Participation Type
Paper
Presentation #1 Title
The Pennsylvania Highlands: Is It Appalachia?
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
The Pennsylvania Highlands: Is It Appalachia? From the standpoint of physical and human geography, Pennsylvania’s highland regions have much in common with southern Appalachia. Both regions share a heritage of an isolated frontier populated by Scotch Irish, English, and German settlers. Timber and coal companies brought employment and internal colonialism to the many areas in Pennsylvania along with the mountain states to the South. In recent times all these areas have endured difficult economic and social conditions and are included in the Appalachian Regional Commission. However, Pennsylvania is also different than it southern counterparts. Its location gave it a stronger connection to the East Coast and Great Lakes regions rather than the South. Along with the coal mines, Pennsylvania’s highlands also saw large scale industrialization. European immigrants flocked into Pennsylvania in much greater numbers than the southern mountains. This paper examines these similarities and difference and attempts to explain Pennsylvania’s connection to Appalachian culture.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Paul Zbiek is a Professor of History and Geography at King's College in Wilkes-Barre, PA. He is the author of three books and has appeared in three documentaries on the culture of Appalachian Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Highlands: Is It Appalachia?
The Pennsylvania Highlands: Is It Appalachia? From the standpoint of physical and human geography, Pennsylvania’s highland regions have much in common with southern Appalachia. Both regions share a heritage of an isolated frontier populated by Scotch Irish, English, and German settlers. Timber and coal companies brought employment and internal colonialism to the many areas in Pennsylvania along with the mountain states to the South. In recent times all these areas have endured difficult economic and social conditions and are included in the Appalachian Regional Commission. However, Pennsylvania is also different than it southern counterparts. Its location gave it a stronger connection to the East Coast and Great Lakes regions rather than the South. Along with the coal mines, Pennsylvania’s highlands also saw large scale industrialization. European immigrants flocked into Pennsylvania in much greater numbers than the southern mountains. This paper examines these similarities and difference and attempts to explain Pennsylvania’s connection to Appalachian culture.
