From the inception of the nation, it was evident that the Chesapeake Peninsula should function as a single entity. However, various historical circumstances led to its division among Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Each of these regions had unique perceptions and attitudes towards the land. Maryland's residents viewed the Eastern Shore with disdain, considering it inferior, while Delaware struggled to establish its significance. Virginia, on the other hand, left the southern part of the Eastern Shore to languish, creating a sense of abandonment.

James A. Michener's portrayal highlights the unfortunate decisions that resulted in this division, emphasizing the arbitrary nature of state boundaries. He suggests that the context of historical accidents shaped the identity of each area differently, leading to feelings of neglect and unimportance. The narrative reflects on the challenges faced by these regions stemming from their fragmented status and the differing attitudes of the citizenship that governed them.