SOUTHERN MARYLAND – Recently, The BayNet posed a question to its Facebook community: Do you consider Maryland a southern state? The responses were diverse, reflecting the complex cultural and geographical identity of Maryland. Here’s a look at what our readers had to say.
One common perspective highlighted by Stephanie Roscom is that “Maryland is considered a southern state because it’s south of the Mason-Dixon Line.” This viewpoint emphasizes the traditional demarcation of northern and southern states based on historical and geographical markers.
Another community member, Michele Klipner Hawley, provided a humorous take, stating that “Maryland: the only state that if you go to the North they say you are from the South, and if you go to the South, they say you are from the North.” This comment underscores the unique position Maryland occupies in American cultural geography.
Nick Gardiner added nuance to the discussion by describing Maryland as a border state, noting the southern feel of areas like Southern Maryland, while the northern parts of the state have a more metropolitan vibe influenced by the proximity to Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City.
Amy Freeman pointed out that the perception of Maryland’s identity can heavily depend on the specific region within the state. She explained that counties like St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles feel more southern, while other parts of Maryland might not.
Elaborating on this regional distinction, Mary ‘Marebear’ Bonk noted that Southern Maryland culturally differs significantly from the rest of the state. She described a cultural divide running from Indian Head to Dares Beach, with areas north of this line feeling more Mid-Atlantic or Northern.
Several commenters reflected on Maryland’s historical and cultural context. For instance, James Paul Prinsen mentioned, “I’ve lived in Southern Maryland my entire life! And from the history books, anything south of the Mason-Dixon Line is considered a southern state!” This view aligns with traditional historical perspectives but may not capture the modern cultural dynamics of the state.
Ashley McLendon shared a personal anecdote, stating, “I grew up here and when I moved to Mississippi I was called a Yankee many many times. So, although St. Mary’s County was a Southern sympathizer during the Civil War, we are not a Southern state.” This highlights how historical allegiances during the Civil War do not necessarily translate to contemporary cultural identity.
Adding to the debate, Samantha Danielson noted that while she acknowledges the southern charm of parts of Maryland, she has never felt that the state as a whole is southern.
The discussion reveals that Maryland’s identity as a southern state is far from settled. It is clear that both historical boundaries and modern cultural influences play significant roles in shaping residents’ perceptions. From the distinct southern feel of certain counties to the more metropolitan atmosphere of northern regions, Maryland remains a state of diverse and sometimes conflicting identities.
At The BayNet, we appreciate the thoughtful and engaging responses from our readers. This conversation reflects the rich tapestry of Maryland’s cultural landscape and underscores the importance of community dialogue in understanding our shared heritage and identity.
We invite you to join our future discussions and share your thoughts with us on our Facebook page!
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
