Where does the south begin in NoVa (Richmond, Arlington: 2014, houses)

[gomason]

D.C. area and Dixie drifting farther and farther apart

But Greg Carr, who grew up in Nashville, sees Southern markers here. Carr, chairman of Afro-American Studies at Howard University, said he recognizes the fading signs of the Old South in this region.
"For black folks, this is still very much a Southern city," Carr said. "D.C. has very little in common with a stereotypical Northern city."

Carr cited the presence of an entrenched black elite in Washington as a characteristic of Southern cities, along the lines of Atlanta and Charlotte. Its still-living history of sharply segregated neighborhoods is another sign, as well as the paucity of white ethnic neighborhoods, such as Italian or Irish sections of Baltimore, New York and Boston.
"Even the architecture is more Southern," Carr said. "You have no concrete canyons in Washington."
Even as black residents from other states and countries move to Washington in greater numbers, the cultural feeling of African American communities remains Southern, he said.

"Anacostia, that's the South over there," Carr said. "Folks with their shirts off washing their cars, waving at you as you pass by. That's Southern."

[LynchburgLover]

Thanks, gomason,

That is interesting.

[spencer114]

Sheetz is a NJ company and for me seeing them is an indication that I've gone north (although there are a few around Richmond). Sonic is a Midwestern chain (I think, my first visit to one was in IL about 16 years ago). The first Sonic didn't appear in Richmond until about five years ago. It's intersting that these two business indicate the South for some people... Unless Sheetz was used as the North marker and Sonic was used as the Southern?

As for where it begins in NoVa? At the Potomac. NoVa (culturally) isn't really all that odd or special. Geographically it is Southern. Lots of other places in the South are like it (NoVa is still superior to these other suburbs, there's no denying that!). Northern Virginia is really a nice place. It can be overcrowded and obnoxious but the land and towns are really very beautiful. Fairfax has great Korean food. Arlington (the name of Robert E Lee's plantation) and Alexandria are fantastic (the old and new). The look of the development (old and new) is very Southern, as are the names of the streets, schools and neighborhoods.

[HB2HSV]

Originally Posted by nonsence

In both VA and MD around the D.C. area it seems like the south begins not far from the beltway. To me going down 95 once I get to Prince William county it starts to feel southern lite and gets in full force around Dumfries. Going west on 66 as soon as I hit Manassas I feel like I'm in dixie. Not bashing PWC or anything it just feels different than D.C. or MoCo or even Fairfax co.

MD is similar except the south starts just south of the Beltway around Clinton and Fort Washington and gets full throttle around Brandywine and Accokeek.

Back to VA. PWC reminds me of Gwinett county in GA or somewhere in Texas. Am I the only one who see things this way.

I beg to differ, Sir.

To me, the feeling of the "South" is more than just geography & the accent. It is about tradition, a way of life, and the values we keep.

South is where neighbors still greet each other, kids are taught to say "Sir", "Ma'am" and "thank you". Man & women maintain a civility toward each other. It is also the strong believe of "God, country, family and guns" are held, and not necessary in that order!

South is where good cookings are done with love & shared. It is not bought from a chain restaurant. It is the time to be shared with family and good friends.

[spencer114]

Good to know that there isn't a South. All of those traditions are dead, long live said traditions.

Btw, you are describing a South that only existed for a tiny blip in history (1940-1950's).

[HB2HSV]

Originally Posted by spencer114

Good to know that there isn't a South. All of those traditions are dead, long live said traditions.

Btw, you are describing a South that only existed for a tiny blip in history (1940-1950's).

Perhaps you've been living in this metropolis too long.

I have just moved from such a place to here and i do miss it.

[snowdenscold]

Originally Posted by HB2HSV

South is where good cookings are done with love & shared. It is not bought from a chain restaurant. It is the time to be shared with family and good friends.

Bojangle's says hello. =)

[frostopsy]

NOVA is the south. There's a statue of a confederate solder in Old Town Alexandria, and Robert E Lee's boyhood home.

People from the north, welcome to the south.

[spencer114]

Arlington Cemetary started in Lee's rose garden (Arlington House is his plantation). The north started burying their dead on his land stragically. It was a brilliant move and one of the most interesting (and positive) things to happen in the war!

[LakeLifePA]

Originally Posted by LynchburgLover

I couldn't read the article because it was locked. I've read my allotment for the month.

What "big racial divide" is described in the article?

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