Please welcome guest author Amanda Winstead . Winstead is a writer from the Portland, OR area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Growing up, she spent summers in Maryland with her grandparents, walking sections of the Appalachian Trail or visiting historical sites in the area. More recently, she hiked the trail in full for the first time and fell absolutely in love, especially with its rich history. She was especially taken by the trail’s natural history and the way it links together the American story, from the site of George Washington’s inoculation of troops against smallpox to the last battlegrounds of Shay’s Rebellion. If you want to follow her writing journey you can find her on X (Twitter.)

Appalachia is world-renowned for its tales of innovation and endurance. The folks who make Appalachia their home turn to ingenuity in the face of hardship and have created inventions that have left a meaningful mark on the world at large.

However, high-profile figures like Harland Sanders, Thomas Walker, and Sequoyah aren’t the only ones who have made an impact on the wider world. In fact, there is a rich tradition of lesser-known Appalachian inventors who deserve their time in the spotlight too.

Indeed, folks like Mary Breckinridge, William C. Whitner, and Garrett August Morgan are all deserving of greater attention and recognition. Their efforts made a distinct difference to America at large and continue to impact the way we live today.

Frontier Nursing University

Mary Breckinridge

Mary Breckinridge (February 17, 1881—May 16, 1965) was a nurse and midwife who was born and lived in Appalachia. Her efforts in neonatal care revolutionized the way we support newborn children and have made a world of difference to millions of children’s lives.

After growing up in Washington DC, Breckinridge married Richard Ryan Thompson in 1912. Unfortunately, the couple tragically lost their newborn daughter in 1916 and their four-year-old son in 1918. Based on this experience, Breckinridge studied nursing and traveled the world while learning from nurses in Scotland and France.

During this time, Breckinridge benefited from being bilingual while working in healthcare. Then as now, bilingual nurses were in high demand thanks to their ability to spread information and learn the most cutting-edge medical techniques from around the world. Bilingual nurses like Breckingride are capable of providing better care, too, as they are able to connect with a wider range of patients in their first language. In Breckinridge’s case, her knowledge of French allowed her to both study and teach abroad and gain valuable insights that she was able to bring home to Appalachia.

In 1925, at the age of 44, Breckenridge returned to Appalachia and established the Frontier Nursing Service in Kentucky. This service focused on using the experiences Breckenridge had gleaned from her time in France to improve the quality of healthcare in Appalachia for newborn babies and mothers. This significantly reduced infant deaths and led to the creation of the American Association of Nurse-Midwives.

Source: Bullough, V.L. (1988). Mary Breckinridge. In: V.L. Bullough, Church, O.M.,& Stein, A.P. (Eds.). American nursing: A biographical dictionary. New York: Garland.

William C. Whitner

William C. Whitner’s (September 22, 1884 – May 13, 1940) hydroelectric power supply invention continues to have a direct impact on the Appalachian region. Whitner—remembered as “The South Carolina man who put the electricity in “The Electric City”—played a pivotal role in ensuring that Anderson, SC was the first city in the United States to receive electricity.

After being born in Anderson, SC, Whitner graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1864. Unfortunately, his career as a railroad engineer began with a false start after he contracted typhoid while working on the links and was eventually forced to return home to Anderson.

However, while in Anderson, Whitner made his fortune and gave the world his greatest gift: Anderson’s Tribble Street power and water yard. The experimental yard helped Whitner produce 10,000 volts of electricity and was the first hydroelectric facility of its kind.

Source: Brian Scott, Historical Marker Database

His breakthrough proved to be safe and won over folks at Stanley Electric Company who expanded on the idea. The safety of his invention was crucial as many still feared common causes of electrical emergencies at the time. Power outages due to surges and flooding were a serious concern, and many were unaware of the hazards of electrical faults that buzzed, hummed, or cracked. By providing a safe, reliable electric supply Whitner’s invention was able to power the city and the Anderson Cotton Mill — the first cotton mill of its kind.

Source: Western Reserve Historical Society

Garrett Morgan

Garrett Morgan (March 4, 1877 – Jul 27, 1963) played a pivotal role in creating the early gas mask and the improvement of traffic lights. However, Morgan, who called himself “The Black Edison” is often overlooked by the annals of history.

Morgan was born in Paris, Kentucky to Elizabeth and Sydney Reed and grew up in a large family with 11 other siblings. As a teen, he moved away from Appalachia to Cincinnati where he found work as a handyman and reinvested his earnings into his own education. Early in his career, he invented a new type of sewing machine which would fund the wedding for his second marriage and lead to a life of innovation and discovery.

Later, after the outbreak of WWI, Morgan patented a gas mask that helped wearers navigate smoke and gas while on the battlefield. This invention was well-used by fire services and made a meaningful difference to the war efforts and the health of folks on the frontline.

At the age of 33, Morgan hit on his second major invention: more effective traffic lights. Morgan invented the amber warning signal after seeing a near-crash.  We still rely on this today, as the flashing amber light lets drivers know that they will need to stop shortly. While it’s impossible to quantify how many lives this has saved throughout the decades, it is almost certain that his work has improved the safety of road users around the world.

Barbara Ellen Smith

Barbra Ellen Smith brings our shortlist of creators into the 21st century. Smith, an author who continues to play a pivotal role in understanding the effect of mining in the area, first published her seminal work Digging Our Own Graves, in 1987.

Within her work, Smith identified the major health issue that is black lung disease and predicted  “Black lung disease awaits the younger generation of coal miners who are now at work underground.” Today, that prediction rings true as younger and younger miners contract the illness.

Smith, who remains an active writer and scholar to this day, has recently revised and updated the book to explore the economic, medical, and legal effects of Black Lung Disease on Appalachia. In the course of her work, Smith has used her creativity to improve our understanding of Appalachian history and fight back against those who would continue to send workers down the pits with little regard for their health or the threat of the disease.

Conclusion

Appalachia is a hotbed for innovation and invention. Throughout centuries, folks who hail from the area have created meaningful inventions like traffic light systems and hydroelectric plants. Appalachia’s luminaries have also improved the way that industries like mining and nursing operate. This emphasizes the impact of the region on the world at large and ensures that the folks who call Appalachia home will be remembered by history.

The post Appalachian Innovators: Untold Stories of Invention and Ingenuity appeared first on Appalachian History.

Please welcome guest author Amanda Winstead . Winstead is a writer from the Portland, OR area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Growing up, she spent summers in Maryland with her grandparents, walking sections of the Appalachian Trail or visiting historical sites in the area. More recently, she hiked the trail in full for the first time and fell absolutely in love, especially with its rich history. She was especially taken by the trail’s natural history and the way it links together the American story, from the site of George Washington’s inoculation of troops against smallpox to the last battlegrounds of Shay’s Rebellion. If you want to follow her writing journey you can find her on X (Twitter.)

Throughout Appalachia’s long and storied history, there have been more than a few major rainfall and flooding events. Both the climate and topography of the area lend themselves to flash flooding events, as evidenced by the steep terrain and tracked weather patterns. For many, occasional epic quantities of water are part of an accepted risk to living in these parts. But, dangerous realities have played a major role in shaping the many towns and the countryside today. 

Of course, as the climate continues to change across the globe, some of the biggest storms are only predicted to get bigger. This means that many of the flood and storm stories that have shaped the history of the area have the potential to repeat themselves on a larger scale. Educating the public and taking steps to help people prepare for major storms is going to continue to be a critical component of creating a safe environment. 

Destruction in the wake of a flood, public domain image created by Tennessee Valley Authority, 1936

A History of Big Storms

For about as long as weather patterns have been documented in Appalachia, big storms have been tracked as well. Big storms have been known to come seemingly out of nowhere and pummel the area with water in less than a 24-hour period.  The mountainous terrain of the area lends itself to flash flooding events, which can change people’s lives in an instant. 

Excerpts from flooding events as far back as the 1920s and 30s paint desperate pictures, much the same way they do today. For example, one article headline, They Watched a House Float Down the River with a Rooster on the Rooftop, details the Emory River flooding in Oakdale, TN in 1929. The event completely wiped out the railroad tracks and a handful of homes and businesses along Main Street. While residents waited for help to rebuild, many stayed at a local church and scraped by until the Red Cross arrived to help rebuild homes.   

1929 Elba, Alabama floods. Public domain image provided by U.S. Army

Another outlines a series of 1924 storms that put down nearly over 4 feet of snowfall in Maryland, which all melted rapidly less than a month later, flooding nearby towns. Reports indicate that items as big as cars were floating down the river and at least one family of five drowned. Several local businesses including Luke Mill, West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company, and the American Cellulose and Chemical Manufacturing Company were all impacted by the flooding and experienced delays and financial difficulties because of it. 

A number of notable tropical storms hit southern Appalachia in the mid-1900s, which again put down significant amounts of rainfall and caused severe flooding as well as significant damage to the livelihoods of the people living in the areas. Some of these storms include Tropical Storm Isbell (1964) and Tropical Storm Edith (1971) which put down up to 10 inches and 12 inches of rainfall in less than a 24-hour period, respectively.  

National Guard airlift during the July 2022 Kentucky Floods 

More recently, the Central Appalachia Floods of 2022 caused a lot of devastation in Appalachian communities, particularly in Kentucky. A combination of factors led to the intense flooding including over 8 inches of rain in a 12-hour period. Over the course of the flooding, nearly 100 bridges were damaged or destroyed and hundreds of major and minor roads were rendered impassable. Local response teams estimated that nearly 10,000 homes were damaged or destroyed and in need of repair and that 43 people had died as a result of the flood event. 

Recovering from these events is never easy and many of us are witnessing history in real time as communities recover from the 2022 floods. Thousands are still displaced and slowly working to rebuild their homes and lives. Local historical organizations, including those such as the Appalshop, were completely underwater and are now working to save thousands of archival documents and artifacts on Appalachian history that were damaged by the flood. 

There are certain things that people can do to their homes to help prepare for these types of conditions. They include a number of home upgrades such as reinforcing the plumbing and electrical systems within the home. Installing a flood-proof septic system and a sump pump for instance can make a big difference when it comes to removing water and managing waste. 

Likewise, small upgrades to the electrical system such as weatherproof electrical boxes and GFCI outlets that automatically cut off power when they detect a change in current flow can be critical to preventing major damage and safety issues during a flood event. 

The Role of a Changing Climate

Nearly all experts agree at this point that climate change is playing a role today in making floods and other natural disasters more intense than they might otherwise be. In the Central Appalachia Flood events of 2022, researchers indicated that flooding was spurred on at least in part by anthropogenic activities. One climate assessment suggests that storms in the last decade or so are 20-40% more likely in places like eastern Kentucky than they were 100 years ago. 

Other research also points to larger storms in more recent years. Nine out of ten extreme one-day precipitation events in the United States have occurred since 1996. Not only that, but the number of one-day precip events has also increased when compared to a 70-year period between 1910 and 1980. Numerous predictions across the United States indicate that as climate continues to warm, precipitation events become more variable throughout the year, making for a lot more large, unpredictable storms. 

National Guard assisting during Kentucky flooding

Preparing for the Next Big One

Of course, this means that many people living in flash flood-prone areas will need to take extra precautions to remain safe during storms no matter where they are. During severe storms, drivers should move slower than normal and increase their following distance. In flood conditions, it is important to head for high ground. Grab important documents if possible and make sure to travel with an emergency kit that includes food, water, and warm clothing. 

Those who are weathering a storm in their home would also do well to follow a few safety precautions. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) suggests that those living in flood-prone areas be sure to keep at least a three-day supply of water at their home. Tap water is not a reliable source in flood situations. Likewise, experts believe people should be prepared with at least a few days worth of non-perishable foods. 

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The climate and topography of the Appalachians make the area particularly prone to occasional flash flood situations. There are numerous events throughout history that point to the devastation and wreckage to communities that these floods have caused. Unfortunately, as the climate continues to change, experts predict that these types of events are not only going to become more and more common, but they are also going to increase in severity. Residents who live in areas that are known to have the potential for flash flooding would do well to take precautions that will help them weather whatever storms Mother Nature throws their way.  

The post Heavy Rainfall Events and Their Impacts in Appalachian History appeared first on Appalachian History.

Please welcome guest author Amanda Winstead . Winstead is a writer from the Portland, OR area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Growing up, she spent summers in Maryland with her grandparents, walking sections of the Appalachian Trail or visiting historical sites in the area. More recently, she hiked the trail in full for the first time and fell absolutely in love, especially with its rich history. She was especially taken by the trail’s natural history and the way it links together the American story, from the site of George Washington’s inoculation of troops against smallpox to the last battlegrounds of Shay’s Rebellion. If you want to follow her writing journey you can find her on Twitter.

Food making and preservation are two tasks of utter importance in any household, but the Appalachian environment presents unique challenges in both areas. Scarce access to imported resources and geographic isolation from the 18th to the mid-20th century created a need for well-optimized food storage solutions across the region. 

Food preservation methods in Appalachia have evolved, altering the level of labor necessary to keep homes well-stocked and changing the landscape of the average homestead kitchen. Let’s take a look at how these food storage methods have changed throughout the years and how they exemplify the independent culture of Appalachia.

Food Preservation in Appalachia

Appalachia is a diverse area in many ways, with most residents descending from the region’s early German, Irish, Scottish, and Cherokee settlers. Though food recipes may differ depending on specific cultures, Appalachians usually ate what could be preserved for long lengths of time, especially since the winters in Appalachia could grow harsh and unforgiving. 

Beyond seasonality, the environment in Appalachia is historically inadequate for yielding an abundance of fruits and veggies. Then and now, crop growth has faced severe limitations due to the region’s hard, acidic soil and drought frequency, forcing residents into a diet of hybrid garden foods like corn, peppers, potatoes, beans, and tomatoes. The Appalachian mountain range also noticeably lacks the open range for wide swaths of wheat to grow.

Image Source

The lack of refrigeration led to the development of pickling and canning methods for food preservation between the 19th and 20th centuries. Folks would either boil fruits and veggies and place them in a sealed jar with a layer of wax and a metal lid, or they would preserve the items in a jarred vinegar solution. 

Families reduced fruits to jellies, fermented cabbage, and pickled cucumbers seasoned with dill and garlic. Once mason jars were created, these items were typically placed in a hot water bath canner or pressure canner for efficient sealing. Fermented and pickled items weren’t just essential for preservation – they also have valuable immune and gut health benefits that were useful in times of medicinal scarcity. Garlic, for instance, can help fight off viruses by increasing white blood cell counts and reducing inflammation. 

Food Storage Options in Appalachia

The progression of food storage methods in Appalachia was not just a product of convenience. It was also a response to shifts in the things people found to be socially important and relevant, along with developments in architecture and technology.

Preserving these items was one thing, but safely storing them was a whole different issue. People could technically pickle an entire harvest’s worth of food, but there wasn’t always a storage place — especially storage that was dry and secure to keep both fresh and jarred goods safe from the elements. Thus, Appalachian root cellars, larders, and spring houses were born.

Root Cellars

Image Source

The concept of a root cellar was not new and had been carried over from 18th-century European transplants. Root cellars were underground rooms outfitted with shelving to organize produce and canned goods while shielding them from excessively dry, cold air and other adverse environmental factors. To ventilate the area, tubing or other small openings were added, allowing for routine circulation of fresh air, which controlled the humidity and kept food at peak freshness.

Larders

Image Source

Larders were another cold storage solution that the Appalachians depended on from the 18th to 20th centuries. This room was usually for storing and preserving meats and other perishable goods. Some homes had two different larders with separate humidity levels, with raw meats and veggies stored in the “wet larder” and dried beans, nuts, and other like items stored in the “dry larder”. 

Dry larders only required ice during the warmer months and hot-water circulation during the colder months to keep items at a reasonable temperature, while wet larders typically had an ice box to keep uncooked meats cool. While dry larders kept amenities such as a drain for wastewater, wet larders typically had a table, chopping block, and meat hooks. https://www.geriwalton.com/what-are-kitchens-sculleries-and-larders/ 

By the early 20th century, larders had replaced root cellars as the popular form of cold storage. The average home was experiencing a shift – gas range stoves and water system connections helped the cooking process become easier, more sanitary, and quicker. As kitchens shifted from a room of mere function to one of the central areas of the home, accessible storage became a must. So, instead of trekking underground for your food items, it became much more convenient to have them on the same level as your kitchen.

Spring Houses

Image Source

Spring houses were yet another innovative and popular food storage option in Appalachia from the 18th to 19th centuries. Humidity control was a huge issue for people at this time – it was difficult to ensure that one particular area would have the perfect cool temperature for ideal food preservation. Freezing items was also a problem – before ice delivery, there wasn’t a reliable way to keep meat and other perishable items consistently frozen for extended periods.

The Appalachians began building small stone structures over freshwater springs to house meat, dairy, and other items that would tend to spoil quickly. The natural water flow would keep these items at an optimal temperature, preventing people from getting sick or having precious food rotted and wasted. Folks in Appalachia depended heavily on meat and dairy products to make beloved cheeses, soups, and other household staples, so spring houses became a crucial part of maintaining a home.

Modern Pantries, Food Sheds, and Refrigeration

Well into the mid-20th century, Appalachians became privy to modern refrigeration technology, something that yet again changed the way food was stored. Since root cellars and larders were commonly used as a method of cold storage, electric refrigeration units allowed households to bring their produce and canned goods both above ground and into the kitchen. 

Larders tended to be in a room that was furthest away from the sun, which sometimes was a ways from the kitchen. Thanks to electric refrigeration techniques, cabinets in the kitchen became more common, along with the creation of the modern pantry. Canned goods and other dry items were stored in a small room situated between the dining area and the kitchen, or they were kept in a closet space within the kitchen. 

Image Source

This setup tends to be what we see in kitchens today – an array of cupboards and a space in or directly next to the kitchen for the storage of non-perishable items overflow. However, many families still choose to stock up on food items they need by using food sheds, especially if frequent and reliable transportation or grocery stores are not widely available. 

If you’re looking to invest in a food shed, it is a good idea to create a shelving system where goods are separated by item type. For example, corn, peas, and green beans can be stored on one shelf, while jams and jellies are kept in another. Powdered items, like flour, should be stored in airtight containers on the same shelf, and starchy veggies can be stored in sacks in a dark area to prevent premature degradation.

Food sheds can be seen as the more evolved form of a spring house or root cellar. You can store months worth of food items in a food shed with proper optimization. Here, you can stay true to your Appalachian roots by keeping your valuable canned goods and other items in a safe place where they can have the longest shelf-life possible, allowing you and your family to cherish and maintain the cultural emphasis on independence.

The post From Root Cellars to Larders to Modern Pantries: The Evolution of Food Storage in Appalachian Homesteads appeared first on Appalachian History.

Amanda Winstead is a writer from the Portland, OR area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Growing up, she spent summers in Maryland with her grandparents, walking sections of the Appalachian Trail or visiting historical sites in the area. More recently, she hiked the trail in full for the first time and fell absolutely in love, especially with its rich history. She was especially taken by the trail’s natural history and the way it links together the American story, from the site of George Washington’s inoculation of troops against smallpox to the last battlegrounds of Shay’s Rebellion. If you want to follow her writing journey you can find her on Twitter.

Wine, often associated with distant vineyards in California, France, or Italy, may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Appalachian region. However, don’t underestimate the potential of this mountainous area when it comes to winemaking. Appalachia has a long and rich history of wine production that dates back to the early European settlers who brought their winemaking skills with them.

In this article, we will share the lesser-known stories behind Appalachian wineries, explore unique flavors that define this often-overlooked region, and provide recommendations for those interested in exploring the Appalachian wine country.

Image source: Wikimedia

The Birthplace of American Wine

Before diving into the Appalachian winemaking scene, let’s step back in time to understand how the American wine culture was born. The roots of this tradition can be traced back to Virginia, which is the birthplace of the nation’s viticulture.

The first settlers in this lush land found native grapevines, which they decided to cultivate, hoping it would result in a similar quality wine they enjoyed back in Europe. However, they soon realized that these vines produced a wine of inferior quality compared to the European varieties they were used to.

Despite these setbacks, hopeful winemakers continued their pursuit to create the most flavorful wines. And in 1817, Dr. Daniel N. Norton from Richmond, VA finally found a wine-making process that produced high-quality wine with intense flavors that could also withstand a variety of climate conditions. The winemaker’s dedication and hard work marked the beginning of American winemaking, which would eventually spread across the United States, including through Appalachia.

Image Source: Unsplash

The Flavors of Appalachia

The Appalachian winemaking region has not only embraced the art of winemaking but also formed its own unique identity within the industry. Here are some of the well-known flavors you can find here:

Blue Ridge Mountain Wines

Nestled in the heart of Appalachia, the Blue Ridge Mountains produce wines with distinctive flavors. The area’s cool climate and particular soil create the perfect conditions for harvesting grapes, resulting in exceptional wines. Two well-known figures in the area are Ed and Charlie Shelton who started the Shelton Vineyard in 1994. Due to their dedication to increasing tourism, the area has attracted more businesses and new visitors flocking to taste the local wines. 

Appalachian Ciders

Appalachia is not just about grape wines. The region also boasts a rich tradition of hard cider making. Crisp and refreshing, these apple ciders are a delight, often enjoyed alongside the wines. Each fall, the city of Hendersonville, hosts the North Carolina Apple Festival where farmers showcase their best ciders to locals and tourists, who are able to enjoy samples before purchasing their favorites.

These are just a few examples of the diverse flavors found in Appalachia. Each winery has its own story, and each drink offers a taste influenced by the land it was grown on.

Image Source: Unsplash

How Appalachian Wine Stands Out

Appalachian wine carries its own remarkable characteristics that set it apart from other wine regions across the United States and the world. Let’s look at some of the reasons why Appalachian wine is truly one of a kind:

• Terroir Influence: Appalachia’s diverse landscape and climate influence the flavor and aroma of its wines. For example, Biltner wines grown in the heart of the Appalachian mountain range benefit from warm summer days and cool evenings. This climate inevitably affects the yield and flavor of the grapes in the region. These intoxicating elixirs often exhibit a remarkable balance between fruitiness and acidity.
• Traditional Techniques: Many winemakers in the Appalachian region, such as Nicewonder Vineyards, adhere to traditional winemaking techniques of harvesting, blending with grapes from different vines, fermenting, and riddling has contributed to the rich and historical tapestry of the area’s viticulture. However, they are not afraid to experiment with new methods to create unique flavors and experiences for their customers.

Although winemaking is still a new endeavor for Appalachia compared to other parts of the world, it has quickly gained recognition for its quality and delicious flavors.

Prohibition Figures Who Halted Winemaking in the Appalachian Region

Similar to the rest of the United States, Prohibition had a significant impact on the Appalachian winemaking industry. The production and sale of alcohol were banned from 1920 to 1933, significantly impacting the region’s wine culture. Many wineries closed down or resorted to producing non-alcoholic products such as raisins and grape juice — even those that were in the birthplace of winemaking, such as the vineyard founded by Dr. Daniel N. Norton.

This was in part due to the help of some impactful figures who encouraged the banning of alcoholic beverages. Here are some key historical events and figures associated with Appalachia during the Prohibition era:

• Frances Estill Beauchamp: A native of Kentucky, Frances Estill Beauchamp was a prominent advocate for the anti-liquor crusade. She campaigned tirelessly for the prohibition of alcohol and was a leading figure in the temperance movement.
• Chap Osborne: A Prohibition Officer: The Appalachian region also had its share of enforcers during Prohibition. One notable figure was Robert Chapman “Chap” Osborne, a prohibition officer whose stories and adventures have become a part of local legend.

Even though Prohibition was a problematic time for Appalachian winemakers, the memory of winemaking never disappeared from the region. If anything, it served as inspiration for future winemakers after Prohibition ended.

Image Source: Unsplash

Plan Your (Affordable) Appalachian Wine-Tasting Adventure

Traveling can be an expensive activity, and if you want to go on a wine tour, you’ll need to save money on travel expenses so you can take home the best bottles. Here are some tips and recommendations for those interested in planning a budget-friendly road trip to experience it for yourself:

• Research Wineries: Before you go, research the wineries in the Appalachian region you’d like to visit. Vivino and Cellartracker area couple of apps that specialize in reviews of wines and wineries alike. Then, make a list of the ones you’re most interested in and see those locations. This will make your trip much smoother and help you avoid missing out on the best experiences.
• Budget and Accommodation: Set a realistic budget for your trip and look for cheaper accommodation options. For a more authentic experience, consider staying at local inns or bed and breakfasts such as the Charleston Inn or the Albemarle Inn in North Carolina. And if you are up for an adventure, try camping and exploring Appalachia’s great outdoors. KOA camping may be a great option for anyone considering.
• Taste and Learn: When visiting wineries, take your time and really experience the wine-making process. Also, be sure to take advantage of these establishments that offer guided tours of the grounds and factory, and tastings that will make your trip unforgettable. All six wineries on the High Country Wine Trail offer tours or tastings.
• Explore the Scenery: The Appalachian region is known for its breathtaking landscapes. Make pit stops and explore the area’s natural beauty.

There is so much to discover and experience in the Appalachian region when it comes to wine and culture. So, plan your trip and get ready to savor some of the finest wines and ciders this unique location has to offer. Who knows, you may even find yourself bringing home a few bottles of these hidden gems to enjoy with family and friends.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply curious about the history of American winemaking, the Appalachian region has a lot to offer. So, go ahead and begin exploring this vibrant part of the United States and discover the diverse flavors that make it stand out. 

The post A Journey Through Appalachian Winemaking History appeared first on Appalachian History.

Amanda Winstead is a writer from the Portland, OR area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Growing up, she spent summers in Maryland with her grandparents, walking sections of the Appalachian Trail or visiting historical sites in the area. More recently, she hiked the trail in full for the first time and fell absolutely in love, especially with its rich history. She was especially taken by the trail’s natural history and the way it links together the American story, from the site of George Washington’s inoculation of troops against smallpox to the last battlegrounds of Shay’s Rebellion. If you want to follow her writing journey you can find her on Twitter.

Appalachia has no shortage of rich cultural touchstones. From its music to its folklore, the region has a great deal to explore and embrace. Nevertheless, one of the most overlooked elements is the farm truck.

These beautiful yet robust vehicles played an important part in many rural Appalachian family’s lives. They’ve had practical roles and cultural stories to tell. They’re also good prospects for those who are looking for a vintage restoration project.

Let’s look a little closer at these vehicles and how they both fit into Appalachian history and contemporary culture.

The History of Appalachian Automobile Culture

The farm truck is deeply embedded in recent Appalachian culture. As with so many contemporary tools of agricultural communities, its popularity arose from need.

First came the transition away from horse-drawn methods, when transporting items for both long and short distances, rather than simple horse-drawn methods. From around the turn of the 20th century, the first automobiles became more commonplace. Though, in Appalachia, this was a little slower to take hold as a result of the Great Depression. During that time, much of day-to-day life was kept relatively within the town or community space, with locals still utilizing livestock to pull large loads and bicycles used for individual transport. Initially, the prevalent trucks in the region were those utilized by the coal mining industry, which had the money to invest in them.

However, after the 1930s, efficient diesel-powered farm trucks with internal combustion engines became common, with archives showing that in the mid-1940s such vehicles were used for both individual families and as rudimentary school buses. Throughout the 20th century, farm trucks grew in popularity in rural Appalachia. They were vital utilitarian workhorses that empowered farmers to transport tobacco plants for transplant into beds, crops from the harvest, livestock feed, and more.

For many families, these trucks developed into something more than another piece of farm machinery. They associated these vehicles with precious family memories. The sights and smells of the trucks, the family trips taken, and the recollections of parents and grandparents working on them.

The Role of Restoration

Recent years have seen significant restoration and preservation of Appalachian farm trucks. This is very in-keeping with the attitude in Appalachia that prioritizes a “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without” way of life. Nevertheless, restoration is far more than just a way to extend the practical lifespan of vehicles. In some ways, it’s also vital for maintaining a part of Appalachia’s 20th-century cultural history. The more these trucks are consigned to scrap heaps, the more communities lose artifacts that trigger wonderful memories and a tangible sense of Appalachia’s recent past.

On the other hand, restoring is a way to celebrate the engineering of these vehicles. Even contemporary farm trucks, while still utilitarian to some degree, don’t have quite the same cache as those of the past. The flat beds with their wooden barriers, the running boards that transition seamlessly into the fenders, and the trumpet horns all create a vehicle with a unique silhouette and sound. 

If you’re planning on restoring a vintage farm truck, it’s important to push for authenticity wherever possible. At least so far as the superficial elements. Replacing the engine and transmission with modern parts is common in vehicle restorations today. After all, period parts may be too costly, impractical, or not particularly environmentally conscious. Certain dealers specialize in replacement superficial parts for these vehicles, though they tend to be expensive. It may be best to establish what can be cleaned or repaired rather than replaced. This certainly doesn’t have to be a perfect restoration, as leaving some evidence of flaws gives a nod toward the historical use and roots of the farm truck.

In terms of paintwork, it’s worth being mindful of how older vehicle paint is different from those used today. Farm trucks from the 1930s would be likely to use single-component paints and lacquers rather than the more complex catalyzed paints today that are designed to be more resilient. If you’re going fully authentic vintage, protection, clear-coating, and regular waxing are likely to be a must.

That said, it’s possible to keep the vehicle looking vibrant without having to keep waxing it. Synthetic sealants and silica sprays are designed to be relatively easy to apply while offering months of protection. However, professionally applied ceramic coatings tend to be more durable. Clear films might also protect the paint from chipping, particularly if you’re using period paint that can be prone to damage.

The Importance of Passing Down Heritage

Passing down items that represent folk or cultural history from generation to generation is a vital step of preservation. This isn’t just about handing over objects, but also providing the family and local histories that go along with them. Passing a vintage Appalachian farm truck to younger family members is a thoughtful way to achieve this.

After all, gifting cars to younger family members is a part of the contemporary American coming-of-age process. Not only are Appalachian farm trucks aesthetically alluring, but your approach to gifting can make the process far more than a simple exchange of a practical tool.

Wherever possible, make it a bonding process. This may involve taking the time to restore the vehicle together, passing on useful information about the maintenance of the vehicle, and the memories that are associated with it in your family, or a vehicle just like it. Together, you’ll treat the vehicle and its history with the respect it deserves, and you’ll help establish an oral family history that future generations can pass on.

Alongside the farm truck, provide thoughtful vehicle-related gifts to help demonstrate how much you care for its new owner. This may include items to keep them safe on the roads, such as a dashcam or a distracted driving prevention mobile application. Particularly for vintage vehicles, practical tools like a portable air compressor or roadside assistance app can help them should they break down in more remote areas of Appalachia and beyond.

The post The Historic Role and Contemporary Allure of Vintage Appalachian Farm Trucks appeared first on Appalachian History.

Amanda Winstead is a writer from the Portland, OR area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Growing up, she spent summers in Maryland with her grandparents, walking sections of the Appalachian Trail or visiting historical sites in the area. More recently, she hiked the trail in full for the first time and fell absolutely in love, especially with its rich history. She was especially taken by the trail’s natural history and the way it links together the American story, from the site of George Washington’s inoculation of troops against smallpox to the last battlegrounds of Shay’s Rebellion. If you want to follow her writing journey you can find her on Twitter.

Appalachia has long had a reputation for doing things a little differently from the rest of the country. In some ways, this is rooted in positive associations of embracing the land and mountain creativity. Unfortunately, there are also negative “hillbilly” stereotypes to contend with.

One area in which both of these elements meet is in Appalachian oral care. There is, of course, a popular image of mountain folk having unsightly, crooked, or missing teeth. Yet, it has to be said that there are accounts of Appalachian citizens taking their tooth care seriously. Throughout the region’s history, mountain medicine has offered residents a plethora of remedies for symptom management and preventative care.

The Imperatives for Traditional Remedies

Before we delve into the specific remedies, let’s consider the factors that led to the adoption and persistence of traditional tooth treatment. First, as with many regions across the world, Appalachia has a rich cultural history that includes its own approaches to keeping healthy. Folk medicine in the region is the product of generations of acquired knowledge, experience, and superstition.

Families and communities would build up various remedies that were often passed down via oral tradition or by those locals identified to have specific areas of wisdom. Many people in Appalachia are familiar with the concept of Granny Women. These were considered healers who locals would go to or who would visit sick community members and provide them with healing substances, including those related to tooth pain. While in recent years these key community figures have been caught up in negative stereotypes of witches, they played a vital role in enabling wellness, providing care at times when resources and knowledge were scarce.

A persistent lack of healthcare access also gives some indication of why traditional remedies may persist. Even when professional care is more widely available, paying for a dentist without insurance can be challenging. Some clinics offer payment plans and seeing care at a dental school can also be an effective alternative option. Some dentists are also open to negotiating on prices. However, it remains the case that in socioeconomically deprived areas of Appalachia, this expenditure still isn’t an option. Therefore, turning to traditional remedies that have been passed down by generations of community members may seem preferable to people.

Symptom Relief

Many of the traditional tooth remedies of the Appalachian region are not designed for long-term or complex problems. Rather, in most cases, remedies are intended to provide immediate relief from symptoms. Especially with regard to pain issues, such as toothaches, there’s no shortage of Appalachian folk treatments, with many families swearing to their own versions and perpetuating these throughout successive generations.

After the 19th century, there’s certainly a common recommendation of swilling peroxide as a way to address oral pain or infection. However, prior to this, toothache treatments were related to items that Appalachian people had ready access to. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the precursor to swilling with peroxide was utilizing a mouthwash of hard liquor.

However, there were many plant-based remedies. Chewing ragweed is often cited as an Appalachian folk cure for toothache, as is holding a bag of warm ashes against the cheek in the vicinity of the pain. There are also reports of locals filling cavities with cobwebs or burned alum.

It’s also interesting to note that faith healing has a dental wellness history in Appalachia. Certainly, some of this is rooted in Judeo-Christian beliefs of various denominations. Though, it should also be noted that the specific folklore beliefs of the South, related to the community’s close relationships with the land has and continues to be important. A good example of this is the connection between folk music of the region, belief systems, and healing. Music has historically been a part of faith medicine and continues to be so today. Physicians in the region are still combining music with medical care — including dental treatment — as ways to heal and boost treatment efficacy.

Preventative Approaches

Prevention tends to be considered better than cure. Certainly, in recent years there have been reports that suggest Appalachian residents may not always be taking the right steps to protect their oral health. Indeed, public health researchers have found there’s a particular problem in the region with “Mountain Dew Mouth”, in which overconsumption of soda causing dental problems.

Certainly, historically and in contemporary times, making informed dietary choices can bolster prevention. For instance, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux can be triggered by certain foods and drinks. There is the potential for this to contribute to tooth decay and other oral health issues. Therefore, it’s considered wise to limit foods and drinks that lead to GERD symptoms, such as acidic fruit juices, energy drinks, spicy foods, and excessive candy. Fried food and alcohol are also contributors to GERD and acid reflux.

That said, there are also some Appalachian folk remedies that have historically been used as effective preventatives of dental issues. The region’s herbal medicine offers solutions that reflect contemporary methods of oral care. For instance, the root bark of sassafras was utilized as a toothpaste. Indeed, from a strictly cosmetic perspective, chewing sassafras bark was used to address tobacco addiction, potentially minimizing the nicotine yellowing of teeth.

As in many healing traditions, there are also more esoteric preventive measures. These approaches are more tied to popular beliefs than to balanced observations of health outcomes. Some such approaches include carrying a hog’s head bone around in one’s pocket, always putting the left shoe on first, and wearing nutmeg around the neck.

The Appalachian region has a rich history of traditional medicine, including that directed toward providing oral care. While the recommendations of Granny Women were rooted in lifestyle approaches and needs of the time, traditions may well be perpetuated today as a result of gaps in healthcare access. Issues such as toothaches were addressed by everything from plant medicine to the application of music in faith healing. Preventative dentistry involved rudimentary forms of toothpaste alongside effective dietary choices.

The post Mountain Medicine: The Forgotten Histories of Traditional Tooth Remedies appeared first on Appalachian History.

Up until the 1960s, many areas in the Appalachian Mountains were still without electricity or phones. The hospitals and doctors who served the poorer or isolated areas of the mountains were almost nonexistent, and funeral homes were few and far between. The practice of homestead burial was still common in small mountain towns. 

  In closed mountain societies, a death or passing became a very personal thing for the whole community. When the church bells tolled, it was natural for those who had roots there to count the number of times the bells were struck. Each clang represented the number of years the deceased person had lived on this earth. Many neighbors in the community could even tell by the number that rang out which family home to go to and help out. The folks who lived further away would receive news of the death in an envelope edged in black. Notices were also posted on windows of businesses or community buildings. 

Here’s an example. A man dies; perhaps from old age but most likely through a cave-in in the mines, sickness or through violent ends. His family mourns and prepares to give the man’s soul rest.  

The church and local community would move into action. Female neighbors nearby came to help wash the body, stitch the shroud and clean the family’s home. Other people nearby began to prepare food and drink or gather flowers and herbs to take to the home. 

The household clock was stopped, marking the time of death. Any mirrors in the house were turned facing the wall. It was believed that doing this would keep the soul of the dead man from being trapped in the reflective glass. Many who came to pay their respects avoided the mirrors, in fear of seeing the reflection of the dead person. If they did, they believed they would soon die.  

Male neighbors would set up a cooling board (usually made of wooden boards or an old door) in the parlor and cover it with cloth or covers to rest the body on for viewing. Chairs were also placed in the room for visitors and for those “sitting up” (having a wake) with the body overnight. A carpenter would be called to measure the deceased for a coffin. This would either be built like a box or measured and cut from an oak tree and hollowed out. A burial quilt covered the inside lining of either. 

Others gathered at the top of a hill nearby to take turns digging the grave. It needed to be dug at least six feet deep to ensure that animals in the area would not dig up the body. Burials on hilltops were done to keep water from seeping into the coffin, but those of faith also believed that it would bring those who had died closer to heaven; especially if facing east. Next of kin buried the deceased within two days of death, except during winter. If frost had hardened the ground too much, they placed the body in its coffin and kept it in the barn, safe from animals, until spring when the ground softened. 

The body of the man was placed on the cooling board and tied down. This kept the body straight and prevented the corpse from sliding off the board due to the body moving as it decomposed. If his mouth was open, a cloth or handkerchief was used to tie it shut. Rags of camphor water were used to wash the face and hands to keep them from becoming discolored. The rags were kept over the face until the visitors came to view. Silver coins were placed on the eyes to keep them closed and his arms were crossed over his chest. 

Masses of flowers and herbal cuttings were placed around the body to hold back the smell of death. Since the windows were opened in the house to circulate the air, family and friends were vigilant to protect the body from animals attracted to the smell. 

 The man’s grandmother (who was the oldest female in the family) approached the body with a lit candle and a bowl. A bag of salt sat on the floor. Waving the candle over the body three times, she then placed the bowl on his chest. Dipping her hand into the salt, she scooped out three handfuls and placed them in the bowl. Since many believed the soul did not leave the body for twenty-four hours, this old Scots traditional ritual, called “saining,” was used to protect the soul from being taken by evil things. 

Neighbors would come by to pay their respects as well as catch up with the news. As they walked by the body, some left tokens to be placed in the coffin. Others touched his hands hoping to heal a sickness or remove a wart. Women gathered around the body to shed their tears as the men stayed in the background. 

Those who stayed through the night told stories about the man who lay on the board, dressed and ready to meet his maker. At one point, someone got up and sang a beginning line of a hymn and the others in the room sang each line after him. These “lined hymns” were common at mountain wakes and funerals.  

The next morning, a knock could be heard at the front door of the house. The minister came through the front of the house and into the back parlor. A prayer was said for the deceased. The body was then lifted and placed into a large wooden box that was set up on the side of the room. A black covering was placed over the box.  The parlor door was opened and the dead man, in his coffin, was carried out feet first. Besides helping with the weight distribution for the pallbearers, this was also done to ensure that the corpse could not look back. It was believed that if the coffin was carried headfirst out the door the body’s spirit could linger and catch someone’s eye. By doing so, he could possibly take that person with him. 

The body was walked up the hill by the pallbearers and placed in the grave. Prayer was spoken and songs were sung. As each person passed graveside, they would toss a handful of soil onto the lid of the coffin. Gravediggers then shoveled the soil on the sides back into the hole.  Once the grave was filled, a large rock or piece of wood was placed at the head of the grave until a better stone could replace it. 

Afterwards, many friends and family would gather back at the widow’s home to eat, drink, clean up and offer help to get the stricken family back on their feet. This is what keeps mountain communities strong; being there in times of crisis. 

The post An Old Time Appalachian Burial  appeared first on Appalachian History.

Amanda Winstead is a writer from the Portland, OR area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Growing up, she spent summers in Maryland with her grandparents, walking sections of the Appalachian Trail or visiting historical sites in the area. More recently, she hiked the trail in full for the first time and fell absolutely in love, especially with its rich history. She was especially taken by the trail’s natural history and the way it links together the American story, from the site of George Washington’s inoculation of troops against smallpox to the last battlegrounds of Shay’s Rebellion. If you want to follow her writing journey you can find her on Twitter.

Appalachia holds a special place in the cultural landscape of the U.S. It has a combination of breathtaking mountain vistas, freshwater lakes, unique arts, and close community spirit. It’s no wonder, then, that many people consider the region as an option to spend their retirement years. Whether they’ve spent their whole lives in the mountains or are transitioning from other states, the idea of spending the golden years relaxing on the porch is a tempting one.

Nevertheless, the reality of retiring in Appalachia is a little more complex. This is reflected by the region’s history. The mountaintop coal mines have impacted how older citizens have lived the remainder of their lives. It’s worth taking a moment to explore this, alongside looking at the benefits and challenges of retiring in Appalachia today.

The Early Years

Retirement has changed over the years in Appalachia. Certainly, the way of life for retirees in the century following the Revolutionary War wouldn’t be quite the same as you’d expect it today. Indeed, the first consideration is the likelihood of actually living to what we’d consider to be retirement age today. One study of census records of the white U.S. population between 1790 and 1900 places life expectancy at birth between the ages of around 37 and 51. This surely didn’t leave much time for an enriching retirement.

For those who did reach older ages, the ability to retire — in terms of entirely forgoing any type of work — would usually be dependent on family resources. Older residents would often expect to rely on the finances and support of their children and grandchildren. Though, for many people in rural areas, homesteading would be commonplace, with all members of the family working the land and trading for what they needed.

In some instances, participation in the Revolutionary War resulted in entitlement to a pension. Indeed, records show that some Appalachian residents were in receipt of this provision. This wasn’t just limited to those who fought in the war, either. Entitlement to the pension was also extended to widows and orphans of soldiers. As a result, these funds would have contributed to maintaining the quality of life for older populations.

Formal retirement as we’d recognize it today likely wouldn’t have been a realistic expectation for many people until the early 20th century. The challenges of the Great Depression, alongside other socioeconomic and political factors, prompted the passing of the 1935 Social Security Act. Initially, this provided old-age insurance payments directly to those over the age of 65, commensurate with what they paid into the system. However, later amendments expanded this to include payments to dependents. In effect, for the first time, those in Appalachia who had contributed through taxes could be guaranteed a retirement income.

The Development of Challenges

The introduction of the Social Security Act was, without a doubt, advantageous to those living in rural Appalachia. However, that’s not to say that retirement in the region has been without challenges. Historically speaking, some of these involved the potential for workers to be exploited by coal and other industry leaders. Low wages and limited access to benefits have historically perpetuated cycles of poverty in parts of Appalachia. As a result, this made it difficult for those living in the region to save money for retirement to bolster the Social Security benefits they expected to receive.

When the coal industry and unions agreed to a deal in 1946, businesses began to fund pensions for miners. However, the current condition of the coal industry in Appalachia has presented further challenges to those approaching retirement. As the necessity for more sustainable sources of energy has become more urgent, many coal mining businesses have declared bankruptcy, putting employer-funded pensions at risk. There are efforts underway to prompt the government to address this by directing funds to a pension plan run by the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA). Nevertheless, the financially secure retirement of many Appalachians remains at risk.

Certainly, these are among the elements people should review when looking to relocate to or from Appalachia during their retirement years. The ability to fund a move as well as financially thrive in a new location are primary considerations when you’re planning to move. In addition to practicalities such as packing, it’s also vital for retirees to research whether they’re able to gain the medical care they need in their intended location.

Healthcare can add to the challenges of retirement in Appalachia. One of the realities of aging is the potential deterioration of health, which makes treatment a key quality of life component. Unfortunately, there are well-documented healthcare disparities in the region. This is particularly prevalent in rural areas of Appalachia where health literacy and access to sufficient medical insurance and services are low. It is, therefore, vital for retirees to consider their health needs when looking at Appalachia as a retirement destination.

Access to Retirement Resources

While these challenges paint a complex picture, it’s equally important to consider the resources available for retirees in Appalachia. Any positive retirement experience relies on access to resources. So, how does Appalachia stack up on this level? Well, throughout its history and continuing to the present day, the region boasts an enviable array of outdoor living amenities. Indeed, it is the mild weather, hiking opportunities, and incredible wildlife that have helped make Appalachia a popular alternative to Florida for retirees. Plus, there are friendly communities to engage with. If retirees plan to spend their later years hunting, fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the scenery, Appalachia can be a fantastic choice.

In addition to recreational opportunities, some of the most important resources revolve around ways to keep pensions topped up. For instance, real estate tends to factor into retirement plans as an additional form of investment. Retirees can generate income from rentals, take advantage of a relatively inflation-resistant appreciating asset, and bring a little diversity to their pension savings portfolios.

It’s important to bear a few things in mind when considering Appalachia’s potential to provide real estate income sources. Firstly, in 2023 the value of homes in the region was much lower than the national median. This can be great from the perspective of purchasing a home as an investment, as buyers need relatively little capital to engage with the market. However, this also means that resale values are lower and landlords can expect to charge lower rents than in other areas.

The history of retirement in Appalachia is in step with much of the U.S., developing from family support in homesteads, through industrial action, and the introduction of Social Security benefits. There have also been specific challenges in Appalachia, related to the coal industry and poverty cycles. Nevertheless, as a retirement destination today, it offers some beneficial resources.

When considering these elements, it’s important to note that Appalachia’s history and continued challenges don’t necessarily make it a deal-breaker as a retirement option. There will always be hurdles to overcome, regardless of the location. The key is to gain a good understanding of the potential issues, including how locals have historically addressed them. This can be an empowering way to make decisions that ensure retirement is tailored to fit the retiree’s needs.

The post Retiring to the Porch? Golden Years in Appalachia, Then & Now appeared first on Appalachian History.

Amanda Winstead is a writer from the Portland, OR area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Growing up, she spent summers in Maryland with her grandparents, walking sections of the Appalachian Trail or visiting historical sites in the area. More recently, she hiked the trail in full for the first time and fell absolutely in love, especially with its rich history. She was especially taken by the trail’s natural history and the way it links together the American story, from the site of George Washington’s inoculation of troops against smallpox to the last battlegrounds of Shay’s Rebellion. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.

Mining has been integral to Appalachia for over a century. Figures like the highly celebrated Lawrence B. Finzel, once called “the champion coal miner of the world” for his above-average work ethic, is just one example of how the coal mining industry defined the region and was also a major source of cultural pride.

However, recent calls for greener energy production threaten to end the practice of coal mining in the Appalachian Basin. Opposition to environmental activism says that ending coal would disrupt communities, take away jobs, and make Appalachia a poorer place.

Divesting from Appalachian coal can provide new opportunities and improve the ecology of the Appalachian basin. Without coal mining, streams and valleys can be renewed and communities can pivot towards industries and professions that are viable in the long term.

Of course, folks in Appalachia will need support to make the transition a successful one, but they have the aptitude and resilience to prosper in a greener future.

Coal Mining in Wise County, VA photo taken by Jimmy Emerson

Energy Reliance

We need to adopt a greener model for energy production. However, a growing population and steadily rising demand for electricity means that we need a stable, reliable energy source like coal.

While coal consumption has dropped in the past decade, we still use 501 metric tons for electricity production alone — that makes coal the second-largest energy source in the country.

The coal-fired plants in Appalachia are essential to meet current and future electricity demands. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the Appalachia region accounts for 27% of the coal produced in the United States. This coal is sent directly to power plants, where it is burnt to produce steam for turbines that, in turn, create energy for electricity. Without coal-fired plants, we simply could not meet the energy demands of modern-day America.

U.S. Energy Information Administration

Fortunately, climate activist groups and clean energy providers believe that Appalachia could be the perfect site to host the transition toward renewable energy. Appalachia’s existing infrastructure and geographical proximity to electric markets make the Basin an alluring proposition for wind and solar energy plants.

Brad Kreps, a program director for The Nature Conservancy says that the wasteland left behind by surface coal mining and coal fields could be made productive again by green energy, too. This widespread adoption of solar and wind energy can support divestment efforts, help meet the national energy demand, and bring much-needed jobs and tax revenue to the Appalachian Basin.

Community and Job Loss

Mining communities are renowned for their strength and togetherness. Close-knit communities know how to fight for one another and stand up to large corporations. However, recently released scholarly books like James Green’s “The Devil is Here in These Hills” point out that mining communities are still at risk of manipulation by major corporations. As we move towards a greener future, these towns are once again placed at risk in the form of job losses that undermine community bonds.

Concerns about job loss are real and should be taken seriously. However, it is disingenuous to suggest that coal mining can become a major employer in the future of Appalachia. Figures from the Bureau of Labour Statistics show that, in the past 40 years, coal employment has fallen from 177,800 to 41,000. Unions have also weakened, leaving current employees in a precarious position.

Clearly, coal mining cannot be the financial backbone that it once was. This sentiment is echoed by Terry Steele, who worked as a coal miner for 26 years in Matewan, West Virginia. Speaking to The Guardian, Steele explained that those who promise to bring back the “good old days” are using nostalgia to exploit workers and their families. Instead, Steele and other former coal miners believe that a transition to new industries is necessary to rebuild Appalachia’s economy and ecology.

Recovering Ecology

Coal mining is infamous for its harmful impact on the local ecology. Surface coal mining regularly overburdens mountain tops and valleys, resulting in stream loss and burial, valley fills that stocks land with substandard soil, and back stacks that decrease the quality and quantity of habitats across Appalachia.

Environmental Protection Agency

Divesting from Appalachian coal may sound like the solution to ecological degradation. However, the wasteland left in the wake of intensive mining cannot support biodiverse ecologies or be used as fertile land for farming. Previously mined wasteland cannot function as a carbon sink, either, as forests and grasslands that offset CO2 are left barren and no longer function for carbon offsetting.

Reforestation is pivotal to the long-term renewal of Appalachia. Nonprofits like Kentucky-based Green Forests Work have recently been highlighted by the World Economic Forum for planting over 3 million trees in the Appalachian region since 2009. Planting forests boosts local wildlife, increases biodiversity, and helps Appalachia become the important carbon sink that it once was.

Appalachian wasteland may play an integral role in the future of sustainable waste management, too. Anaerobic digestion processors can be planted on barren land to produce energy and reduce waste. Anaerobic digestion works by drawing natural gasses out of organic matter and converting them into low-polluting biofuels. This reduces the need for landfills and can play a pivotal role in the transition towards more green energy.   

Environmental Protection Agency

Public Health

Coal miners in Appalachia have suffered from conditions like black lung for decades. Black lung is robbing generations of coal miners of their health and results in early deaths for thousands of workers. Researcher and activist Barbara Ellen Smith reports that black lung is still a pertinent issue today, as workers as young as 30 years old are “contracting the most advanced form of the disease at the highest rates ever recorded.”

Divesting from coal cannot result in the abandonment of those who suffer from black lung and other coal-related health conditions. Total divestment from coal may mean the end of coal companies, but former employers’ responsibility to miners must be seen through.

Renewing commitments to public health in Appalachia post-coal is particularly important today. As former miners age, many will face work risks that worsen with age. Miners who have lived labor-intensive lives have much to be proud of but are at risk of chronic conditions like arthritis and high blood pressure. Current workers who are approaching retirement age are more likely to suffer from work-related injuries, too.

Weakened and dissolved unions put vulnerable Appalachian miners at risk in a post-coal world. Proactive, preventative measures must be put in place to ensure that the corporations that have fleeced miners for decades are held accountable for the health and well-being of workers and retirees today. This financial accountability ensures that the wider Appalachian populace is in good health as folks pivot toward a more prosperous, healthier future without coal.

The post Why Divesting From Appalachian Coal Is Not That Simple appeared first on Appalachian History.

Amanda Winstead is a writer from the Portland area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Growing up, she spent summers in Maryland with her grandparents, walking sections of the Appalachian Trail or visiting historical sites in the area. More recently, she hiked the trail in full for the first time and fell absolutely in love, especially with its rich history. She was especially taken by the trail’s natural history and the way it links together the American story, from the site of George Washington’s inoculation of troops against smallpox to the last battlegrounds of Shay’s Rebellion. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.

Rural Appalachia struggles with healthcare issues significantly more than other areas across the country. Healthcare Disparities in Appalachia, a report by the Appalachian Regional Commission, highlights the various gaps in healthcare access and success throughout the region. Most notably, seven of the leading causes of death in the nation have markedly higher mortality rates in Appalachia.

This means that more Appalachian people are dying from heart disease, cancer, COPD, injury, stroke, suicide, and diabetes than people in any other region across the United States. Drug overdoses and other “diseases of despair” are highest in Appalachia, with substance use problems having systemic roots. There are numerous reasons for this, but healthcare gaps are at least partially to blame.

The State of Appalachian Healthcare

Especially in rural areas, Appalachian residents are subject to restricted access to healthcare professionals. The number of primary care physicians per 100,000 people is 12% lower here than the national average — increasing to 21% and 33% lower in Southern and Central Appalachia, respectively. Dentists and other specialists are harder to come by, as well. This lack of accessibility has resulted in notable changes to the healthcare landscape in Appalachia.

Rise in Urgent Care Centers

Urgent care centers, like MedExpress or Concentra, are cropping up all over the place — including in rural Appalachia. In fact, the U.S. has seen 11,150 new facilities and is projected to increase that by 7% each year.

Urgent care centers are helpful to Appalachian communities due to their lower cost and ability to take in more patients. Typically, people visit these facilities for less-severe illnesses and procedures, such as a common cold or vaccination. The physician assistants and nurse practitioners that work there free up valuable time at other facilities with primary care physicians and specialists. This is vital in situations where there are high numbers of patients. For instance,  many healthcare facilities 60% uptick in patient volume due to the pandemic. 

Compared to other areas of the United States, Appalachian regions experienced a markedly slower spread of COVID-19. Being disconnected can have unique perks, such as slowing the spread of infectious diseases. However, with less connectivity comes less healthcare access and advancements when patients need it most.

Healthcare Connectivity

While the rate of transmission of infectious diseases may be slowed in rural Appalachia, there are still plenty of illnesses requiring patients to seek treatment. Obesity, drug use, mental issues, and smoking all lead to health complications that need to be addressed. These factors combined likely contribute to high mortality rates in the region. Unfortunately, the lack of connectedness to healthcare advancements and the low supply of healthcare professionals means that those needing care can’t always receive it.

A lack of connectivity manifests itself in lifestyle differences but also in a lack of information or even misinformation. While internet access in Appalachia isn’t necessarily hard to come by, there is a stark urban-rural divide. The only Appalachian counties to match the national average in device access were metropolitan counties. Otherwise, rural Appalachia fell behind. 

This lack of access to technology can stall information spread and, further, extend to healthcare facilities. A digital disadvantage can also mean a scarcity of IT professionals to build robust IT infrastructure in healthcare systems. 

In addition to the newest treatment systems and technology, healthcare relies on an interconnected web of communication to best meet patients’ needs. Doctors and facilities need to be able to quickly and securely transfer patient files and information between care providers. If this isn’t possible, patients aren’t receiving the efficient, informed treatment they deserve.

Closing the Appalachian Healthcare Gap

Luckily, there are steps being taken toward improving the state of healthcare in rural areas. Especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, professionals are thinking harder and smarter about how to expand healthcare access to everyone across the country — not just those in metropolitan areas. With time and hard work, there will hopefully be more available beds in hospitals, better-paid staff, and lower mortality rates in rural Appalachia.

Technology

As mentioned above, healthcare facilities need IT infrastructure solid enough to support their robust technological needs. Healthcare information technology includes a variety of electronic methods, such as: 

• Patient healthcare portals and apps;
• Electronic medical record systems (EMRs, EHRs, and PHRs); 
• Online prescribing systems; 
• Online provider order entry; 
• Electronic disease registries; 
• Clinical decision support (CDS);
• Telehealth.

Reimbursement is apparently on the mend in rural healthcare, allowing rural facilities to recover financially. Hopefully, financial means will be allocated to the most advantageous parts of healthcare technology

Public Investment

In the past, the lack of public investment in the region has been a major source of health disparities in Appalachia. Rural health facilities have ended up behind when trying to educate staff and implement new tech, much less keep up with new tech in the first place. Now, financial issues are leading to staff retention problems — but technology may be able to help in this area, simultaneously.

Public investments could be key in closing the gap. Luckily, major organizations are already taking action. UnitedHealth Group has invested $10 million in Appalachian healthcare as of 2023, with plans to upgrade the inherently flawed system. These include planned investments in clean energy, creative placemaking, community health, and food and agriculture. 

This is a nice first step for Appalachia to start financially recovering from being behind in the healthcare sector. Financial resources could mean more budget to pay previously underpaid staff and increase retention rates.

Staffing

Retention issues and layoffs have plagued the rural Appalachian healthcare system. Especially with COVID-19 complications, there have been staffing issues, particularly in more remote areas. For example, Appalachian Regional Healthcare furloughed 500 employees in 2020 amidst a loss of revenue due to COVID-19 postponing non-life-threatening procedures. Although beds and staff were scarce, this eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia chain of healthcare facilities was forced to shut down part of its operations and run without 8% of its employees. This is just one example of how rural healthcare is failing the public, especially in times of need. It also leaves remaining employees underpaid and overworked, prone to burnout and more mistakes.

Fortunately, the introduction of financial reimbursements and smarter technology into rural healthcare should offset these staffing issues. Traveling nursing jobs are more popular due to higher pay, and rural healthcare facilities just haven’t been able to keep up. However, technology is opening more opportunities for healthcare professionals with entrepreneurial aspirations. 

While staffing is down, the demand for healthcare is high. With the help of healthcare tech, medical professionals can turn to telehealth to help more patients regardless of area. This means that rural healthcare professionals can get more work and patients in rural areas can see a professional virtually without having to travel or wait for subpar care in their location.

Analytics and Community

Technology and community are intertwined in many ways — from telehealth access to the spread of vital health information. If rural Appalachian healthcare facilities are to improve their contribution to communities, they will need to embrace analytics in a deeper way. 

One such way is to track patient movement. Rural facilities don’t have the resources to waste on misplaced patients. Analysts should keep a keen eye on how many patients have been transported to the wrong treatment centers, misdiagnosed, or otherwise treated poorly. This can not only improve efficiency in rural healthcare, but it can also enhance healthcare courtesy in Appalachia.

Many patients report poor bedside manners contributing to their negative healthcare experiences in rural Appalachian facilities. Optimizing healthcare processes and retaining healthy employees will lead to less burnout and better courtesy to the Appalachian community of patients. After all, this is what rural healthcare is all about — community wellness regardless of hardship. Taking steps to improve this is the only way.

The post Addressing Appalachia’s Healthcare Gap appeared first on Appalachian History.

Please welcome guest author F. Keith Davis. Davis is a longtime newspaperman, author, and independent book publisher. His book titles include West Virginia Tough Boys; Images of America: Logan County, WV; After All These Years: The Authorized Biography of the Hoppers; and others. His newest revision is an ebook release of the state bestseller, The Secret Life and Brutal Death of Mamie Thurman, which is available on Apple Books, Barnes & Noble Nook, or Amazon Kindle. Over the years, he has penned articles and features for a number of national magazines, including Wild West Magazine; Goldenseal; Wonderful WV Magazine; and others. Keith and his wife, Cheryl, live in southern West Virginia.

(EDITOR’S NOTE — The frontier days in southern West Virginia were just coming to a close by the time Raymond Chafin was born in 1917, but the territory in and around Cow Creek was still largely backwoods and isolated. Raymond, who later became a acclaimed mountain politician from Logan County, was the firstborn of Elbert and Lucinda Curry Chafin of Barnabus, WV. At the time this story begins, Raymond Chafin was in his late 20s, and his father, Elbert Chafin, had been suffering for several years from prostate cancer. His health was now beginning to fade). 

BARNABUS, W.Va. — It was around 1946, and Elbert Chafin’s health had continued to fail. At this particular juncture, the prostate cancer had taken its toll on his body, and his wife Lucinda decided it was time to “call in the family,” since it was obvious that he didn’t have much time left. 

The curtains were pulled and the lights were turned down low in Elbert’s bedroom. Within an hour or so, everyone began to gather around his bedside, including his son, Raymond Chafin. All awaited the inevitable.

It was years later, in 2002, that Raymond reminisced during an interview about this particularly difficult evening, saying, “Our close family was not particularly a church-going bunch. I remember we did have cousins who believed in baptizing by sprinkling. Others believed you had to be dunked in over your head in a running creek.”  He added that some didn’t think you needed any of that stuff at all. As for our house, we never gave any of it much thought.

“Now that Dad was dying, we had our neighbors send for Rev. M. K. Diamond.” Diamond was a spindly, gray haired old man of God who lived up the holler. “Preacher Diamond was probably the only preacher-man our family knew well, and I guess we thought it was only the right thing to do. A preacher should be with Dad at this final moment!”

Raymond said hefore the preacher could even get to the house, Elbert sighed, grunted loudly, and went limp. “I was devastated, and so was the rest of the family. Mom nervously yanked Dad’s bedsheet over his head. He was gone.”

When Preacher Diamond arrived, the family was still standing around, crying. He stared at Dad’s lifeless body for several minutes, and then shouted, “Everybody! Get on the floor and let’s pray! I SAID PRAY!”

Raymond remembered it being an emotional episode, and added, “Up until that day my brothers and I didn’t put a whole lot of stock in praying. Yet, amidst the drama of this moment, and with ol’ Diamond barking out orders, we dropped to the floor like rocks. We gave it our best. Undoubtedly, Preacher Diamond was praying the loudest. I think we all tried to mimic him as best we could. I’ve not heard such praying like this before, nor since that day. It must have gone on for about 15 minutes or longer.”

While all were praying, Raymond said he’d peek out one eye every few second to see what was happening. All of a sudden, as they were all praying, crying, and shouting, the bed sheet jerked violently! Suddenly Elbert rose up! He leaned over the bed and took one look at everyone in astonishment. He gasped, “What the Sam-Hill are you people doing?” 

“Mom fainted!”

When everything finally settled down, Raymond recalled that they all just stood and stared at Elbert as if he was some kind of ghost. 

When Elbert heard the whole story, he was a bit shook up over it all, too. “Dad felt pretty good after that. Now I’m not saying I really know what happened that day. Yet, I am saying I now believe in the power of prayer!”

* * *

“I suspect Dad lived another year or so after that—passing away at 54 years of age, in 1947,” Raymond recalled. “I was 30 years old then. At Dad’s eventual passing, there was an all-night vigil over the corpse, held at home, which was the custom of the day. Fresh flowers surrounded his rough wood casket, and many attendees stayed throughout the night. The common observance was called ‘staying up with the dead.’”

Not long after Elbert’s passing, Raymond’s wife, Louise, gave birth to a daughter, Margaret, on October 30, 1949. Little Margaret, a tiny newborn with dark eyes and fair skin, would never know her grandpa, except through the colorful stories her father would tell. Margaret helped fill the cavernous hole that remained in Raymond’s heart after losing his father—maybe his best friend in the world.

* * *

(This excerpt, a portion of an interview held with Raymond Chafin in 2002, is from the book, West Virginia Tough Boys, by author F. Keith Davis, published by Guyan Ridge Publishing. For the first time ever, the revised edition of this book will soon be made available on Amazon Kindle, Barnes and Noble Nook, and Apple Books.)

The post The bed sheet jerked violently! Suddenly Elbert rose up! appeared first on Appalachian History.

Please welcome guest author Amanda Winstead. Winstead is a writer from the Portland, OR area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Along with writing she enjoys traveling, reading, working out, and going to concerts. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.

The Appalachian region is renowned for its beauty and its wilderness. Its forests and mountains are romanticized as an enclave of escape from the bustle of the modern world. And that’s why its breathtaking landscapes and quaint rural communities attract tourists from around the world. Indeed, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, nestled along the border separating Tennessee and North Carolina, is the nation’s most visited, and one of its oldest, parks.

But there’s another side, one that is far less beautiful. Those same outsiders who proclaim the pristine glory of the Appalachian mountainscape rarely accord the same positive sentiments to the mountain people who reside there. 

Rather, Appalachian natives, many of whom are the descendants of America’s first true pioneers, are often subjected to stereotypes that only perpetuate the region’s marginalization. They are repudiated as ignorant, impoverished, and irredeemable drunks and drug addicts. They are fingered as the ultimate culprits in their own suffering, the final arbiters of their own destiny and the destinies of their children and grandchildren.

But, like all stereotypes, these narratives present a partial and highly distorted version of the truth. In this skewed version of reality, the true agents of blame absolve themselves of their responsibility. The guilty parties create a story of their own absolution.

The story of addiction in Appalachia is one such narrative of blame-shifting. The reality is that, contrary to the stereotype, Appalachian peoples are not more “prone” to addiction than any other regional, cultural, ethnic, or socioeconomic demographic. 

Addiction in the region has deep, complex, and multigenerational roots. It is a systemic plague that will only be addressed through comprehensive interventions. 

Poverty and the “Diseases of Despair”

The Appalachian region is not only renowned for its beauty, but also for its immense natural resources. From its fertile farmlands to its prolific reserves of coal, timber, and natural gas, the region has generated untold wealth across the centuries. 

However, as is so often the case, it has been the investors headquartered in the major metropolitan areas who derive the lion’s share of the benefit. Poverty in Appalachia has contributed both to a lack of access to quality health care and disproportionate rates of uninsured and underinsured adults and children in the region.

In Southern Appalachia, for example, the number of uninsured adults under the age of 65 significantly exceeds the national average, despite the advent of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In high-poverty areas, low-income workers often find themselves unable to afford ACA premiums but ineligible for Medicaid or other benefits.

In addition to the lack of sufficient health coverage, the Appalachian region is also characterized by a dearth of healthcare providers. Mental health care, including addiction recovery services, is particularly lacking. Indeed, the number of mental health care providers is more than 35% below the national average in many parts of the region.

In addition, generational poverty, combined with the inaccessibility of affordable physician and mental healthcare has given rise to an epidemic of the so-called “diseases of despair” in Appalachia. This includes not only excessive rates of suicide but also significantly higher risks for substance use disorders. 

As sufferers self-medicate with alcohol and drugs, they instigate a generational cycle that continues even when the original catalyst (poverty, lack of healthcare access, etc.) ends. And so the diseases of alcohol and drug addiction go untreated, and children grow up in a home with substance-abusing grandparents, parents, or siblings. A family legacy of dependency is born. 

The Economics of Addiction

Contrary to the stereotype, neither indolence nor addiction are distinguishing characteristics of the Appalachian people. Farming, especially tobacco farming, and coal mining have long been the principal industries, and one of the few sources of stable work, in the region for generations. This is, in most cases, laborious, dangerous, and backbreaking work. 

Though these industries are a vital component of the economy in many parts of the region, they exact a profound toll on workers, residents, communities, and the environment. Coal mining, for example, is an enormously profitable industry, but the impacts on public and environmental health are often devastating. 

Job-related injuries and illnesses are common in the Appalachian region, a reality that has been egregiously exploited by the pharmaceutical industry. The origins of the opioid epidemic may be traced to Appalachia and the push by Big Pharma to increase opioid drug prescriptions for the treatment of chronic pain. 

The  region was being flooded with prescribed opioids even as evidence was emerging (and often being concealed) regarding the addictive and lethal potential of the drugs. Government regulations arose far too late to stem the tide of addiction, and opioid dependency became endemic to the region.

The Legacy of Big Tobacco

Coal mining is not the only industry for which Appalachia is known. Farming, too, plays a pivotal role in the history of the region. Historically, one of the region’s most important crops has been tobacco. 

The prevalence of tobacco in the economy and culture of Southern Appalachia, in particular, has given rise to generations of smokers and snuff users. From chewing tobacco to cigarettes, tobacco products remain ubiquitous in many parts of Appalachia. 

However, the increasing stigmatization of smoking and the skyrocketing cost of cigarettes has led large numbers of cigarette smokers to turn to vaping as a smoking cessation aid. This transition has been based largely on preliminary and, as it turns out, erroneous reports of the safe and non-addictive properties of e-cigarettes. 

Amid mounting evidence of the dangers of e-cigarettes, government regulators have sought to decrease consumption through heavy taxation, curtailed advertising, and ingredient restrictions. In response, consumers are increasingly turning to the black market for cheaper and more accessible e-cigarettes in the flavors they want. This only exacerbates the risks already inherent to vaping, as unregulated e-cigarettes are increasingly being laced with potentially lethal substances purchased on the dark web.

The Takeaway

The story of addiction in Appalachia is far more complex than the stereotype acknowledges. It is a pervasive disorder with deep, systemic roots. It is a pandemic that will only end when, as a nation, we confront the economic, political, medical, and cultural catalysts driving it.

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