The Mid- Atlantic Reece Emi Jack

Introduction The states in the Mid- Atlantic are Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. These seven states cover less than 5 percent of the entire area of the United States, but contain almost 20 percent of the nation’s population. A megalopolis is a huge chain of cities that have grown together. The largest megalopolis in the world is between Boston, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C.

People and History The Statue of Liberty in New York’s harbor is a symbol of freedom for Americans. Early American cities such as New York were mostly located on rivers or coasts for trade. Terrorists attacked Mid-Atlantic sites on September 11, Two jetliners crashed into and destroyed the world trade towers in New York. The Civil War was from Many battles were fought in the Mid-Atlantic States. The largest battle of the war was at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in 1863.

Land in the Area In some of the Mid-Atlantic there can be flash floods from heavy rain. In Buffalo, New York snow is very common. Most of the Mid-Atlantic has cold and snowy winters. Lake effect snow is heavy snow caused by a cold area picking up large amounts of moisture from large lakes. The Appalachian mountains cross through five Mid-Atlantic states. They are considered to be one of the oldest mountains on earth. They are estimated to be about 600 million years old. Niagara falls is in New York and is a major tourist site.

Animals and Plants Animals: Chesapeake crabs, moose, squirrels, rabbits, deer, robins, crows, cardinals, hawks, snakehead fish, wood wasps Deer and more wildlife are a common site in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Plants: Oak, maple, and dog wood trees, pine trees, mosses, wild cranberries, blueberries, ferns, wildflowers, pink mountain laurel, and chestnut trees.

Cities and Towns Cities: Philadelphia, New York City, Buffalo, Baltimore, Richmond, Trenton, Albany, Harrisburg, Charlestown, Washington D.C. Washington D.C is the nation’s capital. It is the home of the president at the White House. Towns: Williamsburg, Virginia is one of the famous small towns.

Rural Life Pennsylvania makes the most mushrooms in the nation. Almost half of the mushrooms made in the United States come from Pennsylvania. The mushrooms grow in dark, underground specially designed “Mushroom Houses”. One of the first major movements west of the Appalachian Mountains happened because of the want of farm land. Amish farmers use traditional ways of farming.

Getting Around Dover Air Force base in Delaware houses the world’s largest military planes. From New York City’s harbor goods can go north by boat on the Hudson River to the Erie Canal. Once there, they can go through the Great Lakes, and then head south on the Mississippi River all the way to New Orleans. There are more interstate highways per square mile in the Mid-Atlantic region than in any other region. Traffic is very congested in the megalopolis. Use of subway systems, car pooling, and other methods of transportation are being used to reduce the amount of traffic.

Work in the Area Overfishing and pollution in the Chesapeake bay are threatening the future of the area. Some groups are trying to prevent overfishing and lower the amount of pollution in the area. They want to protect the natural environment. The first oil well from the United States was located in Pennsylvania. Miners’ jobs are difficult and dangerous. For example there can be explosions and sickness from breathing in harmful dust. Also the walls of the mine could cave in. In 2006 a West Virgina mine explosion killed 12 people. Since then people have been calling for better mine safety.

Free Time Some foods in the Mid-Atlantic are apples, apple butter, Philly Cheese Steak, crab cakes, crab meat, Hershey chocolate, and hams. The region enjoys sandwiches to gourmet dishes. Hiking is a popular outdoor sport in the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.

An Amazing Region The Chesapeake Bay is one of the largest bays in the United States. The Mid-Atlantic has more harbor locations, business headquarters, and large cities than any other region. Part of this is due to the transportation advantages in the area. Many companies want to locate here. Studying the Mid-Atlantic was a lot of fun!!!!! When we studied this region we found out really interesting things that we didn’t know! It was lots of fun!!!!!

Works Cited Barr, Gary. Regions of the United States: The Mid-Atlantic: Chicago, Illinois: Raintree, Print