Final answer:
The Middle Atlantic States are characterized by the Atlantic Coastal Plain near the coast, the ancient Appalachian Highlands which includes the rolling hills and valleys extending from this mountain range, and the fertile Great Valley which supported early agricultural development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Middle Atlantic States, which encompass areas from Virginia to New York, display a variety of landforms. Starting along the coast, one can find the Atlantic Coastal Plain, offering a gentler sloped landscape that contrasts sharply with the steep topography further inland. Beyond the coastal plain, the physical geography is dominated by the ancient Appalachian Highlands, with its rolling hills and valleys, which are an extension of the larger Appalachian Mountains.
Further inland, settlers of these states encountered the Great Valley, a geological feature characterized by fertile soils, which supported robust agriculture and led to prosperous farming and the development of vibrant communities. These lands formed the crux of early colonial prosperity and expansion, with many settlers traveling through these valleys during westward migration.
It is important to note that while the Interior Lowlands and Great Plains cover the Midwestern states and are mentioned in the reference material, they are distinct from the landforms found in the Middle Atlantic States.