Echoes of Appalachia
“Stories, culture, and memories from the heart of Appalachia.”
Join 1,000+ readers preserving Appalachian history. Get new stories Daily.
recent posts
- Hidden in Plain Sight: Why Homelessness in Appalachia Reached a Breaking Point in 2024 and 2025
- Immigrants and Appalachia: The Hidden Story That Built a Mountain Civilization
- Urban Appalachia: Rural Memory Inside the Modern City
- My New Book Has Been Published
- Beyond Appalachia: Venerable Monks, the Walk For Peace, and a Nation Searching for Common Ground
about
Author: Tim Carmichael
-
One of my favorite holiday traditions is finding an orange in my Christmas stocking. It’s a simple gesture, but it always fills me with a little extra joy. Have you ever wondered where this tradition came from and why an orange is so special? Well, it actually has deep roots in history, and I’d love…
-
As the holiday season approaches, one of the most heartwarming and magical traditions in the Appalachian region is the arrival of the Santa Train. This annual event, which rolls through the scenic yet often overlooked corners of East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Eastern Kentucky, brings the joy of Christmas to communities that might otherwise be…
-
Growing up in Appalachia, there were certain customs that might seem strange to outsiders, but to us, they were just a part of life. One of the most poignant traditions in our mountain community was sitting up with the dead, a practice that goes beyond what people might think of as “creepy” or unsettling. For…
-
In the Appalachian Mountains, where the ridges and valleys shape both the land and the people, many families have a tradition of laying their loved ones to rest on mountaintops. For my family, that tradition lives on in Spillcorn, a small community tucked away in Marshall, North Carolina. It’s where my grandparents, great-grandparents, my mother,…
-
As the calendar turns and we usher in a new year, many of us seek ways to cleanse, rejuvenate, and set intentions for the months ahead. For those living in or connected to the Appalachian region, the ritual of using herbs, roots, leaves, and bark carries deep cultural significance. Rooted in ancient traditions and passed…
-
Growing up in Appalachia, I quickly learned that the region is far more than its stunning landscapes or its distinctive dialect. Appalachian culture is a rich blend of practices, customs, and values passed down through generations. It is a way of life shaped by the creativity and resourcefulness of the people who live here. From…
-
With Christmas just around the corner, it brings with it the sweet scent of baking, the joy of gift-giving, and cherished family traditions. One such tradition that has warmed homes for generations is making homemade hard candy at Christmas. The process of crafting this festive treat is as much a part of the holiday spirit…
-
Growing up in the Appalachian Mountains, we didn’t have much. My family lived below the poverty line, and my mother did everything she could to provide for us. She worked long hours, stretched every penny, and made sure we had a roof over our heads, food on the table, and the lights kept on. But…
-
The Great Depression, which began in 1929 and lasted for most of the 1930s, was one of the most difficult times in American history. For millions of families across the country, it meant widespread poverty, unemployment, and hardship. But for children growing up in Appalachia—a region already struggling with poverty—this period was especially harsh. In…
-
In the Appalachian Mountains, where history, folklore, and nature intertwine, New Year’s is about more than just ringing in the passing year—it’s about ensuring a prosperous, healthy, and safe year ahead. Passed down through generations, Appalachian customs and superstitions are rich with meaning, offering guidance for the coming year, particularly in food security, family wellbeing,…
Echoes of Appalachia 