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List of East Coast States in the United States
State
Capital
Largest City
Population (2023)
Area (mi²)
Region
Time Zone
Notable Facts
Maine
Augusta
Portland
1,350,000
35,385
Northeast
Eastern
Known for lighthouses, seafood, and rugged coast.
New Hampshire
Concord
Manchester
1,420,000
9,349
Northeast
Eastern
Famous for early presidential primaries.
Massachusetts
Boston
Boston
7,050,000
10,554
Northeast
Eastern
Birthplace of the American Revolution.
Rhode Island
Providence
Providence
1,100,000
1,545
Northeast
Eastern
Smallest U.S. state by area.
Connecticut
Hartford
Bridgeport
3,610,000
5,543
Northeast
Eastern
Historic financial and maritime hub.
New York
Albany
New York City
19,840,000
54,555
Northeast
Eastern
Home to the most populous U.S. city.
New Jersey
Trenton
Newark
9,290,000
8,723
Mid-Atlantic
Eastern
One of the most densely populated states.
Delaware
Dover
Wilmington
1,030,000
2,489
Mid-Atlantic
Eastern
First state to ratify the Constitution.
Maryland
Annapolis
Baltimore
6,200,000
12,406
Mid-Atlantic
Eastern
Borders Washington, D.C.
Virginia
Richmond
Virginia Beach
8,680,000
42,775
Southeast
Eastern
Historic roots from the early colonies.
North Carolina
Raleigh
Charlotte
10,870,000
53,819
Southeast
Eastern
Rapid economic and industrial growth.
South Carolina
Columbia
Charleston
5,400,000
32,020
Southeast
Eastern
Known for beaches and colonial history.
Georgia
Atlanta
Atlanta
11,000,000
59,425
Southeast
Eastern
Major hub for culture and logistics.
Florida
Tallahassee
Jacksonville
22,610,000
65,758
Southeast
Eastern
Top destination for tourism and retirees.
US East Coast
The East Coast of the United States, also referred to as the Eastern Seaboard, is the area that includes the easternmost states that border the Atlantic Ocean. From the rocky coast of Maine in the north to the sandy beaches of Florida in the south, this coastal strip is more than 2,000 miles long and encompasses a wide range of landscapes, cultures, climates, and historical importance. The East Coast comprises 14 states: Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
The East Coast extends across diverse geographical features. The northern part shows rocky shores alongside dense forests while its climate remains cool because of Atlantic influences. The southern part of this segment shows sandy beaches together with marshlands and subtropical conditions. The Appalachian Mountains extend along the coast in a parallel line while creating scenic elevation points and supporting diverse biodiversity across Pennsylvania, Virginia and North Carolina. The Hudson, Delaware, Potomac and Savannah rivers form the region's geographical features while influencing its economic development and settlement distribution.
Historical Importance and Early Development
The East Coast serves as the essential starting point for United States historical development. European settlement started with St. Augustine in Florida during 1565 under Spanish rule followed by Jamestown in Virginia in 1607 which established as the first permanent English settlement. The first permanent English settlement occurred in Jamestown Virginia in 1607 after Spanish colonists established St. Augustine in Florida in 1565. The Pilgrims established their settlement in Massachusetts in 1620 which led to the formation of the Thirteen Colonies that eventually developed into the United States of America.
The region was central to the American Revolution, with major events such as the Boston Tea Party, the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in 1776. Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington, D.C., are historic cities on the East Coast that remain symbolic and operational centers of American political and cultural life.
Population, Economy, and Urban Development
The East Coast contains more than 120 million inhabitants who make it the nation's most crowded region during 2023. Multiple major American metropolitan areas exist within this region. The United States maintains New York City as its largest city which functions as a worldwide financial center and cultural epicenter. Washington D.C. functions as the national capital while housing all three branches of the U.S. government. The East Coast contains major cities including Miami and Boston and Philadelphia and Atlanta and Charlotte which hold substantial economic and demographic influence.
The East Coast demonstrates vibrant economic activity through its combination of finance and technology sectors with education and tourism and defense and shipping and agricultural industries. Wall Street operates from this location alongside numerous Fortune 500 companies and Ivy League institutions Harvard and Yale and leading research institutions. The coastal location enables global trade through three major ports including the Port of New York and New Jersey and the Port of Savannah and the Port of Miami.
Climate and Environmental Diversity
The East Coast spans multiple climate zones. The Mid-Atlantic region together with New England has a humid continental climate that brings both cold winter months and warm summer months. The Southeastern states of Georgia and Florida maintain humid subtropical climates that bring mild winter conditions and hot summer months with high humidity. The coastal region from North Carolina to the south faces significant environmental threats from hurricanes which produce destructive storm surges and powerful winds during the seasonal period.
The region also includes a wide variety of ecosystems—from the rocky coasts of Maine and barrier islands of the Carolinas, to the Everglades wetlands in southern Florida. Conservation efforts are active throughout the East Coast, especially in preserving its maritime forests, estuaries, and national parks.
