World Building for a Post-Post-Apocalyptic North America
So I'm designing a map in which much time has passed since things fell apart and new nations are pulling themselves together. Pittsburgh has left me filled with questions so I figured I'd just ask the key one to y'all.
Where would Pittsburgh ally itself more? Would it join up with the East Coast nation that at this point controls everything from the Ronaoke River up to the Maine-ish area? Or would it feel more connected to a Great Lakes Confederation/Federation [I haven't committed to which yet] that has also been establishing itself?
Important point, if Pittsburgh were likely to go with the East Coast*, then that could give the East Coast nation [which a significant faction within it sees itself as the proper successor to the USA] a foothold on the other side of the Appalachians. So, WV would probably end up in East Coast hands if Pittsburgh goes that way.
If it goes Great Lakes, not sure. Maybe WV goes Great Lakes, or left alone, or split with "Kentucky" [not 100% what I'm doing there yet either].
*There is the risk of conquest, but I don't see Pittsburgh falling easily. Would others come to support against the East Coast?
Anyway that's my nonsense. Thoughts?
Late Night Edit: I want to respond to lots of you but real life keeps taking priority. I'll dig in around lunch tomorrow. Y'all making me commit to story beats I wasn't ready for yet but that's a good thing.