremely thin chance they ever see this, I totally disagree.
That said, most non-coastal northeastern culture is an Appalachian culture. There's more than one. The northeast has very much been affected by its topography as its culture(s) evolved over time. That topography is the Appalachian mountains and foothills, ergo, it is an Appalachian culture. The south does not exclusively own cultural rights to the range.
Last edited by CookieSkoon; 04-07-2018 at 03:43 PM..
Can't say much for further east as I don't have a lot of experience out there, but I'm sure I'd probably make minor extensions there too.
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