Is the eastern shore of Maryland part of the southern U.S. culturally? (Baltimore: condos, townhomes)

[BigCityDreamer]

Maryland is a mid-Atlantic state that is broken up by the Chesapeake Bay into a western shore and an eastern shore. The culture of Maryland's eastern shore is significantly different in many ways from the much more populated stretch of Maryland from Washington, D.C. to Baltimore.

However, is Maryland's eastern shore part of the southern U.S. culturally?

[kidphilly]

Not sure though it has similar characteristics. To me though the Eastern Shore of MD and VA is almost a distinct cultural region, to me similar to Appalachian as far as more rural areas go. Not southern per se to me more unique. Both have developed and maintained a somewhat unique identity based on their isolation, the Eastern shore probably moreso but also a smaller area. What is interesting is this (these including the VA eastern shore or prbably better described Delmarva) is within 1-2 hours of Philly/Baltimore/DC. I honestly find the area pretty interesting and does have some major dichotomys (St Micheals, Ocena City, Rehobeth vs the small towns and chicken farms that dot the space). I want to explore more this area, especially along the Chesepeake

[Mr. Black]

I've heard that the Eastern Shore has had/have sentiments of seceding from the good Old Line State

[tcave360]

Eastern Shore definitely is quite the anomaly here in this state.

[North Beach Person]

Originally Posted by tcave360

Eastern Shore definitely is quite the anomaly here in this state.

Not really. Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's still all have Southern traits, as does the part of Prince George's you're originally from.

[Mr. Black]

So what do people do in the rural areas of Maryland, as far as national sports? Just follow college sports? The usual DC/BMore teams? I guess the Washington Bullets are indeed in the correct division in the Southeast, instead of the Atlantic

[thunderkat59]

I think rural MD is one of the more " culturally southern" areas in the country. Way more so than FL or most other areas right off the I-95 corridor below MD. To me, thats a good thing

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by thunderkat59

I think rural MD is one of the more "culturally southern" areas in the country.

People tend to confuse rural with "southern". Everywhere.

You don't have to be in the south to be rural or to be country.
Just as you don't have to be urban to be urbane.

As to the MD Eastern Shore...
it has a long storied past of slavery, plantations and confederate sympathy.

[catsy girl]

Originally Posted by PhenomenalAJ

Yea definitely. They have some dumb rednecks there and blacks have as much possibility for advancement as they do in Mississippi. Its a very depressing place to visit, Marylanders look at it as a shame; then they drive onto Ocean City for their vacation.

there are several different cultural climates and lifestyles on the eastern shore, depending on what area you're in. generalizing about it is not accurate nor realistic. talbot county- easton, st. michaels, oxford is probably the wealthiest area as well as the cultural center. many retirees from the western shore as well as other states live there and some have purchased one to two million dollar water front property. walter cronkite owned property there for many years and former v.p. cheney currently owns property there as well. there is a very vibrant arts scene in easton and st michaels with writer's groups, art studios and local painters who exibit frequently.
queen anne's county- stevenson. queenstown, chester- is more of a commuter area for baltimore and annapolis, and has many condos, townhomes, as well as weekend housing. also there are a number of very good restaurants in these areas as well.
dorchester county- cambridge, east new market- is more "old shore" but still is working to achieve a revitalization of "downtown" with shops, restaurants, and galleries.
wicomico- salisbury primarily- is the largest town and the industrial heart of the shore. salisbury university is there and has a number of musical and drama events throughout the year. salisbury, once you're off of rts. 50 and 13 has many beautiful neighborhoods, and a low key lifestyle close to the beach, which appeals to many families.

there are other very culturally alive areas i could mention-chestertown, centreville- but i have mentioned those with which i'm most familiar. i've taught classes at both washingotn college in chestertown and salisbury university in salisbury. both experiences were positive ones with intereting, diverse students.

it seems redundant to have to say all geographic areas have their problems. but, the "eastern shore" cannot be categorized so superficially, and remains an area that continues to attract new residents for its uniqueness and distinctive quality of life.


catsy girl

[EducatedBro82]

Originally Posted by Mr. Black

So what do people do in the rural areas of Maryland, as far as national sports? Just follow college sports? The usual DC/BMore teams? I guess the Washington Bullets are indeed in the correct division in the Southeast, instead of the Atlantic

Eastern Shore follows the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Redskins...depending on how old you are as most older folks follow the Skins...The follow the O's and the Wizards...

Some are following the Nationals as well.