Mid-Atlantic (United States)

The Mid-Atlantic is a region of the United States located in the eastern part of the country. It includes seven U.S. states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and the national capital of Washington, D.C.. Different groups may define the Mid-Atlantic in various ways, but all agree it is an important part of the United States.

The Mid-Atlantic played a key role in the founding of the nation. Many of these states were among the Thirteen Colonies that helped create the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia and formed the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Later, they met again in Philadelphia to ratify the United States Constitution, which is still the oldest and longest-used national constitution in the world.

Today, the Mid-Atlantic is a busy and successful part of the country. It is home to many wealthy communities and important cities linked by roads and trains, forming a large urban area known as the Northeast megalopolis. The region also boasts some of the best universities in the nation, such as Cornell University, Columbia University, and Princeton University, making it a center for learning and innovation.

Composition

Different groups define the Mid-Atlantic region in slightly different ways. Usually, it includes the states of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, along with the District of Columbia. Some definitions also add or remove parts of nearby areas.

For example, the United States Census Bureau only counts New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania as part of the Mid-Atlantic. Other groups, like the Bureau of Labor Statistics, leave out New York, while the Environmental Protection Agency leaves out both New York and New Jersey. Some definitions even include parts of North Carolina.

History

The Mid-Atlantic region was settled during the colonial era from the early 1600s until the end of the American Revolutionary War in 1783. People from Europe, such as the Dutch, German, Swedish, and English, came to live there. Important explorers like Giovanni da Verrazzano and Henry Hudson were among the first Europeans to see the area.

The Mid-Atlantic became a place where many different groups of people lived together. It was known as the Middle Colonies and included states like Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. These colonies were important during the American Revolutionary War. Philadelphia, a city in this region, was where important documents like the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were created. As the years went by, cities in the Mid-Atlantic grew because of trade and industry, becoming key parts of the United States.

Major states, cities, and urban areas

The Mid-Atlantic region of the United States includes several important states and cities. This area is also where the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., is located.

Metropolitan areas

States and federal district

State capitals and federal district

In presidential elections

• Bold denotes election winner.

Culture

Main article: Cuisine of the Mid-Atlantic states

The food in the Mid-Atlantic comes from many different cultures, both from the original people who lived there and from people who moved there from all over the world.

Main article: List of films set in New York City

Main article: List of television shows set in New York City

New York City is a big place for movies and TV shows.

Main article: American literature

New York City and Philadelphia are important places for books in America. A special time for African American culture called the Harlem Renaissance happened in a neighborhood of New York called Harlem.

Main article: Music of Baltimore

Main article: Music of New York City

Main article: Music of Philadelphia

Baltimore, New York City, and Philadelphia are important cities for music in the United States.

The Mid-Atlantic has many sports teams in the big leagues and women's leagues.

The Mid-Atlantic holds famous golf tournaments like the Barclays, Quicken Loans National, and Atlantic City LPGA Classic.

Two big tennis tournaments happen here: the US Open in New York, which is one of the four biggest tennis tournaments in the world, and the Washington Open.

Famous race tracks in the area include Watkins Glen International, Dover Motor Speedway, and Pocono Raceway. These tracks have hosted big races like Formula One, IndyCar, NASCAR, and IMSA. Drag racing happens at Englishtown and Reading. Belmont Park in New York and Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore host the Belmont Stakes and Preakness Stakes, two important horse races.

Economy

The Mid-Atlantic has a very strong economy. Its total value of goods and services is over $5.2 trillion, which would make it the third-largest economy in the world if it were a country, just behind the United States and China.

The region is well known for its important jobs in banking, healthcare, chemicals, and entertainment. New York is considered the top place in the world for financial services, and Washington, D.C., is also a key financial center.