No matter how you turn it around: When the mid-Atlantic states of the USA are mentioned, then it is always about power in the state. Compared to other groups of US states, those on the Mid-Atlantic are rather small in area.
Central Atlantic States
Delaware | Maryland | New Jersey | New York | Pennsylvania | Washington DC
But when it comes to the importance for the continent (one could also say without exaggeration: the world), then New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and above all of course Washington DC are difficult to access top. With the capital of the country and the capital of money, this region is both the political and economic heart of the United States. In particular, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey belong to the mid-Atlantic states. Many definitions of the term are restricted to these three states; others also include Delaware, Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia. The Central Atlantic states have been populated by a wider range of European ethnic groups than other states in the USA since the early colonial times.
Pennsylvania and Maryland – the USA in miniature format
If you don’t have time to travel all over the USA, Maryland could be recommended with a clear conscience. This state has a lot to offer in terms of landscape, from coast to mountains. When it comes to history, the guest does not miss out. On the “Civil War Trail”, for example, he can find out everything about the civil war. The most interesting city is Baltimore.
Pennsylvania is a destination for everyone who likes to shop cheaply and even prefers to be surprised. In this state there are some excellent, huge shopping centers, in which there are outlet goods and sometimes not even VAT is charged on the goods (for example in the “Waterfront” in Homestead near Pittsburgh).
A visit to the “Amish People” will seem like a trip back in time. This Christian community has – among other things – an extremely cautious relationship to progress. You can often come across their black carriages on the country roads. If you want to learn more about the life of the Amish in Pennsylvania, you can visit the “Amish Village” in Lancaster County. There you will learn everything about the unusual way of life of these people, whose ancestors come from German-speaking countries.
The White House cannot be missing in the US
After New York, Washington DC is of course a must if you are touring the Central Atlantic states. The capital of the USA does not belong to any state, or is a state in itself – everyone can decide for themselves. In any case, you should have seen the “White House” in this center of power. The White House is both the government and residence of the President of the United States. Tourists can also see it from the inside as part of a tour. You have to try to do this in good time. In order to have a chance on such a tour, you should register online months before the start of your holiday.
District of Columbia
According to acronymmonster, District of Columbia is the Federal district of the USA (178 km 2 with 588,292 inhabitants in 2007), coextensive with the city of Washington, capital of the district, seat of the main government institutions. Bordered on three sides by artificial lines (to the N, to the south and to the E) with the State of Maryland, and to the West by the river Potomac, with the State of Virginia. It was established by the American Congress in 1790 on an area originally of 100 square miles (340 km 2), later limited to 61 (210 km 2); the seat of the federal government was moved there from Philadelphia in 1800. The district is administered directly by Congress, however the 23rd amendment to the Constitution, approved in 1961, recognizes the right to vote for its inhabitants in the presidential elections.
Washington
Federal capital of the USA on the left bank of the Potomac. To avoid rivalry between the states of the Union, Congress (1790) appointed a commission that chose the site of the future capital, on a territory granted by Virginia. The French architect P.-C. L’Enfant, who had fought for American independence, drew (1791) the plan, which the following year T. Jefferson modified. In 1800 the White House and the Capitol were ready and, as the other buildings were completed, the various administrations moved there. J. Adams was the first president (1824-28) to officially settle there.
