Echoes of Appalachia
“Stories, culture, and memories from the heart of Appalachia.”
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recent posts
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- 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
about
Author: Tim Carmichael
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Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Hot Springs, North Carolina, boasts a history that reflects the broader narratives of American resilience, conflict, and community. Known primarily for its natural hot springs, the town has a rich past that stretches back to early Native American tribes and includes significant chapters during the Civil War and World War…
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When you think of pie, classic flavors like apple, cherry, or pumpkin often come to mind. But have you ever considered pinto bean pie? This unexpected dessert, a cherished favorite in Appalachian cuisine, is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to incorporate a protein-rich legume into your diet. Pinto beans, typically associated with…
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The Appalachian region, stretching from southern New York to northern Alabama, is home to some of the most picturesque landscapes in the United States. However, this beauty often contrasts sharply with the economic realities faced by many counties within the region. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, around 35% of the counties in Appalachia are…
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As spring arrives in the Appalachian Mountains, a unique and flavorful treasure emerges from the forest floor: wild ramps. These wild leeks, known scientifically as Allium tricoccum, are a beloved seasonal delicacy celebrated for their pungent aroma and distinct taste. Foraging for ramps has become a cherished tradition in many Appalachian communities, marking the arrival…
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There is a unique beauty in growing up in a small house nestled deep in a holler, where the mountains surround you like a sheltering embrace and the quiet is so profound, it feels like part of you. At night, the stillness was almost sacred. Through the thin walls, the soft chorus of crickets could…
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Growing up in the Tipton family felt like living within the pages of a history book. With a lineage steeped in honor and respect, I often reflected on the incredible contributions of my ancestors. Our family tree is a tapestry woven with stories of courage, dedication, and a commitment to our community—each branch representing a…
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As fall settles over the hills of Appalachia, the air turns crisp, and the orchards are bursting with ripe apples. This is the time of year I look forward to most—when we gather to make apple butter, just like my granny used to. Granny had a special liking for Crow Egg apples, which grew wild…
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In the heart of Appalachia, nestled in the hills of Marshall, North Carolina, lies a small community called Spillcorn. Growing up there, I was immersed in the vibrant rhythms of our Appalachian dialect. It was more than just a way of speaking; it was woven into our identity. Our words were lively and quick, often…
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As the Great Depression gripped the nation in 1929, it painted a stark picture of hardship, particularly in the cities, where unemployment soared and businesses closed their doors. Yet, in the Appalachian Mountains, life unfolded quite differently. In these rugged communities, self-sufficiency wasn’t just a way of life; it was essential. Families relied on subsistence…
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In the mountains, brushing teeth with birch twigs is a tradition that has stood the test of time. Many people, including my grandmother, relied on this simple method long before commercial toothpaste and plastic toothbrushes became the norm. She lived to be 93 with almost all her teeth intact, a testament to the effectiveness of…
Echoes of Appalachia 