Big Stone Gap: Appalachia Coal Town Retooling For the Future
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 เม.ย. 2023
- Join me as I explore the charming Southwest Virginia town of Big Stone Gap in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Movies and books have been written about this place, along the Trail of the Lonesome Pine. Come see for yourself how this once single source economy is retooling for the future!
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Hopefully you can start moving a little further north and start hitting towns like Pulaski, Buchanan and into the Shenandoah Valley. Or east to Damascus, Galax, Hillsville, Stuart. So many cool small towns!
Pennington Gap. Get a hamburger at the 421 diner
My grandfather started out pulling mule coal carts in and out of the mines. When he retired he was superintendent of westmorland coal co trystate division. His name was Felix Minor.
"...our product is our own culture".... I think Bill accurately states the solution to the equation. From what I have learned from your videos, Josh, the people of Appalachia and their heritage bring to the proverbial "table" a genuineness, a strong emphasis on honesty and integrity, and an appreciation of the natural world that create resilience, self-sufficiency, and an ability to adapt to whatever is going on around them. Life need not be glamor and glitz. A good cup of coffee and a tasty sandwich created and offered up by good people willing to talk about life is far more attractive to me than what is considered "cosmopolitan".
@jamesratliff1803well said, amen!
This is exactly where i was born and raised. My father is buried in the big cemetery that you can barely see from the lookout, where you were. This place has changed over just in the last 40 years ive been alive. Its a very tiny place with a ton of history no one even knows about. George Washington was even in this area and Rye Cove when he was 16. There are documents in the library of congress from his diary. Its pretty wild.
This is my daily route for fedex ground. I live in kingsport and have for 30 yrs but Big Stone feels like home everyday when im there. Have thought recently of moving there. Great atmosphere and people. Wouldnt mind raising my kids there. Thanks for the video. I love the overhead pics. I know the addresses for all of them. Love my route.
I was born in Appalachia , VA . FYI It's eight state capitals closer to this area than Richmond. Raleigh NC, Columbia, SC, Atlanta, GA, Nashville, TN, Frankford, KY, Charleston, WV, Coumbus, OH and Indianapolis, IN. Whether it's as the crow fly or by Google maps and driving miles.
Went to First Grade at Appalachia Elementry School in 1960. Then we moved and lived in what was known as "The Southern" near the old Powel Valley H.S. and went to Elementary school 2nd-5th grade at "East Stone Gap" 1961-65 before moving to Indiana. Would like to see videos on Appalachia and East Stone Gap!
Please talk about "corn from a jar" in your Appalachia PBS show...and how hilly Appalachia is not ideal for outdoor basketball courts because one bounce off the rim and you're chasing the ball downhill for 1/8 mile.
🤣😜
That’s what fences are for, ha!
We do just fine around here
WOOO MR SMITH IS MY FAVORITE SUBSTITUTE TEACHER GO MR SMITH
Well done Josh. Since you first started you've shown a continuous progression, moving forward in leaps and bounds. Glad I've been along for the ride 😊👍.
The opening scene of the valley is indeed stunning. I so appreciate that the town seems to be emphasizing, in part, the musical heritage of the area. I've been watching some videos lately of the organizations that are spreading thru Appalachia to assist the young people in learning and carrying on the traditional music. Seems to me that the mountains are nurturing and caring for their own, more so than anywhere else. Truly a blessing.
Take care and may the road be good to you. 🥰
Music is a major part of and arises from the life experiences of living in these mountains. Thanks so much for watching & sharing!
I love to fish and kayak the Powell River, so I visit BSG several times a year. Watching it transform over the past 10 years or so has been amazing - especially as H said since Covid. I would make the 2 hour drive now just for the scenery and the dining experience at Curklins and 404.
Couple things: The present Visitor Center served as the set for the diner in the movie and some of the booths used in the film are still there (or were). The last time I visited Big Stone Gap was to go to Bullitt Park in late 1988 when I drove down more than 200 miles to see the state's No. 1 ranked and unbeaten Strasburg team lose 21-20 in overtime to the Jonesville Bulldogs, which had only a 5-5 regular season record. The next year Jonesville High was converted into a middle school as five high schools were consolidated into one school.
That Bill from Montana strikes me as a bright, knowledgeable fellow who is a living compendium of local folklore and history; looking forward to the extended interview with him. Also, your videography just keeps improving! Kudos.
I think Bill hit upon the key to the future; “Our culture is our product.”
I concur with your view of Josh's product as improving. This episode seems to me to be at another level altogether!
My family lived there for a long time. Back to the 18s. A trailer park now sits where my great grandmother’s house once stood. Sad face. Moor was the name.
I love Big Stone Gap. My daughter was born there 47 years ago. My home is just down the road route 58 . Pennington Gap...our family cemetary goes back 7 generations and there are probably relatives i never met.thanx i enjoyed this😊😊
H.William Smith was my substitute teacher a couple of times, probably one of the best individuals you could have interviewed. He has an infinite amount of stories
Indeed he does! Thanks for watching!!
My family the crumleys and dickinsons are all from appalachia va loved this as I've never been there grandmother moved meet my grandfather from greenbrier co wv and went to Huntington WV and that's when I came along
Born and raised just outside of BSG. Wonderful memories of the area. Now living in Nashville but I always love seeing those mountains surrounding my little hometown!
I graduated from Powell valley highschool in 1968.
Bill is such an amazing man, he’s a teacher aswell at our high school, I love to sit and listen to him talk he teaches us a lot about this place, I’m so thankful to call this town home
My MIL’s home town! I miss The Mutual!
Looks like the people of this town are figuring it out! Beautiful little town with interesting shops. Good that they are preserving their culture.
Indeed they are, and I could FEEL it while there!
It should be kept a little town. My hometown used to be a quiet small town. Now, outsiders keep pouring in by the endless hordes and changing everything and not for the better.
@@Vaxxedhole what town?
@@Vaxxedhole Understood!
@@VaxxedholeBut you also don't want your town to start dying because everything will die with it you ding dong
Packaging a rich and a very American culture is a great way to start. Looks like with the eateries, music, retail, and history Big Stone Gap is rollin along into the future.🇺🇸💕👍
Mr. Smith was a substitute I had a couple of times, he's a really nice dude, he can sit and talk for hours and you'll never get bored
It's too bad that UHS sucks though. At least he makes classes less boring.
yea lol
My family is from Exeter a little Holler just down the road from Big Stone Gap ❤ there's not a more beautiful place I've ever seen, my Dad is buried in East stone
Однозначно лайк привет из России спасибо за выпуск..слежу!
I’m from Cumberland KENTUCKY (Harlan county) but was born in Big Stone Gap , Virginia !!
Nice hometown!
Loved the pipestem school house 🏠 video, love and generosity of country folk 💓
I sure love my town!
My family’s been in BSG since the late 1800’s.
This is a very beautiful and clean looking area. Thanks for the view.
It truly is! Thanks for watching & sharing!!
what a great guy....this is a good story and a place to visit...i just started planning my trip to Clarksburg WV weekend of 9th of june....cant wait to get my pepperoni rolls and pepper rings....Tomaro's Bakery is 1 of my first stop.....after seeing family
Loved it! Oohhh cannot wait for more. Josh you are amazing in how and what you do. keep em coming mate
i love bsg. i visit there whenever i can. 404 cafe and creamery is fantastic and i love the coal fired pizza at good times as well. it is a lovely town and i love all of the powell valley. this is from a kentucky girl.
Once again well done. Very interesting and informative with a personal touch and feel to it.
Thank you for the great video. This is the town I've always lived in and it makes me happy to see you talk about it, you also taught me some things I didn't even know about it.
Excellent !
Thank you!
Can't wait to see Bills interview. Josh your videos have me wanting to get to some of these towns with our little rag tag youtube operation. Excellent work Sir.
Well what a fascinating area, with a very interesting history and people!
Just found your channel. My great grandmother was born in Big Stone Gap, and I have wanted to visit there for years. Thanks for your great video!
You're welcome, glad you found it!
Interesting place. I'm making it my business to visit sometime soon. I enjoy your videos quite a bit. Keep up the good work.
Great Video! I really enjoyed it. It was very captivating. The quality, drone footage, landscapes and music are great in this video. This town has alot of great history and sounds like alot going for it. Almost like they heard what H Bill said. They should have him on some revitalizing committee. Loved hearing him talk. Seems like he has a heart for that area. I will definitely be looking forward to hearing him in your upcoming Storyteller channel. This is a town I would love to visit. The shops look interesting and especially the coffee shop. Well done. Keep these great videos coming!
Hi Josh.....thank you for these videos. I'm originally from Northern Virginia, I have a deep deep love of my home state. I have always wanted to be able to just drive around to the southern part of the state. I hope you keep doing these! My sister lives in Norton, I had a nephew that lived in Pound and a niece in Saltville.
You really need to get out of northern Va. the state does not end at Roanoake! There’s a lot to see and do down here, I live in Ceres, Va. near Saltville. Come see us!
I live veryyyy close to BSG. They have a great restaurant called Curklins!
Great information! Thanks for sharing!
You bet!
Please don't stop[ doing these videos.
Onward!
Thanks for my suggestion to do Big Stone Gap!!!!!!!!!!
So nice to hear that famous narrator’s voice again.
I eventually joined you on your TH-cam channel..👍🏿
Hantz Robert Dumoza
I love to hear about success stories such as in Big Stone Gap.
Me too!!
Mr. Smith 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Really good bro!
Thank you!
Great video 👍🙏🇺🇸
Thanks!
I'M FROM THE JERSEY SHORE. I LOVE YOUR AREA!!!!!!!! THAT'S ALL I HAVE SAY. GREAT AREA!!!!!!!!!!
Sure is, thanks for watching!
Thanks MR❤
You're welcome!
I love Big Stone Gap....my daughter was born there. My home is just down hiway 58....Pennington Gap Virginia. All my ancestors are miners farmers and Cherokee and Scottish. I love who I am and where I come from.
Hey love the videos! Huge fan! If your back in the Kentucky area you should look up Rockcastle Ky Where i was born and raised and still live here currently! there a lot Appalachian history were part of the Daniel Boone National Park and Boone trace! We also have Historic music venue Renfro Valley with a lot of history behind it! And next door to Renfro is The Kentucky Music Hall a Fame! Where all Kentucky Artists are honor and recognized! Thank you for all the amazing videos you do!!
Thanks for the suggestion! Appreciate you watching 😁
Beautifully made video sir! Your blend of music with crispy dialogue is so well blended with stunning visuals. Love the interview with H.
Your main footage looks amazing sir! Are you shooting Canon or Sony?
Thank you very much, glad you enjoyed it! Oh, and neither of those 😉
My substitute teacher on this thing😂😂
Big stone whey Rastology interview dey?can't find it nowhere, what a Gwaaan, need a Repost king, truth be Told, The World is Watching, make a Repost
Born & raised in BSG.
In my opinion Norton is better and is extremely underrated.
Nice videos man 🖤 can you show some coal mines in your next videos? Greetings from the coal pot "ruhr valley" in germany
Working on that 😉
@@MountainRoots deep or daylight mining
I'll always be a Appalachia Bulldog, might as well say I have two home towns
Oops...I now live in Elizabethton TN
Is there a good place to stay in Big Stone Gap?
Several! I enjoy the Air B&Bs I've stayed in.
We have a Quality Inn hotel too.
Poor bullit park used to be fun for the kids now its just a few swings.
The splash pad is pretty popular.
Soooo,.tourism...gotta do..watch'ya gotta do..
Would love to hear your ideas!
Hope you like the outdoors cuz that's all there really is here.