Interactive map included showing each state's favorite autHarper Lee, Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway… These iconic names are among the luminaries hailing from the United States. However, more locally, each state has produced their own homegrown authors who have left an indelible mark on literature with their diverse and significant contributions. A survey* of 3,000 respondents by StoicQuotes.com shed light on each state’s most cherished authors, revealing some intriguing outcomes.

Consider Alabama. While many might presume Harper Lee, famed for "To Kill a Mockingbird," to be the state's favored author, it was Helen Keller who garnered the majority of votes. Born in Tuscumbia in 1880, Keller’s youth was overshadowed by an illness rendering her blind and deaf. Yet, under Anne Sullivan's unwavering mentorship, Keller transcended her adversities, evolving into a revered author and speaker. Throughout her journey, Keller held a profound affection for Alabama, often alluding to it as her treasured homeland.

In a similar vein, despite F. Scott Fitzgerald penning "The Great Gatsby," wasn't New Yorkers’ top literary pick. That honor belonged to James Baldwin, renowned for "Go Tell It on the Mountain." This 1953 semi-autobiographical novel delves into intricate subjects like religion, race, and family dynamics, portraying the life of John Grimes, a young African American boy navigating his identity amidst a religious upbringing in Harlem.

New Hampshire’s choice too was unexpected. J.D. Salinger, celebrated for ‘The Catcher in the Rye’, was surpassed by Grace Metalious. Born in 1924, Metalious gained acclaim for "Peyton Place," a 1956 novel that boldly tackled taboo topics, juxtaposing them against the backdrop of a seemingly quaint New Hampshire town.

However, some states made more predictable choices. Nutmeggers, for example, championed Mark Twain and his "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” Mississippi residents honored Tennessee Williams, the eminent playwright best known for "A Streetcar Named Desire." And Ernest Hemingway, whose "The Old Man and the Sea" clinched the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1953 and paved the way for his Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954, was the unanimous choice for both Idaho and Florida.

Sidney Lanier emerged as Georgia's favorite author. Sidney Lanier, the acclaimed American poet, musician, and author, shared a profound and enduring connection with the state of Georgia. Born in Macon in 1842, Lanier's early years were steeped in the enchanting landscapes and cultural influences of the region. His experiences in the lush Southern surroundings, with its intricate waterways and vibrant flora, inspired much of his nature-themed poetry. Lanier's deep appreciation for the beauty of Georgia's coastal marshes and expansive forests found expression in his literary works, highlighting his attachment to the state's natural splendor. Furthermore, his commitment to education led him to become one of the professors of the Johns Hopkins University, emphasizing his lasting impact on the realm of academia both within and beyond Georgia's borders. Through his artistic creations and academic endeavors, Sidney Lanier's association with Georgia remains an integral part of his legacy.

Georgians' second choice was Margaret Mitchell, tied with Alice Walker.

Interactive map showing each state’s favorite author of all time (click on 'embed' to host on your site)

“It’s fascinating to see the varied preferences across states, reflecting the rich tapestry of our nation's cultural and historical narrative. This survey not only highlights the iconic authors we all know and love but also brings attention to the often unsung heroes of literature who've left an indelible mark on their home states,” says Shaun Connell from StoicQuotes.com.

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*Living authors were not included in the survey.

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