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The upper south/deep south divide isn't what it used to be. There used to be a very stark contrast that manifested itself in economics, politics, segregation and infrastructure. But that was back when almost the entire south was rural. If you had to live in the south, and you weren't a fan of modern day feudalism, you would have wanted to live in the upper south, because things weren't so clannish and oppressive up there.
But today, it seems like there's more of an urban/rural divide that doesn't discriminate between north and south. I'd much rather live in Atlanta or Charleston than Southern Appalachia or Arkansas.
I've lived in Eastern, NC my entire life. You have beautiful mountains, beautiful beaches and flat land if that's your thing. I will always call this home.
I think it was Southernman that stated that the south starts when you see spanish moss in the oaks? I've seen quite a few properties with spanish moss in the trees around here. Especially around old farm plantations.
I love my deep southern Louisiana lifestyle.
If I had to live out of state though, I would prefer to move into the Appalachians somewhere or in southern Maryland, which is still very South.
In the early 20th century, you began seeing Upper South cities, with increasing industrial development (e.g., textile mills), surpass the Lower South cities in the coastal plain regions in population and importance as that region was more dependent on agrarian slave labor. However many Lower South (or Deep South) cities have since begun to come into their own once again, carving out unique niches based on their rich history and culture. The differences are rather interesting to note and I'm glad the South has both of these sorts of cities.
In the early 20th century, you began seeing Upper South cities, with increasing industrial development (e.g., textile mills), surpass the Lower South cities in the coastal plain regions in population and importance as that region was more dependent on agrarian slave labor. However many Lower South (or Deep South) cities have since begun to come into their own once again, carving out unique niches based on their rich history and culture. The differences are rather interesting to note and I'm glad the South has both of these sorts of cities.
You make a good point. A lot of southern cities in the deep south have come into their own in that they've actively marketed their southernness as a selling point as opposed to relying on other things. The state of Mississippi's travel website lists it's slogan as, "find your south." Whereas you don't typically see knoxville or roanoke or any other upland south marketing themselves as overly "southern." However you do see a lot of overtly "appalchian" marketing where I grew up in Southwest VA. The Virginia tourism website lists SWVA as the "Heart of Appalachia," and travel Appalachia's website has a big article on SWVA being the heart of appalachia. So they've definitely tried to sell it on that point as well. That being said I'm happy the south has such badass areas...it's nice to have all the diversity around and to not have to leave the cozy confines of dixie!
The historic springs of the Virginias were the favorite vacation destinations of the Deep South. It was at Old Sweet Springs and the Old White in Greenbrier County that a young Henry Clay discovered the mint julep and popularized the Virginia drink in DC and Kentucky. The springs are undoubtedly responsible for the spread of the julep in the deep south, as returning visitors brought it back with them
The historic springs of the Virginias were the favorite vacation destinations of the Deep South. It was at Old Sweet Springs and the Old White in Greenbrier County that a young Henry Clay discovered the mint julep and popularized the Virginia drink in DC and Kentucky. The springs are undoubtedly responsible for the spread of the julep in the deep south, as returning visitors brought it back with them
I agree. I have taken some heat for this in other forums but I truly believe that Virginia's culture is one of the most important for what we now regard as a southern identity. I know that a lot of people disagree with that but I just can't get over the fact that some people have the audacity to claim that va isn't southern anymore yet the state itself is responsible for a large portion of what we regard as uniquely southern traits and history. Obviously civil war with R.E. Lee and all the battles on VA's soil which obviously seems like stuff that is so far gone but also more current traits. Sweet Tea, Cotton, Tobacco farming, Plantation houses, the confederacy, mint juleps, country music, moonshine, nascar, etc...all these have very significant cultural ties to VA.
But that's all beside the point of what this thread is talking about. I obviously prefer the upper south, lol. But I still LOVE the deep south. Sometimes theres just nothing better than a trip to visit my uncle in Prattville, AL and a trip down to the gulf for some badass food and time at the beach. I love the mountains but the water ain't bad either.
When I was younger the deep south (gulf coast) was great, beaches, parties, shrimp fresh of the boat...
Now that I'm older I prefer the upper south (Appalachia) with it's cooler weather, change of seasons and gorgeous scenery, outdoor activities and festivals that can be enjoyed year round.
Very similar to the way I feel. Being from Southeast Texas, the Deep South is my home, and I love the food and the people, but I often envy the near-perfect weather and scenery of the Upper South.
This thread has made me think about how I would split up those parts of the entire South that aren't the Deep South, and it would go something like this:
Upper South: Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, eastern 2/3's of Tennessee, Upland South Carolina, North Georgia, and Far North Alabama
South Florida: self-explanatory
Mid-South: West Tennessee, (most of) Arkansas, and Far North Mississippi
Outer/Western South: Oklahoma and most of non-East Texas
Very similar to the way I feel. Being from Southeast Texas, the Deep South is my home, and I love the food and the people, but I often envy the near-perfect weather and scenery of the Upper South.
This thread has made me think about how I would split up those parts of the entire South that aren't the Deep South, and it would go something like this:
Upper South: Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, eastern 2/3's of Tennessee, Upland South Carolina, North Georgia, and Far North Alabama
South Florida: self-explanatory
Mid-South: West Tennessee, (most of) Arkansas, and Far North Mississippi
Outer/Western South: Oklahoma and most of non-East Texas
Excluding Tidewater VA and eastern NC?
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