re: I have a friend from Michigan. He claims to be midwestern. WTF is this shite?

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The term "Midwest" in the United States refers to a region in the north-central part of the country, and its name and identity have evolved over time based on geography, settlement, and national expansion.

??? Geographical Roots & Evolution
Originally in the 19th century, "the West" referred to lands west of the original 13 colonies — basically anything beyond the Appalachian Mountains.

As settlers pushed further west, the term "Northwest" was applied to areas around the Great Lakes, especially after the 1787 Northwest Ordinance, which organized what became Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and part of Minnesota.

As the U.S. expanded to the Pacific, the original “Northwest” became more central — hence, "Midwest" emerged to reflect its new position in the expanding nation.

?? Why “Midwest” if it’s not really west?
It might seem odd geographically, but it's historical. In the 19th century, this region was the western frontier of the U.S. before the country acquired the far West. So "Midwest" essentially means "the middle of what used to be the western United States."

????? Cultural and Economic Identity
The Midwest is often associated with agriculture, manufacturing, and blue-collar industry — especially in states like Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois.

It’s nicknamed “America’s Heartland” because of its role in food production and its reflection of what many see as core American values: modesty, work ethic, and community.

??States Usually Considered the Midwest:
The U.S. Census Bureau defines the Midwest as 12 states, divided into two subregions:

East North Central:

Ohio

Indiana

Illinois

Michigan

Wisconsin

West North Central:

Minnesota

Iowa

Missouri

North Dakota

South Dakota

Nebraska

Kansas

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