What is Appalachia?
Defining the Appalachian Region
The name Appalachia refers to a vast cultural and geographic region of the eastern United States. It's much more than just the Appalachian Mountains; it's an area with a distinct identity, history, and sense of community.
Culturally, Appalachia is characterized by its strong traditions, resilience, and a culture shaped by its mountainous terrain, including deep connections to the land and a history of resource extraction. The people of Appalachia share a rich heritage, often misrepresented in popular culture, which is why a culturally-competent approach to practice is vital.
Where is the Region?
The region is formally defined by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), a federal-state partnership, as an area that stretches nearly 1,500 miles from southern New York to northern Mississippi.
The 13 States and 423 Counties of Appalachia:
- Full State: West Virginia
- Partial States: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
🗺️ Geographic Scope (Map)
Explore Appalachian History & Culture
For those interested in the deep context of the region, these resources provide further reading on Appalachian heritage, history, and identity: