Why do we call it the Midwest?

[Kyteland]

One of the guys at work is from Australia and today was wondering why we call the Midwest the Midwest when it really isn't the middle or the west of the United States.

Basically to rub it in he breaks out a piece of paper and draws Australia. He draws in Western Australia and says "What would you call this?" Then he draws Southern Australia and says "What about this" Then the Northern Territory "What about this?"

Of course the best I can come up with is that at the time it was named that, it really was the west of the United States. He doesn't buy it.

Anyone else Have a better explaination?

 

[pyonir]

Just on a quick search... Text

 

[Mill]

Originally posted by: Kyteland
One of the guys at work is from Australia and today was wondering why we call the Midwest the Midwest when it really isn't the middle or the west of the United States.

Basically to rub it in he breaks out a piece of paper and draws Australia. He draws in Western Australia and says "What would you call this?" Then he draws Southern Australia and says "What about this" Then the Northern Territory "What about this?"

Of course the best I can come up with is that at the time it was named that, it really was the west of the United States. He doesn't buy it.

Anyone else Have a better explaination?

Tell him to go throw some shrimp on the barbie and shut his pie hole!