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I live in the apilcian mountain and I can't afford to pay for your videos and if I could I wouldn't. Shame on you. Greed is a deadly sin my friend. Good luck.
FYI, the U.S. didn’t enter into WWI in 1914, nor WWII in 1939. These glaring inaccuracies in your “documentary” raise the question of how well informed/accurate the rest of your “documentaries” are and caused me to cease viewing any of them.
I grew up in southern Indiana we used to have a joke about all the kentuckians that lived around us the joke was that it is exactly one tank full of gas from Pikeville Kentucky
East Tennessee here. I live in the house I grew up in on the land that’s been in my family for 150 years. my parents built this little house with their own two hands when dad came back from World War II. I live in a holler and the ridges that surround me protect me from storms and highwinds. The ground here is very fertile. I have a creek in my backyard. I’m never leaving and you can bury me in the backyard when it’s all said and done.
I live on top of a mountain in the Smokey's ; it is glorious, like looking at God's artwork every day - however we have wind storms up here and I've been thinking of a farm in a hollar.
I love your story. I too am from East Tennessee. Was born here but left when I was four and grew up all over the world as a military brat. I came back home in my late twenties. I’ve been all over this country and the world,but East Tennessee is by far my most favorite place on earth. God bless.
You are living my dream. My happy place is the mountains in Nantahala where my family came from. My heart and soul feel like they belong there but I don’t know that it will ever happen. Most of my relatives have passed. My great aunt and uncle who raised my mom are gone. I got up every June for the “decoration” at the old church house. I know very few folks anymore. My mom still knew a lot of folks and she enjoyed seeing her old school friends. But she passed in 2020. I’m 64 and so I doubt I will ever realize my dream.
I'm in East Tennessee as well. We're about 15 minutes from North Carolina and have lived on the same land all my life. I love it here and believe it to be the most beautiful place next to heaven.
Born and raised in a holler in a remote area of WV. Lost both grandpas and my Dad to black lung disease. It was poverty but I had an amazing life as a child. Strongest people I’ve ever met. ♥️
YOU have hit on the heart of the matter: coal mining wasn't heaven. It was a death sentence. The timber industry was no walk in the park. In my younger years, Mel Tillis had a hit song: 'The Sawmill.' In it, a man has to leave the area 'since the gravy was too thin.'
Hello SpringTime :) Am 68 years now and born and raised in the blue ridge. Catched crawdads in the blackwater creek and sometimes some minnows. Coocked them on a low built fire but never really went hungry beyond what canned beans there were. Dad was dead, I was 9, mom was coocked. Family was few. Sometimes God teaches us to laugh because when you look at absurb, nothing else makes sense.
From Virginia (Abingdon) I was born and raised in a holler I will never leave the Appalachian mountains I remember we burned coal and wood to heat our house as a child Now you couldn't find a lump of coal. We gathered nuts from the mountains, raised most of what we ate swimming in the creek going to the spring for water we sure had it good
My father was raised in Haysi and from what he told us grew up the same way but wanted something else and found it just north of Detroit where many of our people cleared the land where I grew up. It was a nice life growing up there the hunting and fishing is amazing. Many of my people moved back here and in 08 I moved to Lebanon to do construction with my brother the hardest of work never bothered me or any of our people. He's passed away now and I moved to Abingdon about 8 years ago and I can't imagine a more beautiful place to live. Don't care much for even visiting big cities anymore.
We used to buy a lot of feeder cattle around Abington in the 60's and 70's. I think I was in every sale barn within 40 miles with my Dad. Fond memories. Abingdon. Sorry.
We still have plenty of coal in southern West Virginia though few use it for heat now....we did on the farm growing up even had our own coal mine for our use and selling some house coal.
In the purple shadows of the Appalachian mountains, where the misty mornings dew. Evaporates with the arrival of golden Sunshine's first rays. The hills and valleys are dappled in delight, finally the day fades into night. That's where it all began and where it will end. Just a gentle whisper of the wind through the trees. The spirit's of loved ones and next of kin long forgotten now. Their spirit's dance upon the wind, riding sunbeams in the morning light. Dancing on raindrops, just a slight mist, but with a twist. Grandma and Grandpa's spirit's are home again. In the mountains they still love, Appalachia a gift from above. So when you feel that shiver on the back of your neck. Don't be afraid don't be alarmed, they don't mean you any harm. Just that Appalachia has an unbreakable charm. When this earthly life ends, many souls return to the place where it all began.
From Pikeville (actually Johns Creek) Kentucky moved out when graduated in 1988 but moved back in 1991 and began working at Pike County Detention Center. Worked until 1995 there and was witness to the beginning of the end with the drug addiction and crime. Left and went to Virginia and worked at a Supermax Prison until retiring in 2008. Would travel back and forth over the years because my parents still lived there. By 2012 the crime had moved into where I was living in Virginia and I decided I had enough of the poverty and crime of the area and moved to Iowa. Love the beauty of the area especially the Breaks Interstate Park between Elkhorn Kentucky and Haysi Virginia. I have so many memories of happy times in the 70’s and 80’s there and it’s still beautiful but is a shadow of itself. The coal industry is gone (in my opinion thanks to the UMWA) and nothing other than the Prison systems has moved in to take its place! Crime is so bad because of poverty and no jobs! What I wouldn’t give to go back to the middle 70’s waking up to smell of fresh bacon, biscuits and coffee my grandma would get up at 5 a.m. every morning to start! All 7 of my aunts and uncles are gone except for my mom and 1 aunt and they are in their 80’s now and not healthy but still live there and love it and wouldn’t think of ever leaving! Pikeville will always have my heart but I know I’ll never return!
@@Johanna-y3m Hey, been through Magoffin county so many times I couldn’t even start to count em-route to Lexington or Louisville or coming to my current home! Played them in football many times as well! Cheers to you and god bless! Stay safe and take a good deep breath of that fresh mountain air for me because I miss that the most! 🏔️
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller you’re welcome but you deserve the thanks for making such great content! It really is amazing because it takes me back every time!
@@billreynolds9107 I worked at Keen Mt. For several years and your right that’s the only industry left in Southwest Virginia. I did quit and worked in the coal industry for 23 more years sadly it’s almost gone. I left first in 92 for a few years saw the world till I came home but I’m probably the farthest away from home as anyone I retired to the Philippines and only go back to visit mom. I miss it sometimes but I don’t miss what’s there now I miss what was there. I’d love to go back to the 70-80’s myself the world sure has changed. You mentioned Haysi that’s where my second dad was from Clinus Hall you brought back a bunch of memories thanks brother. Take care enjoy that well earned retirement I know I will.
Maybe I got it wrong, but the love, the respect, the neighborly way people were, the way people helped each other, seems to outshine the neighborhood of today.
Well, I left rural Louisiana for a number of years. Went broke, nearly starved, and I`m back because I can grow food here & raise chickens. I can`t starve here. This time to afford it I got a used camper, a roof over it, needed supplies, and even emergency solar power so my freezer stays frozen and I can have some air conditioning after the next storm. Now my job is...produce food...be friends with nature...heal my mind and soul.
I grew up in Manhattan, New York City. My old neighborhood is what is now known as the, "EAST VILLAGE". My neighbors were a large Family of country People from the Mountains of Apalacia, West Virginia. My very close fiend, Walter, had a wounderful black and white photo of his dear Mom as a small child sitting down with Devilance Hatfield, he was the leader of the Hatfield mountain clan that were part of the famous, and, extremely long lasting, HATFILD & MaCOY Family Fued. These Mountain Folks fought with each other for 100 years. Google this, it's an amazing story. Please, also understand, that my good friend, Walter, and his beautiful Hill Dwelling Family from Apalachia were among the kindest, intelligent, and caring People I have Ever known. And, I'm 79 years of age, and have known quite a few people in my Day. My sincere THANK YOU to the producers and staff of this well made, and outstanding documentary video!
70 years old,now residing in Illinois and listening to you narrate my family history. Absolutely great story J.D. y'all stay safe out there my friends 🙏
If your family came up here (North central Illinois, just shy of the WI border), there were good factory jobs paying a living wage, but the South Folk generally lived in the Parks, because it was cheaper. I grew up, played with and was educated with their kids, and never regretted it - unless we ticked off someone's mom, who'd holler at us all, and we all had to apologize, otherwise she'd call our parents. Some wags called it 'Parkansas' but it wasn't malicious; it was a commentary on how many people came up from parts South. Good times.
My Dad was an old time reverend from the Old Regular Baptist of deep rooted eastern KY. He always said that Appalachians have the biggest hearts and Pike County KY is the heart of America. I grew up down Brushy. Havent lived in Pike since 1990, but I'm just in Kingsport. I'll never leave Appalachia for good .
Pikeville is some beautiful country, been through there many times on my way to Virginia, around Grundy a little place called Haysi. Thats where my Mommy-in law is from. Lovely , heart warming people.
My mother was born in Pike County , KY ( Raccoon), and my father was born in Boone County, WV. After my father was honorably discharged from the Military, my parents moved to the Northeast, US. Every summer , during the 1960's & 1970's, we would make our journey to WV and KY to visit both of my grandmothers and other relatives. It was the highlight of every summer to make that road trip. Once I married, my trips South were far and few between, however, within the last month, I returned to Pike County, KY for a family funeral. So, so different than I remember in my younger years. The mountains are still beautiful, and the ride home through WV was a scenic wonder, brought back so many childhood memories of riding Interstate 77 and Interstate 79 through WV. Even though I wasn't raised there, I have always felt a connection to that area of the country.
Born and raised in West Virginia. There were few jobs when I hit my 20s so I went to LA in 1977. I've retired and I'm back in the east again. This time in NC. I can get to the mountains in a little more than an hour. It's so good to be back.
I wasn't born in Appalachia, but have been here over half my life & this is home. We try to learn & live the old ways, while also teaching it to our children. I'm convinced we were born in the wrong time. Old souls living in the new world.
I’m Kentucky born and raised . Had to relocate for a Good Job . This year I’ll have 20 years in at my job. I look forward to the day I can retire and move back to Kentucky. I I’m a Kentucky Woman in my Heart and Soul ❤ If you didn’t have the kind of upbringing we had you don’t understand the love and loyalty . They were right ( in this video) my mom and dad had a 2nd grade education. If I had not lost my mom and dad 2 years apart . I don’t think I would have ever left. I was 21 and 23 when they passed away. Today will be my daddy’s 30th year he was called home to God. Mom passed away 1st so she has been gone 32 years now. I will get back to Kentucky through hard work and dedication or I will be brought home to be buried next to my Mom, Dad and my Son . Kentucky is calling me home… it’s never stopped calling me . I do still visit from time to time unfortunately night shift over 20 years is hard on a body. Especially as I get older I can feel it more. I’m just glad to know when I do pass away . I will be back in Kentucky next to my loved ones. Although I hope to make it there and enjoy the rest of my life peaceful with my fond memories and loved ones I have left. Thank you 🙏 for all your videos. You do a fantastic job !! I truly appreciate all of them ❤
I for one understand . Mom Moved us out to IDAHO when I was a kid to work the Farms and we Stayed . I am 65 Years old now , BUT STILL FELL THE CALLING OF THE HILLS . Sadly I will Never make it back again , Last time was in 2006 to FLOYD COUNTY KY .
@@pocatelloman51 I’m so sorry you won’t make it back . I’m 54 about to be 55 . I only have 2 sisters alive . Everyone else has unfortunately past on already. I’m the youngest out of the sisters. Two more years ( perhaps a lil less) I’m headed back to Kentucky.
@@blessyourheart1167 I Would love to But I know that I can Not make that Driver Anymore . Getting old and Needing a Restroom Often puts that to a End Fast . BUT I would love to see my BIG MUD CREEK in Floyd County again . Them Hills are always Calling on Their Home People .
My grandfather born in 1893 came to West Virginia met my grandmother and this is where he stayed long life he lived to be a hundred and four years old he died in 1996 all of my family may have moved away for short periods of time but we always came home to West Virginia. We still have five generations living mam grandfather up until 1996 that gave us 6th gen . The difference between rising up in Appalachia morals values and respect. We didn't mock our parents , and there was no in between you listened or you got your hind in wore out. Muted chores you helped out we raised pigs and chickens we would take care of our I remember being 5 years old changing my baby cousin's the cloth diapers. My grandfather worked in the coal mines 57 years he always had a garden every year 2 acres at least we never went without food never one day went hungry . My grandfather never got on the welfare system ever. With all the children grandchildren and great-grandchildren 5 generations down for my grandfather we always made a way we all had homes we had jobs we had food we didn't ask for any help. There is always a way to make it and I'm not talking about the easy way out government handouts know that's not what I'm saying find a job work buy a piece of build a little home you always have a place to come two that belongs to you. There were a few of us that left and went out of state to work or marriage or whatever but we always ended up coming back to West Virginia this was our home a beautiful place to live good people and I was born and raised here and this is where they will bury me. Thank God for beautiful West Virginia. And my grandfather did not die from black lung. And he was only on oxygen about the last 3 years of his life which he did live a long life he still had his right mind he was still able to get up and do things and he was still cutting wood at 101 years old he was still cooking a small meal for his self he was still strong as an old ox and he had his right mind. Him being born in 1893 coming from Mexico Guadalajara he got his citizenship here he was a union worker for the coal mines he was not a scab. Thank you Lord Jesus for all that you have given my family and the generations that followed between my grandmother and my grandfather which were my real mother and my father adopted me when I was 11 years old . I could not and I would not ever trade being raised here in this beautiful state and with a good people here. Ever
JD. this is the story of my life. I had to leave the mountains to find work. My body left the hills but my heart and soul remain high up on a Tennessee ridge..waiting until I return home. For the mountains will always be my home, no matter where I live.
I'm from Pennington Gap Virginia. Lee County . I am so grateful to be a hillbilly, my heritage, poor in things but so rich in what really matters. So proud to be Appalachian ❤
This is my families' story, who held on to their farm from long before the civil war, left NC smoky Mts in the 60s to PA where my grandfather created a business and became successful, yet my father left there at 18 never to return, raising me and my brothers in VA in the mid 80s as a pastor. As I care for him now dying of cancer at 74 where I was raised in rural Appalachian VA, I plan to return to the ancestral land he left as a teenager that he inherited...I will return there and spend the rest of my life, now 39. From there I will watch the degradation of the nation that betrayed my family and our fellow mountain dwelling Scotch Irish Cherokee. My great grandmother was Cherokee,.and told me when I was 5 this would happen, and told me I would return and I plan to do so
I also descend from the Scots/Irish people! My father also was Cherokee and was raised in the foothills of the Smokies! Kindest, hardest working people you’ll ever meet!
My paternal grandfather was from Scioto County, Ohio and was a coal miner. He died of black lung disease in the sanatorium in Portsmouth in 1914. He was born, get this, November 1853, he was 20 years older than my grandmother. They married around 1900, my father was 1907. He was almost 50 when I came along…I’m the youngest. My maternal grandfather left Brown County, Ohio to work on the street cars in Cincinnati. He moved his family to Norwood, Ohio in the mid 1920’s. The coal mine owners are subhuman. I had a coworker who’s family was from West Virginia and had grandfathers and uncles who worked in the coal mine. A hard life. This is such a sad history.
I'm a🎉 East Tennessee boy My mother's people come from Kingston Tennessee. She graduated from highschool in 1916! I love this Old woman to this day! Old Tennessee! Love your channel! Keep the truth alii! Love you brother!
I agree with you. As I’m reading thru the comments, a sadness overcame me. Such sadness I can’t imagine, yet the spirit of the Mnts are calling you home 👵🏻❣️
Father was a Franklin family member who left Marshall, North Carolina in the early 1950s to head to Detroit to find a new way of living. He never made it back to live permanently in the mountains again. An early death from lung/bone cancer took his life. Probably from the asbestos and pollution and bad fumes from being a welder. He was a hardworking man! I recall with fondness, all the summers spent with his large extended family - Aunts, Uncles, Grandfather, and many cousins! Life was simple, but simply beautiful!
My grandfather bought trees from Anderson Hatfield, brought to Sybene Oh to saw them into lumber to sell in Huntington WV area. Granddad sold Dairy Products into Southern WV, Ky also delivered by horse/wagon teams. The stories my father and his friends relayed were a glimpse into ppl i never met and some about them by ppl who witnessed earlier times.
This country was built off of Appalachian materials and blood. Yet, it's still one of the most poverty-stricken areas. It makes me so mad when I hear about the pure quartz under Spruce Pine, knowing how my relatives struggled there. My great-grandpa and uncles all worked in the mica mines up there. Out of 16 kids, no one from our family lives up there today. My branch settled here in the foothills of WNC. All stayed in NC, but like you said, they had to go where the jobs were. I wish we still had the old homestead. My mom said she didn't even think there was any kind of land deed. They just lived there in a little town called Ledger. Now, I look around at all the destruction around here and I wonder if it will ever be okay to live there again 😢
Great video! My Appalachian ancestors lit out from South Carolina for Tennessee in the 1700’s then Ozarks in the 1800’s. Never left their mountain culture behind though, carried it with them to new mountains. ❤️
This particular episode makes me cry. I have many cousins still in Eastern KY. When I drive from VA to KY as soon as I start climbing into those mountains I feel so at home. Forever a mountain girl, they call to my soul. Thank you for telling these stories so well.
Not tethering on collapse, TEETERING, teetering on collapse, you're absolutely correct and one of the first signs of a society in decline is the devolution of language EXACTLY as you've demonstrated, we are so fckng doomed, kids today are far too many so called adults are teetering on the precipice of illiterate, it's a sad state of affairs
So unspeakably sad, JD. I almost feel guilty enjoying your videos, but I do; and they provide an enormous public service educating people to actual history, not the puffed-up Hollywood versions.
Readin’, writin’ and Route 23. It’s what I heard when grown up in South-Central Ohio. I remember a lot of people from Kentucky working in Columbus, Ohio, then going home on the weekends. Now the descendants of those same people long to leave Columbus, head back to Kentucky.
Yep we sure do, my feet feel like they will grow right down into the soil when I am in Sunrise Ky, the place my mom was born. I am still in Ohio, but out in the country a piece, and I love it here too. I will never live in Columbus again, its gotten so rough. My community is turning into the outskirts of Columbus now,. I used to go an entire day and never see a car. Now they come and go all day at all hours. I never thought of myself as a hillbilly until they built suburbs next door. I have traveled route 23 more times than I could count! I say Hello neighbor from an hour north of where your at. I miss the trips to Kentucky, now that my grandparents sleep in the Lord, and I am an older woman taking care of my Mommy. We still live a lot like our ancestors here. Many people living together, gardening, and canning and training dogs. That Appalachian attitude of helping one another is still as strong as ever in my family. I see some others that even that notion of "family" has gone the way of the world, and only look out for themselves. The world waits for now man to change, and it will always be so, but we can keep the values alive, and continue teaching our children.
My dad came from Tazewell county VA. I was born and raised in Columbus, OH. I now live in Grove-tucky. . aka Grove City. I will never live in Columbus again.
@@freedomspromise8519 I live in Darbydale the next exit south of Stringtown. Yes Stringtown Rd is definitely a mess. What's just as bad is Darbydale and every year more and more people move here. The traffic on 665 sounds almost like Springtown Rd. The hubby has lived in our home his whole life. We will never leave. . .we keep our heads on a swivel though!
I'm English and lived in the states for ten years. I would spend weekends walking the Appalachian trail. I love these stories and your reading of them. Thank you lots. x
My great great grandparents, the Ogles from Ogle, KY moved to northern Indiana where they planted extensive vegetable gardens and fruit orchards, and operated a successful produce stand for the rest of their days. I've spent a LOT of time in eastern KY and some in WV and there's no place on earth I feel more at home than in eastern KY. I became a horticulturist operating my own company for almost 30 years now, so I figure their blood runs strong in my genes. I never met them but their daughter (my great grandmother) was born in the house in 1899 and died in it at 95 yrs. old. We were close, I spent a couple weeks every Summer there with her and fell in love with gardening in the by then more wild gardens and orchards surrounding the house that her parents had planted. We're looking for property in Eastern KY right now, as retirement looms. I love Appalachia and it's people, and your channel.
My mom and her side of the family (mamaw and papaw) are from the Tennessee mountains and I’m proud 😊 I loved going to visit as a child. It was raw and you had animals around and papaw taught you how to shoot.
My granddaddy was a Hillbilly that left the mountains during the depression looking for work. Went to LA ( Lower Alabama)and started building cotton mills for the CCC. Stayed on after it was done, married, worked at the mill until he retired and built the local church that he and then my uncle preached at. I can say enthusiastically that the streams of the mountains pleases me far more than the sea and over the decades we have steadily been working our way back to our homeland.
I left Blount County with my family as a child in about 1960. Those mountains were beautiful and everything to me, and it was almost as if I had died, yet still going on for some reason. There are cemeteries all around that county that contain the remains and Headstone Markers of them, and I love them every one. God Bless that beautiful land and the people that remain there!
My grandfather was born and raised in mountains of Tazwell, VA in 1934. He'll be 93 this year. He left to join the Navy (career) at 17 yrs old, married my grandmother in 1953 until her death. He served in the Korean War. They would move every 2 yrs while he was in the Navy with my Mom, uncle & aunt all over the US & abroad. He retired before I was born. I always enjoyed his stories. I only visited Tazwell once - I remember lots of mountain roads, some houses built on the sides of the Appalachian Mountains! It's a memory I'll never forget. Love your stories & bought your book, too! It's great! 😊
I loved the beautiful photos and the interesting stories of this region . I'm a coal miners daughter myself from Belgium , my province of Limburg had 7 mines from the late 1800's to 1996 . At the hight of the employment 45000 people worked there These mines attracted many people from other countries , at first from South Europe and Eastern Europe later from N Africa and Turkey . This makes are province very diverse . There was also a large Ford factory from 1964 till 2014 with an employment of 10 000 people . The loss of jobs was overcome by smaller businesses and since the 80's the focus lays on nature and recreation and we have our own National Park now The mineshafts are left in place as symbol of the past and can be visited , the area is known for the many miles of hiking- , biking- and horseride trails . People appear to be very resiliant to overcome changes .
Thank you J.D., the roots you speak of stretch all the way to southern Florida, and a lot of us haven’t forgotten those mountains we came from, god bless my ancestors and the good folk of Appalachia.
I’m from the hills of Appalachia and had my DNA done last year and 89% of my DNA is Scottish and Irish! Believe it or not that’s where most of the settlers in Appalachia can trace their stock to Scotland and Ireland! So you’d fit right in there.
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller you should do a video on the origins of the name hillbilly does the billy part have anything to do with being being protestant?
@@billreynolds9107 you could probably trace your roots back to the Highland clearance times when the English rounded us up and shipped us off 🇺🇸 and replaced us with sheep buddy I know a lot of us ended up in apalachia
I know you’ve said you were a teacher for 22 years & wanted to educate America on what they should have been taught…. BUT…I’m from the U.K. and what you’re doing here is not just teaching Americans, you’re teaching myself and I guarantee many others worldwide. I know I’ve said before about visiting Appalachia being the one thing I want to do more than anything, but until then, I adore listening to and watching your channel. I absolutely love it. The stories and insights are fascinating, the social history of the Appalachians just draws me in completely. As soon as I get paid, I’ll be joining as a channel member. Also, I’d really love to purchase your book, do you ship to the U.K.? Great video as always, thank you 🙏
Thank you Sarah, and yes, you are right, I've been humbled and honored at the number of people like you who listen to these stories from all corners of planet earth. Yes, I was a teacher for 22 years and I always felt like the education system handpicked what they wanted the public to believe as truth. My father used to call folks like that "just smart enough to be dangerous". I'm really thankful for the platform that TH-cam has given me to tell these forgotten, ignored, and suppressed stories to the WORLD. Thank you Sarah! and yes, the website ships to the U.K. Ill send you a couple extra stickers for free when you order your book. Thank you for your support!
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller It’s the same here, we learnt about the “big” periods in history, but nothing about individual areas in the country/ social history/ societal change. You’re doing a fantastic job on this platform, really pleased I found you. And bless you! Thank you, that’s really kind of you re. the stickers. As I said, just have to wait for payday again but at least I’ll have something to look forward to now ☺️
So many of us in Appalachia want to visit the UK. Nearly all of my people came from England and are Scotch/Irish. You can hear it in our music and old folk tales. We also have a lot of Cherokee in us as well. I so hope to visit the places in your neck of the woods to see where my people originally came from.
@@AngelaC.-iz4ts I’m from Lincoln, England. It’s one of the most historic places, famous for Lincoln Castle and Cathedral. We’ve still got a lot of Roman Ruins in the City, the more historic Bailgate in the uphill area, leading to castle square. I guess we take it for granted as we see it all the time, but when I stop and really look at it, it’s breathtaking. I hope you get to visit where you’d like eventually 💙
Oh wow. This is such an eye-opening video. It could be a documentary. So heartbreaking 💔 I read recently that people in California are starting to consider places like West Virginia and Tennessee to relocate to because of the low cost of living. Thanks for another moving video.
Where in West Virginia? I lived in Morgantown for about a year and a half. I found the people to be the friendliest I've ever encountered. Loved the area.
I haven't left KY, I certainly don't want anyone Ca, NY, or similar leftist areas especially the hellish cities moving to KY bringing their snobbish leftist politics, culture, we don't need your money either. I encourage hillbillies when reading up on the Hatfield's, & McCoy's to learn how the New York Times used this tragic story to smear these families with cartoonish fabrications to sell newspapers at the expense of these mountain families..
That's true...I live in Russell County VA...I have seen a lot of out of state vehicles coming through here...the only thing about living here is no jobs!! Keep it moving
You speak of a once great exodus from the Appalachian mountains by people looking for a better life in the cities. We are now experiencing a great influx of people coming back to the Appalachian mountains to escape their fear of violence and what could possibly be the breakdown of society in the near future. I live in and am a native of the Appalachian mountains of western, N.C. I used to be surrounded by kinfolk and neighbors that I grew up with and had known my whole life. That is no longer the case. Now, I am surrounded by people from the likes of Miami, Chicago, Bolivia, and Atlanta, who have not a clue about our heritage or way of life. I love my little piece of heaven in my most beloved Appalachian mountains. My blood runs deep here. My little slice of heaven is not nor ever shall be "for sale"! I will die in my beautiful, blue hazed Appalachian mountains that I hold so dear to my heart. The last lines you quoted in this story surely resonated with this Appalachian gal! Thank you for this presentation. Please check out Joyce Brookshires TH-cam video songs sung about what you speak of in this story.
Funny how they have always looked down on us and now they want what we have had for generations. Just leave us alone. I miss when they looked down on us. East Tennessee has changed so much since I was a kid (I’m only 35) and I hate it. They don’t share the same customs, I feel like in 15 years or so it won’t even feel like home anymore. I imagine most Appalachians are seeing this happening to our home.
Thank you for that heartwarming video! I recently did my family search and was amazed at how after settling in Whitley, Ky, generation after generation stayed and grew there for two hundred years. Some families having as much as 16 children! How nice that would have been to be surrounded by so many grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Mom and Dad left in the early 60s. Mom's from Belfry, KY and Dad grew up in Matewan, WVA. He was drafted into the Navy during Korea and in his heart he never looked back. After mom and he married in '56, he attended college in Charleston, WVA and eventually they made their way up to Cleveland where there were jobs. I have one cousin back in Williamson, who stayed because her husband had a good job with the railroad. Though retired, she tells me that's gone too. I went there for the first time in 2007 and got to see where mom was raised. I was pleased to see the house, built in 1927, was still there, well loved and cared for. Thanks for your video.
Been missing your stories JD, as always you have done a great telling of a story, thank you. Gotta say that this one is making my heart hurt. I live in the lovely State of North Carolina and have gotten to drive through West Virginia a few times. Jaw dropping beauty to behold there for sure! Even my 13 year old grandson couldn't help but notice. We in this part of the US are blessed for sure.
This story starts off innocent enough, but by the end of it, you realize that there was so much research, historical context and reshaping of American society that it takes on a whole different perspective
My daddy worked for Goodrich Gulf Oil Co in Institute, WV. We left in 1967 because the oil company moved everything to Texas. Both of my parents went to work as motel managers in NC. They're gone now but I'm still in NC and miss WV almost everyday but I know I can't make it there. Really very sad.
Thank you, I really do my best to present historical, factual stories. I treat each video as piece of the soul of Appalachia. I think it's the teacher in me, I was a teacher for 22 years. I use this channel to teach things that America should know, that was never taught in schools.
I have family and friends all through Appalachia still today. I myself live in the very north end of Appalachia. Beautiful land and people. As you said hard people. Thanks for the story.
I grew up on the north side of Pine Mountain in Shelby Gap, KY. Elkhorn City High School '95. Also, both papaw and mamaw chewed tobacco and lived in a rough lumber house with an outhouse. Good times.
U.S. Highway 23 is now called Music Highway (because of the song writers, singers, musicians, and recording artists that have/had roots along that highway). My family had to move to California in 1963 to find work. All of us (except my sister) have returned to Eastern Kentucky (because it is our home). We could have had a lot more living out West; but, we were not happy. Thank you for telling this true story.
That’s funny that they call that music highway because they actually call interstate 40 running from Memphis to Nashville the music Highway as well with every blues and country artist coming from there
I grew up in northeast TN not far from Boone, NC. I can remember in the 50s that huge trunks of "dead chestnuts" were still standing in the woods. Way back on the ridge was an area where so many had fallen that you could walk along the criss-crossed trunks without ever setting a foot on the ground. It was a great loss, to say the least.
My family Migrated from the coal mines of west Virginia to southwestern Virginia. My father was drafted into the military during the Vietnam conflict and came home he lost friends and no work could be found , he moved to Ohio for work in a steel mill and when they built a new factory in Virginia he moved to Virginia to be close to his family. his Father my Grandfather died in a Coal mine collapse accident and he moved his Mom to Virginia and got his brother a job in the steel mill. Growing up in the late 80's and early 90's we had lots of family living with us from time to time settling here in the western side of Virginia. Now the majority of my family lives here refugees from the collapse of a once great state . My father passed last year his legacy continues as our family continues to prosper here, but we go visit from time to time home to west Virginia and remember what once was now strangers in our own home land.
Visited Florida several times. I'd never leave my hills and mountains in Wv to live anywhere else. I'm one of the last of my family left still living on property my great great grandparents owned.
Dwight Yoakam Rt 23 Lyrics They learned readin', writin', Route 23 To the jobs that lay waiting in those cities' factories They learned readin', writin', roads to the north To the luxury and comfort a coal miner can't afford They thought readin', writin', Route 23 Would take them to the good life that they had never seen They didn't know that old highway Could lead them to a world of misery Have you ever been down Kentucky-way Say south of Prestonburg Have you ever been up in a holler Have you ever heard A mountain man cough his life away From diggin' that black coal In those dark mines, those dark mines If you had you might just understand The reason that they left is all behind They learned readin', wrightin', Route 23 To the jobs that lay waitin' in those cities' factories They learned readin', writin', roads to the north To the luxury and comfort a coal miner can't afford They thought readin', writin', Route 23 Would take them to the good life that they had never seen They didn't know that old highway Could lead them to a world of misery Have you ever seen 'em Put the kids in the car after work on Friday night Pull up in a holler about 2 a.m. And see a light still shinin' bright Those mountain folks sat up that late Just to hold those little grandkids In their arms, in their arms And I'm proud to say that I've been blessed And touched by their sweet hillbilly charm They learned readin', writin', Route 23 To the jobs that lay waiting in those cities' factories They learned readin', writin', roads to the north To the luxury and comfort a coal miner can't afford They thought readin', writin', Route 23 Would take them to the good life that they had never seen They didn't know that old highway Could lead them to a world of misery Yeah, it turns out that that old highway, Leads you to a world of misery They found out that that old highway Leads you to a world of misery... Source: LyricFind
My grandmother's house in WV used to be a stagecoach stop and a hotel for passengers to stay....It's now my Aunt and Uncle's place. It's still a very beautiful place❤
Howdy JD. Thanks for taking me down memory lane. You told the exact same story that happened to my ancestors from Kentucky. I still remember the picture of my great grandfather in his overalls and great grandmother in her in a homemade dress standing next to a big black pot over a fire stirring something with a big wooden stick in front of there little cabin home. My family emigrated to Indiana and Wisconsin mostly. I can trace my family roots back to Jamestown and Scotland, Ireland and England. Take care brother. I just purchased your book to help support. Thanks for all your story's.
Troy, I really appreciate the support brother, it really keeps this channel going. And, yes, my mother's family also left bound for the factories of Detroit. My family also lived this story. Im still here in East TN, but their story needs to be remembered.
Outstanding documentary, I know very well this story, breaks my heart. On the bright side, I’ve settled back into these mountains and I thank Father God ⚔️🙏⚔️
Mike here to say hello and thank you for this erpisode that brings gteat clarity to my old memories of summer and winter visits to both sets of grrandparents just six miles apart in Cowen and Dyer, West Virginia. I now recall the sweet smell of the high mountain air, the smell of the Williams River so chill to swim in even in July, the smell of coal smoke, the old ones asking, "child, who"s your daddy?" Charles they did not know but George Miller they did know well, { my mother's daddy } I was then immediatly accepted. My parents left the mountains for Baltimore, then Norfolk, finally to Martinsville, Virginia where i was born in 1955, living in and near there until moving to northwest Vermont six years ago so we could be near our daughters and grandies. Oh how I miss the Virginias, tears stream down this old mans face. I walked the mountains, saw the tall hollow chestnut trunks, the sign of log skidding trails and narrow gauge rail beds. As a forester, I have seen many a chestnut sprout and diseased sapling, often asking Our Good God for His healing touch to this precious species. In His good time all will be put right!
My mother's people were Mustoes , down Price Run, my dad's Holcomb's from MacGuire Mtn. Remember Canfield Store at Bolair & Miss Shinaberries up Williams, or as we pronounce it up 'Weems" river?
The struggle continues for WV. Just the other day there was a school board meeting discussing the "dismissal" of several teachers in kanawha county (the state capital is in this county) because of the declining number of students enrolled. It's a sad state for sure, but it's home, and I ain't leaving.
I can't speak on WV but here in KY we see people leaving Louisville and Lexington by the masses. But most aren't leaving the state, just the city. Unfortunately, they are moving to the charming rural areas and then realize they don't like rural living. In response they don't move back to the city but instead are trying harder than ever to bring the city to these rural areas. Destroying the charm and bringing their high cost of living with them.
Both sides is my family came from Eastern part of WV, back before was a state. One cty. was Mercer. Most eventually settled in Jackson cty. and then in Dunbar (Kanawha cty.) My dad's family moved up to Toledo in the 20s due to the mine issues and the railroad problems. Daddy always wanted to move back, but never got too. He died when I was 8. My mom's s house faced the cemetery and at night there was a cross that lights and you could see his grave. Mom was a State of WV nurse in the 50's before she married Daddy. When we would go home to visit, mom would take us back into some of the hollars she went into. She would set up clinics for the kids with polio and the poorest kids she would go to their home. Her car just said "STATE OF WV"on it. So many times the men thought she was a revenooer coming to destroy their stills and they would come out with their shot guns and either aim to her or to fend their stills. When she got out then realized why she was there. Because of her nurse uniform. She c never got used to the flat land up here in toledo. My heart is still wanting to move down there. Also, in grade schools, you knew who were the coalminer kids were . each morning they stood in a line and were given a dose of cod liver oil I believe. She and daddy looked up their family history. back in the 50s. They are finally home again.
It is funny you mentioned the two states that my ancestors are from, descended of some of the first settlers of WV and NC. All of my grandparents left their homeland for work and I still have a few uncles in Ohio. Luckily all the grandparents but one went back to the mountains though fate did not seem to favor my being born there. My grandparents stories of their young adult lives, going around doing all kinds of crazy jobs sounded like epic adventures to me. My mother’s mother in particular did some absolutely amazing jobs throughout her life. She was tough and loved her life and accomplishments but, she told me everyday of her life that her home was in those mountains and she never wanted to be anywhere else. She never did move back but, I honored her wishes to have her ashes put back in her homeland. Those mountains are in our blood and all of us have always had desires to go back. I’ll continue to keep my fingers crossed that we succeed. Alas, it isn’t so easy to up and move as it used to be. Thanks for this story. It has started my day with some fond recollections of my grandparents’ stories.
I spent 26 years in the Coal Industry from the early 1970's to the mid-1990's. I traveled Appalachia from PA to TN and your presentation brought back many memories good and bad. I really enjoyed it immensely.
West Virginia born and partially raised as well as Michigan, Florida, Oklahoma, and California. Family has been in the Appalachia’s since before colonization. Going home some day!
This was a great educational video JD. You packed in an awful lot. I’ll have to watch again. Can’t seem to concentrate very well today. Have you ever thought of doing a video with pictures of the native flowers in the areas? Thanks for this heartwarming story of the strife of the Appalachian people
I grew up in post-WW II Cincinnati in a non-Appalachian family (although one beloved uncle had Appalachian roots). Their rich culture (square-dancing, singing Gospel tunes in the front room, etc.) benefited all. (Friendly co-workers too.) They were recognizable by their accents. In local lore, they would "go home for the weekend."
I appreciate your presentation, right outta the gate. Informative and respectful. I'm in my 70s, live in New England but have an appreciation for this cultural heritage, especially the music. My mother was born in the coal mining region of Altoona PA, in 1920. Like many others, she was dirt poor. After 14 years of varied foster housing she settled as a teen in Philadelohia. In her words, she changed from 'hill-billy' to 'hill-william'. Some of the values and most of the music I learned through her, has stuck with me through this very day. Thanks.
Sitting here with tears streaming down my cheeks. How I wish this history ( with the emotions behind it ) was taught in school. So much pride, so much ingenuity, so much exploitation. So many have no idea why they are able to live the comforts of life today. I love this channel.
East Tennessee girl born and raised. We raised hogs, baled hay, worked tobbaco, had a big garden, canned and preserved our food. Hard work but happy family. Love my Tennessee home.
I feel the Appalachain people were so hard done by. The big fancy places moving in giving money as long as the company got there pound of flesh and more from the men and made so much money. They pull the rug from under their feet, leaving so many areas destitute. 😢 Thanks for this x
Thanks for your very interesting comments. Here, in Eastern Kentucky, many people came to mine coal and build railroad lines from Eastern Europe and many from Italy. I live in a little house in a narrow hollow but I'm glad and thankful I was able to visit Belgium two times years ago. I liked the people's kindness as well as the dozens of steamed clams I enjoyed on the Gran Place!
My parents were part of that movement in 1929 and yes I was from Michigan but now live in the Philippines. My people from way back in the 1700s. The family settled in Atkins, Virginia.
Haddix - as mentioned in the article at 18:40 - lived up at the top of KY 1110 where it meets 15. My family lives about 6 miles south of there and it's sad to know that they are all that's left in Breathitt Co. My dad moved to Michigan in the 60s and I was born in the 70s. He died in 2002 and I like to go back for a visit at least one night every summer, but it's hard to be dirty and smoke weed all day and now various sets of folks hate each other and.....etc...etc...etc...
It is very hard to live in a time and place where life around you seems so unnatural. There is a kinship of the heart having known and spent time around folks which grew up in this region. Many times in my youth my daddy would take me to these places and they always felt like home, perhaps I will return one day and find a place to call my own. Marse Wolfe
I never knew this happened. I know of the issues with the coal but not the chestnut trees😢 Thie was an excellent video. Thank you for opening my eyes ❤
Support this channel by Liking, Commenting and Subscribing. Help the financial costs of this channel by clicking JOIN or THANKS or by purchasing my new book, hand-crafted candles, stickers, t-shirts and more at www.theappalachianstoryteller.com Thanks for your support! JD
I live in the apilcian mountain and I can't afford to pay for your videos and if I could I wouldn't. Shame on you. Greed is a deadly sin my friend. Good luck.
My wife and I just went on an overnight trip thru Hatfield, McCoy area. Went to the historical sites and stayed at Daniel Boone inn in Pikeville.
FYI, the U.S. didn’t enter into WWI in 1914, nor WWII in 1939. These glaring inaccuracies in your “documentary” raise the question of how well informed/accurate the rest of your “documentaries” are and caused me to cease viewing any of them.
I grew up in southern Indiana we used to have a joke about all the kentuckians that lived around us the joke was that it is exactly one tank full of gas from Pikeville Kentucky
Most of the kentuckians that live in Scott and Jackson County Indiana are just a bunch of hillbilly idiots that don't know how to live in society
East Tennessee here. I live in the house I grew up in on the land that’s been in my family for 150 years. my parents built this little house with their own two hands when dad came back from World War II. I live in a holler and the ridges that surround me protect me from storms and highwinds. The ground here is very fertile. I have a creek in my backyard. I’m never leaving and you can bury me in the backyard when it’s all said and done.
I live on top of a mountain in the Smokey's ; it is glorious, like looking at God's artwork every day - however we have wind storms up here and I've been thinking of a farm in a hollar.
I love your story. I too am from East Tennessee. Was born here but left when I was four and grew up all over the world as a military brat. I came back home in my late twenties. I’ve been all over this country and the world,but East Tennessee is by far my most favorite place on earth. God bless.
You are living my dream. My happy place is the mountains in Nantahala where my family came from. My heart and soul feel like they belong there but I don’t know that it will ever happen. Most of my relatives have passed. My great aunt and uncle who raised my mom are gone. I got up every June for the “decoration” at the old church house. I know very few folks anymore. My mom still knew a lot of folks and she enjoyed seeing her old school friends. But she passed in 2020. I’m 64 and so I doubt I will ever realize my dream.
I'm from Morgan County, Tennessee. Where u from?
I'm in East Tennessee as well. We're about 15 minutes from North Carolina and have lived on the same land all my life. I love it here and believe it to be the most beautiful place next to heaven.
Born and raised in a holler in a remote area of WV. Lost both grandpas and my Dad to black lung disease. It was poverty but I had an amazing life as a child. Strongest people I’ve ever met. ♥️
I love West Virginia Ohio sucks.Im a hillbilly buckeye.💪😇🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙌💥
YOU have hit on the heart of the matter: coal mining wasn't heaven. It was a death sentence. The timber industry was no walk in the park. In my younger years, Mel Tillis had a hit song: 'The Sawmill.' In it, a man has to leave the area 'since the gravy was too thin.'
They did what they had to do to take care of their family.
Hello SpringTime :) Am 68 years now and born and raised in the blue ridge. Catched crawdads in the blackwater creek and sometimes some minnows. Coocked them on a low built fire but never really went hungry beyond what canned beans there were. Dad was dead, I was 9, mom was coocked. Family was few. Sometimes God teaches us to laugh because when you look at absurb, nothing else makes sense.
I've been to Virginia in the mountains and that's a magnificent place beautiful. As well as I've been to Norfolk Virginia
From Virginia (Abingdon) I was born and raised in a holler I will never leave the Appalachian mountains I remember we burned coal and wood to heat our house as a child Now you couldn't find a lump of coal. We gathered nuts from the mountains, raised most of what we ate swimming in the creek going to the spring for water we sure had it good
My father was raised in Haysi and from what he told us grew up the same way but wanted something else and found it just north of Detroit where many of our people cleared the land where I grew up. It was a nice life growing up there the hunting and fishing is amazing. Many of my people moved back here and in 08 I moved to Lebanon to do construction with my brother the hardest of work never bothered me or any of our people. He's passed away now and I moved to Abingdon about 8 years ago and I can't imagine a more beautiful place to live. Don't care much for even visiting big cities anymore.
We used to buy a lot of feeder cattle around Abington in the 60's and 70's. I think I was in every sale barn within 40 miles with my Dad. Fond memories. Abingdon. Sorry.
We still have plenty of coal in southern West Virginia though few use it for heat now....we did on the farm growing up even had our own coal mine for our use and selling some house coal.
Abingdon is cool. Jefferson NC here.
I’ve been to Abingdon. My dad was from Stonega. That sure is a beautiful part of the country
In the purple shadows of the Appalachian mountains, where the misty mornings dew.
Evaporates with the arrival of
golden Sunshine's first rays.
The hills and valleys are dappled
in delight, finally the day fades
into night.
That's where it all began and where
it will end.
Just a gentle whisper of the wind
through the trees.
The spirit's of loved ones and
next of kin long forgotten now.
Their spirit's dance upon the wind,
riding sunbeams in the morning light.
Dancing on raindrops, just a slight
mist, but with a twist.
Grandma and Grandpa's spirit's are
home again.
In the mountains they still love,
Appalachia a gift from above.
So when you feel that shiver on
the back of your neck.
Don't be afraid don't be alarmed,
they don't mean you any harm.
Just that Appalachia has an
unbreakable charm.
When this earthly life ends,
many souls return to the place
where it all began.
This is a wonderful poem and sentimental story. Thanks
thank you so much for sharing this. powerful
@@karenroot450
You're Welcome
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller
You're Welcome.
Thank You for the Awesome
TH-cam Video.
It's Very Interesting and Inspirational.
This true my wife of 44 yrs did just that I'm going to visit her Sunday
From Pikeville (actually Johns Creek) Kentucky moved out when graduated in 1988 but moved back in 1991 and began working at Pike County Detention Center. Worked until 1995 there and was witness to the beginning of the end with the drug addiction and crime. Left and went to Virginia and worked at a Supermax Prison until retiring in 2008. Would travel back and forth over the years because my parents still lived there. By 2012 the crime had moved into where I was living in Virginia and I decided I had enough of the poverty and crime of the area and moved to Iowa. Love the beauty of the area especially the Breaks Interstate Park between Elkhorn Kentucky and Haysi Virginia. I have so many memories of happy times in the 70’s and 80’s there and it’s still beautiful but is a shadow of itself. The coal industry is gone (in my opinion thanks to the UMWA) and nothing other than the Prison systems has moved in to take its place! Crime is so bad because of poverty and no jobs! What I wouldn’t give to go back to the middle 70’s waking up to smell of fresh bacon, biscuits and coffee my grandma would get up at 5 a.m. every morning to start! All 7 of my aunts and uncles are gone except for my mom and 1 aunt and they are in their 80’s now and not healthy but still live there and love it and wouldn’t think of ever leaving! Pikeville will always have my heart but I know I’ll never return!
Hello Billy, I've been raised here in magoffin co ky, love it here and wouldn't leave for nothing, just wanted to say howdy and GOD BLESS YOU !!
Thank you for sharing this
@@Johanna-y3m Hey, been through Magoffin county so many times I couldn’t even start to count em-route to Lexington or Louisville or coming to my current home! Played them in football many times as well! Cheers to you and god bless! Stay safe and take a good deep breath of that fresh mountain air for me because I miss that the most! 🏔️
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller you’re welcome but you deserve the thanks for making such great content! It really is amazing because it takes me back every time!
@@billreynolds9107 I worked at Keen Mt. For several years and your right that’s the only industry left in Southwest Virginia. I did quit and worked in the coal industry for 23 more years sadly it’s almost gone. I left first in 92 for a few years saw the world till I came home but I’m probably the farthest away from home as anyone I retired to the Philippines and only go back to visit mom. I miss it sometimes but I don’t miss what’s there now I miss what was there. I’d love to go back to the 70-80’s myself the world sure has changed. You mentioned Haysi that’s where my second dad was from Clinus Hall you brought back a bunch of memories thanks brother. Take care enjoy that well earned retirement I know I will.
Maybe I got it wrong, but the love, the respect, the neighborly way people were, the way people helped each other, seems to outshine the neighborhood of today.
So very true!🙂
Homogeneous populations, God fearing, high moral culture, high standards and virtues, that's all there is to it.
Well, I left rural Louisiana for a number of years. Went broke, nearly starved, and I`m back because I can grow food here & raise chickens. I can`t starve here. This time to afford it I got a used camper, a roof over it, needed supplies, and even emergency solar power so my freezer stays frozen and I can have some air conditioning after the next storm. Now my job is...produce food...be friends with nature...heal my mind and soul.
To be sure, there were issues...every culture has them. But I would gladly exchange those issues for the ones we deal with daily.
The best people I've ever met in my life come from there.
True Americans through qnd through. They truly fought for their stake here
I grew up in Manhattan, New York City. My old neighborhood is what is now known as the, "EAST VILLAGE". My neighbors were a large Family of country People from the Mountains of Apalacia, West Virginia. My very close fiend, Walter, had a wounderful black and white photo of his dear Mom as a small child sitting down with Devilance Hatfield, he was the leader of the Hatfield mountain clan that were part of the famous, and, extremely
long lasting, HATFILD & MaCOY Family Fued. These Mountain Folks fought with each other for 100 years. Google this, it's an amazing story. Please, also understand,
that my good friend, Walter, and his beautiful Hill Dwelling Family from Apalachia were among the kindest, intelligent, and caring People I have Ever known. And, I'm 79 years of age, and have known quite a few people in my Day. My sincere THANK YOU to the producers and staff of this well made, and outstanding documentary video!
70 years old,now residing in Illinois and listening to you narrate my family history. Absolutely great story J.D. y'all stay safe out there my friends 🙏
Thanks big iron, hope you are doing well brother
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller
So far,so good J.D and I pray that you are too 🙏
Mine too❤❤❤❤
In N. C. Now
If your family came up here (North central Illinois, just shy of the WI border), there were good factory jobs paying a living wage, but the South Folk generally lived in the Parks, because it was cheaper. I grew up, played with and was educated with their kids, and never regretted it - unless we ticked off someone's mom, who'd holler at us all, and we all had to apologize, otherwise she'd call our parents. Some wags called it 'Parkansas' but it wasn't malicious; it was a commentary on how many people came up from parts South. Good times.
My Dad was an old time reverend from the Old Regular Baptist of deep rooted eastern KY. He always said that Appalachians have the biggest hearts and Pike County KY is the heart of America. I grew up down Brushy. Havent lived in Pike since 1990, but I'm just in Kingsport. I'll never leave Appalachia for good .
Pikeville is some beautiful country, been through there many times on my way to Virginia, around Grundy a little place called Haysi. Thats where my Mommy-in law is from. Lovely , heart warming people.
Did you grow up down brushy fork? My family is from beef hide. Which is where brushy fork is.
@primesspct2
Going to Pikeville on the 19th for Hillbilly Days
My Ma and PA are from Knott and Floyd counties. Dry Creek and Drift.
@@MichaelB5150
Floyd county is a nice place
Heartbreaking and sad, so many. Sometimes I think we should go backwards instead of forward 😢❤🍁
So true
Look Up! Our Redemption drawth nigh! Our LORD is comin’ soon❣️♥️
The Bible says in it somewhere the old ways are the best ways. Not verbatim but something akin to that.
My mother was born in Pike County , KY ( Raccoon), and my father was born in Boone County, WV. After my father was honorably discharged from the Military, my parents moved to the Northeast, US. Every summer , during the 1960's & 1970's, we would make our journey to WV and KY to visit both of my grandmothers and other relatives. It was the highlight of every summer to make that road trip. Once I married, my trips South were far and few between, however, within the last month, I returned to Pike County, KY for a family funeral. So, so different than I remember in my younger years. The mountains are still beautiful, and the ride home through WV was a scenic wonder, brought back so many childhood memories of riding Interstate 77 and Interstate 79 through WV. Even though I wasn't raised there, I have always felt a connection to that area of the country.
Born and raised in West Virginia. There were few jobs when I hit my 20s so I went to LA in 1977. I've retired and I'm back in the east again. This time in NC. I can get to the mountains in a little more than an hour. It's so good to be back.
I wasn't born in Appalachia, but have been here over half my life & this is home. We try to learn & live the old ways, while also teaching it to our children. I'm convinced we were born in the wrong time. Old souls living in the new world.
I’m Kentucky born and raised . Had to relocate for a Good Job . This year I’ll have 20 years in at my job. I look forward to the day I can retire and move back to Kentucky. I I’m a Kentucky Woman in my Heart and Soul ❤ If you didn’t have the kind of upbringing we had you don’t understand the love and loyalty . They were right ( in this video) my mom and dad had a 2nd grade education. If I had not lost my mom and dad 2 years apart . I don’t think I would have ever left. I was 21 and 23 when they passed away. Today will be my daddy’s 30th year he was called home to God. Mom passed away 1st so she has been gone 32 years now. I will get back to Kentucky through hard work and dedication or I will be brought home to be buried next to my Mom, Dad and my Son . Kentucky is calling me home… it’s never stopped calling me . I do still visit from time to time unfortunately night shift over 20 years is hard on a body. Especially as I get older I can feel it more. I’m just glad to know when I do pass away . I will be back in Kentucky next to my loved ones. Although I hope to make it there and enjoy the rest of my life peaceful with my fond memories and loved ones I have left. Thank you 🙏 for all your videos. You do a fantastic job !! I truly appreciate all of them ❤
Sounds like a Hoosier or buckeye life
@@lastoutlaw2277 it’s most definitely not the Kentucky life I love and miss dearly.
I for one understand . Mom Moved us out to IDAHO when I was a kid to work the Farms and we Stayed . I am 65 Years old now , BUT STILL FELL THE CALLING OF THE HILLS . Sadly I will Never make it back again , Last time was in 2006 to FLOYD COUNTY KY .
@@pocatelloman51 I’m so sorry you won’t make it back . I’m 54 about to be 55 . I only have 2 sisters alive . Everyone else has unfortunately past on already. I’m the youngest out of the sisters. Two more years ( perhaps a lil less) I’m headed back to Kentucky.
@@blessyourheart1167 I Would love to But I know that I can Not make that Driver Anymore . Getting old and Needing a Restroom Often puts that to a End Fast . BUT I would love to see my BIG MUD CREEK in Floyd County again . Them Hills are always Calling on Their Home People .
My grandfather born in 1893 came to West Virginia met my grandmother and this is where he stayed long life he lived to be a hundred and four years old he died in 1996 all of my family may have moved away for short periods of time but we always came home to West Virginia. We still have five generations living mam grandfather up until 1996 that gave us 6th gen .
The difference between rising up in Appalachia morals values and respect. We didn't mock our parents , and there was no in between you listened or you got your hind in wore out. Muted chores you helped out we raised pigs and chickens we would take care of our I remember being 5 years old changing my baby cousin's the cloth diapers.
My grandfather worked in the coal mines 57 years he always had a garden every year 2 acres at least we never went without food never one day went hungry . My grandfather never got on the welfare system ever. With all the children grandchildren and great-grandchildren 5 generations down for my grandfather we always made a way we all had homes we had jobs we had food we didn't ask for any help. There is always a way to make it and I'm not talking about the easy way out government handouts know that's not what I'm saying find a job work buy a piece of build a little home you always have a place to come two that belongs to you.
There were a few of us that left and went out of state to work or marriage or whatever but we always ended up coming back to West Virginia this was our home a beautiful place to live good people and I was born and raised here and this is where they will bury me. Thank God for beautiful West Virginia.
And my grandfather did not die from black lung. And he was only on oxygen about the last 3 years of his life which he did live a long life he still had his right mind he was still able to get up and do things and he was still cutting wood at 101 years old he was still cooking a small meal for his self he was still strong as an old ox and he had his right mind. Him being born in 1893 coming from Mexico Guadalajara he got his citizenship here he was a union worker for the coal mines he was not a scab.
Thank you Lord Jesus for all that you have given my family and the generations that followed between my grandmother and my grandfather which were my real mother and my father adopted me when I was 11 years old . I could not and I would not ever trade being raised here in this beautiful state and with a good people here. Ever
Very well said
JD. this is the story of my life. I had to leave the mountains to find work. My body left the hills but my heart and soul remain high up on a Tennessee ridge..waiting until I return home. For the mountains will always be my home, no matter where I live.
Wonderful story and so true. Born and raised in Appalachia. Tennessee Georgia Carolinas and I live in Kentucky now. Love my mountains. ❤
We ever meet I was raised the same and I live in ky now odd ya rekon
@@Larryw-o2k where in Kentucky.
@@Larryw-o2k I’m in Greensburg South central Ky.
Those mountains are treed hills compared to real mountains like the Canadian Rockies.😅
@@Larryw-o2k it’s a beautiful place to live.
I'm from Pennington Gap Virginia. Lee County . I am so grateful to be a hillbilly, my heritage, poor in things but so rich in what really matters. So proud to be Appalachian ❤
amen ma'am!
This is my families' story, who held on to their farm from long before the civil war, left NC smoky Mts in the 60s to PA where my grandfather created a business and became successful, yet my father left there at 18 never to return, raising me and my brothers in VA in the mid 80s as a pastor. As I care for him now dying of cancer at 74 where I was raised in rural Appalachian VA, I plan to return to the ancestral land he left as a teenager that he inherited...I will return there and spend the rest of my life, now 39. From there I will watch the degradation of the nation that betrayed my family and our fellow mountain dwelling Scotch Irish Cherokee. My great grandmother was Cherokee,.and told me when I was 5 this would happen, and told me I would return and I plan to do so
I also descend from the Scots/Irish people! My father also was Cherokee and was raised in the foothills of the Smokies! Kindest, hardest working people you’ll ever meet!
My paternal grandfather was from Scioto County, Ohio and was a coal miner. He died of black lung disease in the sanatorium in Portsmouth in 1914. He was born, get this, November 1853, he was 20 years older than my grandmother. They married around 1900, my father was 1907. He was almost 50 when I came along…I’m the youngest. My maternal grandfather left Brown County, Ohio to work on the street cars in Cincinnati. He moved his family to Norwood, Ohio in the mid 1920’s. The coal mine owners are subhuman. I had a coworker who’s family was from West Virginia and had grandfathers and uncles who worked in the coal mine. A hard life. This is such a sad history.
My blood and soul are rooted deep in these hollers and mountains and I’ll remain here as did my kin and those before them 🤘🏻 God bless WV 🤘🏻
My wife said she was so much a part of these wv mts that it was like she grew up out of the ground she is back in the ground now
I'm a🎉 East Tennessee boy
My mother's people come from Kingston Tennessee. She graduated from highschool in 1916! I love this Old woman to this day! Old Tennessee! Love your channel! Keep the truth alii! Love you brother!
All in the name of progress taking advantage of people wanting a better life for their families, very sad,you did a great job of telling this.
I agree with you. As I’m reading thru the comments, a sadness overcame me. Such sadness I can’t imagine, yet the spirit of the Mnts are calling you home 👵🏻❣️
Father was a Franklin family member who left Marshall, North Carolina in the early 1950s to head to Detroit to find a new way of living. He never made it back to live permanently in the mountains again. An early death from lung/bone cancer took his life. Probably from the asbestos and pollution and bad fumes from being a welder. He was a hardworking man! I recall with fondness, all the summers spent with his large extended family - Aunts, Uncles, Grandfather, and many cousins! Life was simple, but simply beautiful!
Beautifully done. Honest and sincere. I know more because of this.
❤️
The same for me 👵🏻❣️
My grandfather bought trees from Anderson Hatfield, brought to Sybene Oh to saw them into lumber to sell in Huntington WV area. Granddad sold Dairy Products into Southern WV, Ky also delivered by horse/wagon teams. The stories my father and his friends relayed were a glimpse into ppl i never met and some about them by ppl who witnessed earlier times.
This country was built off of Appalachian materials and blood. Yet, it's still one of the most poverty-stricken areas. It makes me so mad when I hear about the pure quartz under Spruce Pine, knowing how my relatives struggled there. My great-grandpa and uncles all worked in the mica mines up there. Out of 16 kids, no one from our family lives up there today. My branch settled here in the foothills of WNC. All stayed in NC, but like you said, they had to go where the jobs were. I wish we still had the old homestead. My mom said she didn't even think there was any kind of land deed. They just lived there in a little town called Ledger. Now, I look around at all the destruction around here and I wonder if it will ever be okay to live there again 😢
Great video! My Appalachian ancestors lit out from South Carolina for Tennessee in the 1700’s then Ozarks in the 1800’s. Never left their mountain culture behind though, carried it with them to new mountains. ❤️
This particular episode makes me cry. I have many cousins still in Eastern KY. When I drive from VA to KY as soon as I start climbing into those mountains I feel so at home. Forever a mountain girl, they call to my soul. Thank you for telling these stories so well.
Thank you my friend, for really getting what this story is all about
We were built sturdy esp our ancestors but now we are tethering on collapse it seems Love your story telling Sir God Bless
Not tethering on collapse, TEETERING, teetering on collapse, you're absolutely correct and one of the first signs of a society in decline is the devolution of language EXACTLY as you've demonstrated, we are so fckng doomed, kids today are far too many so called adults are teetering on the precipice of illiterate, it's a sad state of affairs
So unspeakably sad, JD. I almost feel guilty enjoying your videos, but I do; and they provide an enormous public service educating people to actual history, not the puffed-up Hollywood versions.
It's the teacher in me. I always aim to teach thru these videos
@@TheAppalachianStorytellerthank you. Your knowledge and your voice is perfect for it.
❤
Amen!
Readin’, writin’ and Route 23.
It’s what I heard when grown up in South-Central Ohio.
I remember a lot of people from Kentucky working in Columbus, Ohio, then going home on the weekends.
Now the descendants of those same people long to leave Columbus, head back to Kentucky.
Yep we sure do, my feet feel like they will grow right down into the soil when I am in Sunrise Ky, the place my mom was born. I am still in Ohio, but out in the country a piece, and I love it here too. I will never live in Columbus again, its gotten so rough. My community is turning into the outskirts of Columbus now,. I used to go an entire day and never see a car. Now they come and go all day at all hours. I never thought of myself as a hillbilly until they built suburbs next door.
I have traveled route 23 more times than I could count! I say Hello neighbor from an hour north of where your at. I miss the trips to Kentucky, now that my grandparents sleep in the Lord, and I am an older woman taking care of my Mommy.
We still live a lot like our ancestors here. Many people living together, gardening, and canning and training dogs.
That Appalachian attitude of helping one another is still as strong as ever in my family. I see some others that even that notion of "family" has gone the way of the world, and only look out for themselves.
The world waits for now man to change, and it will always be so, but we can keep the values alive, and continue teaching our children.
@@primesspct2 We live just inside Ross County.
About 3 miles from The Pickaway County Line.
My dad came from Tazewell county VA. I was born and raised in Columbus, OH. I now live in Grove-tucky. . aka Grove City. I will never live in Columbus again.
@@cbear9263 Grovetucky!!
Husband’s uncle lives there.
I love Grovetucky.
Except Stringtown Road.
Too built up for my liking.
I guess that’s progress.
@@freedomspromise8519 I live in Darbydale the next exit south of Stringtown. Yes Stringtown Rd is definitely a mess. What's just as bad is Darbydale and every year more and more people move here. The traffic on 665 sounds almost like Springtown Rd. The hubby has lived in our home his whole life. We will never leave. . .we keep our heads on a swivel though!
Where the sun comes up at 10 in the mornin......Patty Loveless.
And goes down at 3 in the day and you spend your life digging coal from the bottom of your grave
I'm English and lived in the states for ten years. I would spend weekends walking the Appalachian trail. I love these stories and your reading of them. Thank you lots. x
My great great grandparents, the Ogles from Ogle, KY moved to northern Indiana where they planted extensive vegetable gardens and fruit orchards, and operated a successful produce stand for the rest of their days. I've spent a LOT of time in eastern KY and some in WV and there's no place on earth I feel more at home than in eastern KY. I became a horticulturist operating my own company for almost 30 years now, so I figure their blood runs strong in my genes. I never met them but their daughter (my great grandmother) was born in the house in 1899 and died in it at 95 yrs. old. We were close, I spent a couple weeks every Summer there with her and fell in love with gardening in the by then more wild gardens and orchards surrounding the house that her parents had planted. We're looking for property in Eastern KY right now, as retirement looms. I love Appalachia and it's people, and your channel.
My mom and her side of the family (mamaw and papaw) are from the Tennessee mountains and I’m proud 😊
I loved going to visit as a child. It was raw and you had animals around and papaw taught you how to shoot.
My granddaddy was a Hillbilly that left the mountains during the depression looking for work. Went to LA ( Lower Alabama)and started building cotton mills for the CCC.
Stayed on after it was done, married, worked at the mill until he retired and built the local church that he and then my uncle preached at.
I can say enthusiastically that the streams of the mountains pleases me far more than the sea and over the decades we have steadily been working our way back to our homeland.
I left Blount County with my family as a child in about 1960. Those mountains were beautiful and everything to me, and it was almost as if I had died, yet still going on for some reason. There are cemeteries all around that county that contain the remains and Headstone Markers of them, and I love them every one. God Bless that beautiful land and the people that remain there!
My grandfather was born and raised in mountains of Tazwell, VA in 1934. He'll be 93 this year. He left to join the Navy (career) at 17 yrs old, married my grandmother in 1953 until her death. He served in the Korean War. They would move every 2 yrs while he was in the Navy with my Mom, uncle & aunt all over the US & abroad. He retired before I was born. I always enjoyed his stories. I only visited Tazwell once - I remember lots of mountain roads, some houses built on the sides of the Appalachian Mountains! It's a memory I'll never forget. Love your stories & bought your book, too! It's great! 😊
I loved the beautiful photos and the interesting stories of this region . I'm a coal miners daughter myself from Belgium , my province of Limburg had 7 mines from the late 1800's to 1996 . At the hight of the employment 45000 people worked there These mines attracted many people from other countries , at first from South Europe and Eastern Europe later from N Africa and Turkey . This makes are province very diverse . There was also a large Ford factory from 1964 till 2014 with an employment of 10 000 people . The loss of jobs was overcome by smaller businesses and since the 80's the focus lays on nature and recreation and we have our own National Park now The mineshafts are left in place as symbol of the past and can be visited , the area is known for the many miles of hiking- , biking- and horseride trails . People appear to be very resiliant to overcome changes .
❤ pike county love loved growing up in the mountains ❤
Thank you J.D., the roots you speak of stretch all the way to southern Florida, and a lot of us haven’t forgotten those mountains we came from, god bless my ancestors and the good folk of Appalachia.
Mate I live in the west coast of Scotland and I feel I've got a connection to apalachia 😂 I love your videos if I'm emigrating to 🇺🇸 I'm going there
when you get here, ill be the first to buy you a beer
I’m from the hills of Appalachia and had my DNA done last year and 89% of my DNA is Scottish and Irish! Believe it or not that’s where most of the settlers in Appalachia can trace their stock to Scotland and Ireland! So you’d fit right in there.
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller you should do a video on the origins of the name hillbilly does the billy part have anything to do with being being protestant?
@@billreynolds9107 you could probably trace your roots back to the Highland clearance times when the English rounded us up and shipped us off 🇺🇸 and replaced us with sheep buddy I know a lot of us ended up in apalachia
@@service2204 probably! I’ve read about that and have thought that’s very possible.
I know you’ve said you were a teacher for 22 years & wanted to educate America on what they should have been taught….
BUT…I’m from the U.K. and what you’re doing here is not just teaching Americans, you’re teaching myself and I guarantee many others worldwide.
I know I’ve said before about visiting Appalachia being the one thing I want to do more than anything, but until then, I adore listening to and watching your channel. I absolutely love it.
The stories and insights are fascinating, the social history of the Appalachians just draws me in completely.
As soon as I get paid, I’ll be joining as a channel member. Also, I’d really love to purchase your book, do you ship to the U.K.?
Great video as always, thank you 🙏
Thank you Sarah, and yes, you are right, I've been humbled and honored at the number of people like you who listen to these stories from all corners of planet earth. Yes, I was a teacher for 22 years and I always felt like the education system handpicked what they wanted the public to believe as truth. My father used to call folks like that "just smart enough to be dangerous". I'm really thankful for the platform that TH-cam has given me to tell these forgotten, ignored, and suppressed stories to the WORLD. Thank you Sarah! and yes, the website ships to the U.K. Ill send you a couple extra stickers for free when you order your book. Thank you for your support!
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller It’s the same here, we learnt about the “big” periods in history, but nothing about individual areas in the country/ social history/ societal change.
You’re doing a fantastic job on this platform, really pleased I found you.
And bless you! Thank you, that’s really kind of you re. the stickers. As I said, just have to wait for payday again but at least I’ll have something to look forward to now ☺️
So many of us in Appalachia want to visit the UK. Nearly all of my people came from England and are Scotch/Irish. You can hear it in our music and old folk tales. We also have a lot of Cherokee in us as well. I so hope to visit the places in your neck of the woods to see where my people originally came from.
@@AngelaC.-iz4ts I’m from Lincoln, England. It’s one of the most historic places, famous for Lincoln Castle and Cathedral. We’ve still got a lot of Roman Ruins in the City, the more historic Bailgate in the uphill area, leading to castle square. I guess we take it for granted as we see it all the time, but when I stop and really look at it, it’s breathtaking. I hope you get to visit where you’d like eventually 💙
@@sarahkenny3053 -Oh my goodness! Your home sounds lovely! I sure hope I get to see it someday. 🧡
Oh wow. This is such an eye-opening video. It could be a documentary. So heartbreaking 💔
I read recently that people in California are starting to consider places like West Virginia and Tennessee to relocate to because of the low cost of living.
Thanks for another moving video.
Nashville lady here with roots in W.Va. CA ppl are definitely moving in. I've met several couples now.
Where in West Virginia? I lived in Morgantown for about a year and a half. I found the people to be the friendliest I've ever encountered. Loved the area.
I haven't left KY, I certainly don't want anyone Ca, NY, or similar leftist areas especially the hellish cities moving to KY bringing their snobbish leftist politics, culture, we don't need your money either. I encourage hillbillies when reading up on the Hatfield's, & McCoy's to learn how the New York Times used this tragic story to smear these families with cartoonish fabrications to sell newspapers at the expense of these mountain families..
I'm not seeing low property costs in Tennessee anymore!
That's true...I live in Russell County VA...I have seen a lot of out of state vehicles coming through here...the only thing about living here is no jobs!! Keep it moving
My family is from Normantown West Virginia. Arrived in the mid 1700's.
You speak of a once great exodus from the Appalachian mountains by people looking for a better life in the cities. We are now experiencing a great influx of people coming back to the Appalachian mountains to escape their fear of violence and what could possibly be the breakdown of society in the near future. I live in and am a native of the Appalachian mountains of western, N.C. I used to be surrounded by kinfolk and neighbors that I grew up with and had known my whole life. That is no longer the case. Now, I am surrounded by people from the likes of Miami, Chicago, Bolivia, and Atlanta, who have not a clue about our heritage or way of life. I love my little piece of heaven in my most beloved Appalachian mountains. My blood runs deep here. My little slice of heaven is not nor ever shall be "for sale"! I will die in my beautiful, blue hazed Appalachian mountains that I hold so dear to my heart. The last lines you quoted in this story surely resonated with this Appalachian gal! Thank you for this presentation. Please check out Joyce Brookshires TH-cam video songs sung about what you speak of in this story.
Funny how they have always looked down on us and now they want what we have had for generations. Just leave us alone. I miss when they looked down on us. East Tennessee has changed so much since I was a kid (I’m only 35) and I hate it. They don’t share the same customs, I feel like in 15 years or so it won’t even feel like home anymore. I imagine most Appalachians are seeing this happening to our home.
Thank you for that heartwarming video!
I recently did my family search and was amazed at how after settling in Whitley, Ky, generation after generation stayed and grew there for two hundred years. Some families having as much as 16 children! How nice that would have been to be surrounded by so many grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Mom and Dad left in the early 60s. Mom's from Belfry, KY and Dad grew up in Matewan, WVA. He was drafted into the Navy during Korea and in his heart he never looked back. After mom and he married in '56, he attended college in Charleston, WVA and eventually they made their way up to Cleveland where there were jobs. I have one cousin back in Williamson, who stayed because her husband had a good job with the railroad. Though retired, she tells me that's gone too. I went there for the first time in 2007 and got to see where mom was raised. I was pleased to see the house, built in 1927, was still there, well loved and cared for. Thanks for your video.
thanks for sharing this!
East TN here. My grandfather left and came back. I’m so glad he did. Wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
Please keep your videos coming…..beautiful stories.
More to come!
Been missing your stories JD, as always you have done a great telling of a story, thank you. Gotta say that this one is making my heart hurt.
I live in the lovely State of North Carolina and have gotten to drive through West Virginia a few times. Jaw dropping beauty to behold there for sure! Even my 13 year old grandson couldn't help but notice. We in this part of the US are blessed for sure.
This story starts off innocent enough, but by the end of it, you realize that there was so much research, historical context and reshaping of American society that it takes on a whole different perspective
My daddy worked for Goodrich Gulf Oil Co in Institute, WV. We left in 1967 because the oil company moved everything to Texas. Both of my parents went to work as motel managers in NC. They're gone now but I'm still in NC and miss WV almost everyday but I know I can't make it there. Really very sad.
You stories are unvaluable gems! Your way of telling the stories are amazing!
Thank you, I really do my best to present historical, factual stories. I treat each video as piece of the soul of Appalachia. I think it's the teacher in me, I was a teacher for 22 years. I use this channel to teach things that America should know, that was never taught in schools.
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller
You must have been a fantastic teacher!
@@armageddon1403 thank you!
Thank you for telling these stories i hear my elders telling us kids these stories of our ancestors
I have family and friends all through Appalachia still today. I myself live in the very north end of Appalachia. Beautiful land and people. As you said hard people. Thanks for the story.
U have the best voice for this many a night I fall sleep listening to your videos
Always a good story.
Both sides of my family left Wolfe county, KY....in early 1910s....Campton ,KY.......to work in the factories in Middletown Ohio..
My Grandparents moved from Maynardville, TN to Franklin, OH.
It makes me a little sad but I'm real happy that my grandparents' didn't have to leave... I can't imagine living in any other area. Thanks JD 👍💐
I grew up on the north side of Pine Mountain in Shelby Gap, KY. Elkhorn City High School '95. Also, both papaw and mamaw chewed tobacco and lived in a rough lumber house with an outhouse. Good times.
U.S. Highway 23 is now called Music Highway (because of the song writers, singers, musicians, and recording artists that have/had roots along that highway). My family had to move to California in 1963 to find work. All of us (except my sister) have returned to Eastern Kentucky (because it is our home). We could have had a lot more living out West; but, we were not happy. Thank you for telling this true story.
That’s funny that they call that music highway because they actually call interstate 40 running from Memphis to Nashville the music Highway as well with every blues and country artist coming from there
Pikeville Ky guy here. Love my area and people
Always appreciate your stories. Thank you
Thanks for listening
As sad of a story as losing our precious chestnut trees
I grew up in northeast TN not far from Boone, NC. I can remember in the 50s that huge trunks of "dead chestnuts" were still standing in the woods. Way back on the ridge was an area where so many had fallen that you could walk along the criss-crossed trunks without ever setting a foot on the ground. It was a great loss, to say the least.
Born in Northeast Tennessee in 1980 and other than the 4 years I spent in the Army I have spent my life here and will never leave.
My family Migrated from the coal mines of west Virginia to southwestern Virginia. My father was drafted into the military during the Vietnam conflict and came home he lost friends and no work could be found , he moved to Ohio for work in a steel mill and when they built a new factory in Virginia he moved to Virginia to be close to his family. his Father my Grandfather died in a Coal mine collapse accident and he moved his Mom to Virginia and got his brother a job in the steel mill. Growing up in the late 80's and early 90's we had lots of family living with us from time to time settling here in the western side of Virginia. Now the majority of my family lives here refugees from the collapse of a once great state . My father passed last year his legacy continues as our family continues to prosper here, but we go visit from time to time home to west Virginia and remember what once was now strangers in our own home land.
I'm bawling once again. Thank you 😊
there's a powerful message in this story
My grandfather left in 1944 for Miami and I thank God he did this is why I still live in the free state of Florida!
Free from what? A short governor that cant fix the insurance crisis? Or dictating what Disney can do?
Visited Florida several times. I'd never leave my hills and mountains in Wv to live anywhere else. I'm one of the last of my family left still living on property my great great grandparents owned.
I'm so proud of NC voting this year for Mark Robinson as Governor. A strong man who loves this country.
What a horrible mistake
I lived in florida for 14 years. I'll die before I go back.
Dwight Yoakam Rt 23
Lyrics
They learned readin', writin', Route 23
To the jobs that lay waiting in those cities' factories
They learned readin', writin', roads to the north
To the luxury and comfort a coal miner can't afford
They thought readin', writin', Route 23
Would take them to the good life that they had never seen
They didn't know that old highway
Could lead them to a world of misery
Have you ever been down Kentucky-way
Say south of Prestonburg
Have you ever been up in a holler
Have you ever heard
A mountain man cough his life away
From diggin' that black coal
In those dark mines, those dark mines
If you had you might just understand
The reason that they left is all behind
They learned readin', wrightin', Route 23
To the jobs that lay waitin' in those cities' factories
They learned readin', writin', roads to the north
To the luxury and comfort a coal miner can't afford
They thought readin', writin', Route 23
Would take them to the good life that they had never seen
They didn't know that old highway
Could lead them to a world of misery
Have you ever seen 'em
Put the kids in the car after work on Friday night
Pull up in a holler about 2 a.m.
And see a light still shinin' bright
Those mountain folks sat up that late
Just to hold those little grandkids
In their arms, in their arms
And I'm proud to say that I've been blessed
And touched by their sweet hillbilly charm
They learned readin', writin', Route 23
To the jobs that lay waiting in those cities' factories
They learned readin', writin', roads to the north
To the luxury and comfort a coal miner can't afford
They thought readin', writin', Route 23
Would take them to the good life that they had never seen
They didn't know that old highway
Could lead them to a world of misery
Yeah, it turns out that that old highway,
Leads you to a world of misery
They found out that that old highway
Leads you to a world of misery...
Source: LyricFind
Thank you so much for the sad but true story. I am so grateful for you to be back ❤
Thank you Angela! See you Saturday Morning !
My grandmother's house in WV used to be a stagecoach stop and a hotel for passengers to stay....It's now my Aunt and Uncle's place. It's still a very beautiful place❤
Howdy JD. Thanks for taking me down memory lane. You told the exact same story that happened to my ancestors from Kentucky. I still remember the picture of my great grandfather in his overalls and great grandmother in her in a homemade dress standing next to a big black pot over a fire stirring something with a big wooden stick in front of there little cabin home. My family emigrated to Indiana and Wisconsin mostly. I can trace my family roots back to Jamestown and Scotland, Ireland and England. Take care brother. I just purchased your book to help support. Thanks for all your story's.
Troy, I really appreciate the support brother, it really keeps this channel going. And, yes, my mother's family also left bound for the factories of Detroit. My family also lived this story. Im still here in East TN, but their story needs to be remembered.
Outstanding documentary, I know very well this story, breaks my heart. On the bright side, I’ve settled back into these mountains and I thank Father God ⚔️🙏⚔️
I appreciate your perspective, thanks for sharing!
Mike here to say hello and thank you for this erpisode that brings gteat clarity to my old memories of summer and winter visits to both sets of grrandparents just six miles apart in Cowen and Dyer, West Virginia. I now recall the sweet smell of the high mountain air, the smell of the Williams River so chill to swim in even in July, the smell of coal smoke, the old ones asking, "child, who"s your daddy?" Charles they did not know but George Miller they did know well, { my mother's daddy } I was then immediatly accepted. My parents left the mountains for Baltimore, then Norfolk, finally to Martinsville, Virginia where i was born in 1955, living in and near there until moving to northwest Vermont six years ago so we could be near our daughters and grandies. Oh how I miss the Virginias, tears stream down this old mans face. I walked the mountains, saw the tall hollow chestnut trunks, the sign of log skidding trails and narrow gauge rail beds. As a forester, I have seen many a chestnut sprout and diseased sapling, often asking Our Good God for His healing touch to this precious species. In His good time all will be put right!
Thank you for sharing this story
My mother's people were Mustoes , down Price Run, my dad's Holcomb's from MacGuire Mtn. Remember Canfield Store at Bolair & Miss Shinaberries up Williams, or as we pronounce it up 'Weems" river?
Breaks my heart that such beauty in family and there surroundings were whittled away. Love these stories so much ❤
The struggle continues for WV. Just the other day there was a school board meeting discussing the "dismissal" of several teachers in kanawha county (the state capital is in this county) because of the declining number of students enrolled. It's a sad state for sure, but it's home, and I ain't leaving.
Very true Rusty I believe West Virginia has been hit harder than any other state America
I can't speak on WV but here in KY we see people leaving Louisville and Lexington by the masses. But most aren't leaving the state, just the city. Unfortunately, they are moving to the charming rural areas and then realize they don't like rural living. In response they don't move back to the city but instead are trying harder than ever to bring the city to these rural areas. Destroying the charm and bringing their high cost of living with them.
Both sides is my family came from Eastern part of WV, back before was a state. One cty. was Mercer. Most eventually settled in Jackson cty. and then in Dunbar (Kanawha cty.)
My dad's family moved up to Toledo in the 20s due to the mine issues and the railroad problems. Daddy always wanted to move back, but never got too. He died when I was 8. My mom's s house faced the cemetery and at night there was a cross that lights and you could see his grave. Mom was a State of WV nurse in the 50's before she married Daddy. When we would go home to visit, mom would take us back into some of the hollars she went into. She would set up clinics for the kids with polio and the poorest kids she would go to their home. Her car just said "STATE OF WV"on it. So many times the men thought she was a revenooer coming to destroy their stills and they would come out with their shot guns and either aim to her or to fend their stills. When she got out then realized why she was there. Because of her nurse uniform. She c never got used to the flat land up here in toledo. My heart is still wanting to move down there. Also, in grade schools, you knew who were the coalminer kids were . each morning they stood in a line and were given a dose of cod liver oil I believe. She and daddy looked up their family history. back in the 50s. They are finally home again.
It is funny you mentioned the two states that my ancestors are from, descended of some of the first settlers of WV and NC. All of my grandparents left their homeland for work and I still have a few uncles in Ohio. Luckily all the grandparents but one went back to the mountains though fate did not seem to favor my being born there. My grandparents stories of their young adult lives, going around doing all kinds of crazy jobs sounded like epic adventures to me. My mother’s mother in particular did some absolutely amazing jobs throughout her life. She was tough and loved her life and accomplishments but, she told me everyday of her life that her home was in those mountains and she never wanted to be anywhere else. She never did move back but, I honored her wishes to have her ashes put back in her homeland.
Those mountains are in our blood and all of us have always had desires to go back. I’ll continue to keep my fingers crossed that we succeed. Alas, it isn’t so easy to up and move as it used to be. Thanks for this story. It has started my day with some fond recollections of my grandparents’ stories.
Thank you for the marvelous word pictures, JD.
Thank you so much, Michael. I hope you’re doing well brother good to hear from you.
I spent 26 years in the Coal Industry from the early 1970's to the mid-1990's. I traveled Appalachia from PA to TN and your presentation brought back many memories good and bad. I really enjoyed it immensely.
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
From Hurley, VA and a lot of my family moved out in the 1950’s and 1960’s to Michigan for the auto industry or to Oregon for lumber mills.
My wife is from across the Mt from hurley my mom too in panther my dad is from hurley
West Virginia born and partially raised as well as Michigan, Florida, Oklahoma, and California. Family has been in the Appalachia’s since before colonization. Going home some day!
This was a great educational video JD. You packed in an awful lot. I’ll have to watch again. Can’t seem to concentrate very well today. Have you ever thought of doing a video with pictures of the native flowers in the areas? Thanks for this heartwarming story of the strife of the Appalachian people
I wanted this to educated people while being entertained. This is a powerful story that America needs to hear.
I grew up in post-WW II Cincinnati in a non-Appalachian family (although one beloved uncle had Appalachian roots). Their rich culture (square-dancing, singing Gospel tunes in the front room, etc.) benefited all. (Friendly co-workers too.) They were recognizable by their accents. In local lore, they would "go home for the weekend."
It is amazing that people are so cold & greedy. Take, take, take & never look back at the destruction they leave behind.
Greedy and heartless !!!!!!!!
Thank you for making this video.The times when humans are closest to nature,our hearts sing their finest song.
I sold my soul to the company store.
Better than selling it to the devil (evil), hope all is well and very best wishes.
@@shanghunter7697 thanks. Happy Easter 🐣🐰
Yes You have too eat
I appreciate your presentation, right outta the gate. Informative and respectful. I'm in my 70s, live in New England but have an appreciation for this cultural heritage, especially the music. My mother was born in the coal mining region of Altoona PA, in 1920. Like many others, she was dirt poor. After 14 years of varied foster housing she settled as a teen in Philadelohia. In her words, she changed from 'hill-billy' to 'hill-william'. Some of the values and most of the music I learned through her, has stuck with me through this very day. Thanks.
Thank you my friend, thanks for sharing her story
So many i was not aware so many had to leave. Great video.
Thank you Melissa, it’s a story that is rarely told today
Sitting here with tears streaming down my cheeks. How I wish this history ( with the emotions behind it ) was taught in school. So much pride, so much ingenuity, so much exploitation. So many have no idea why they are able to live the comforts of life today. I love this channel.
Thank you ❤️
East Tennessee girl born and raised. We raised hogs, baled hay, worked tobbaco, had a big garden, canned and preserved our food. Hard work but happy family. Love my Tennessee home.
Gods country
I appreciate your continued company during my long commutes. Five episodes and counting!
Keep producing them, JD!!!
Be safe out there!
I feel the Appalachain people were so hard done by. The big fancy places moving in giving money as long as the company got there pound of flesh and more from the men and made so much money. They pull the rug from under their feet, leaving so many areas destitute. 😢 Thanks for this x
Thanks for your very interesting comments. Here, in Eastern Kentucky, many people came to mine coal and build railroad lines from Eastern Europe and many from Italy. I live in a little house in a narrow hollow but I'm glad and thankful I was able to visit Belgium two times years ago. I liked the people's kindness as well as the dozens of steamed clams I enjoyed on the Gran Place!
My parents were part of that movement in 1929 and yes I was from Michigan but now live in the Philippines. My people from way back in the 1700s. The family settled in Atkins, Virginia.
love that folks are listening in the Philippines, what part are you in?
Haddix - as mentioned in the article at 18:40 - lived up at the top of KY 1110 where it meets 15. My family lives about 6 miles south of there and it's sad to know that they are all that's left in Breathitt Co. My dad moved to Michigan in the 60s and I was born in the 70s. He died in 2002 and I like to go back for a visit at least one night every summer, but it's hard to be dirty and smoke weed all day and now various sets of folks hate each other and.....etc...etc...etc...
It is very hard to live in a time and place where life around you seems so unnatural. There is a kinship of the heart having known and spent time around folks which grew up in this region.
Many times in my youth my daddy would take me to these places and they always felt like home, perhaps I will return one day and find a place to call my own.
Marse Wolfe
thank you Storyteller…❤ pictures are great and go with the narration. Stories are so interesting ❤❤❤
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! ❤️
I never knew this happened. I know of the issues with the coal but not the chestnut trees😢 Thie was an excellent video. Thank you for opening my eyes ❤
Another outstanding story spoken by J. D. Phillips!
Thank you ❤️