Echoes of Appalachia
“Stories, culture, and memories from the heart of Appalachia.”
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recent posts
- They Blew the Tops Off Appalachia and What Was Left Behind Tells a Darker Story
- 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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The Appalachian region, stretching from the southern tip of New York down to northern Alabama and Georgia, is more than just a geographic area; it embodies a unique cultural identity deeply rooted in history and tradition. To be Appalachian is to embrace a way of life shaped by the land, the community, and the rich…
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Nestled in the heart of the eastern side of the United States, the Appalachian region is rich with culture, history, and folklore. One of the most fascinating aspects of Appalachian life is its myriad superstitions, passed down through generations like treasured heirlooms. These beliefs, often rooted in a deep connection to nature and community, reveal…
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The American frontier has always been a tapestry woven with the stories of brave individuals who carved their destinies in the wilderness. Among these figures stands Major Jonathan Tipton, a prominent leader of the Overmountain Men—a group of frontiersmen who played a pivotal role during the American Revolution, particularly in the Southern Campaign. The term…
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Growing up in the small community of Spillcorn, nestled in the Western North Carolina mountains near Marshall, profoundly shaped who I am today. Our three-room house—a simple arrangement of a bedroom, living room, and kitchen—was modest, but it was filled with warmth, laughter, and the daily hustle of life shared with my two sisters and…
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In the heart of Appalachia, the story of Federick Messer stands out as a testament to the region’s rich history and resilient spirit. Born on August 12, 1792, in Lincoln County, North Carolina, along the south fork of the Catawba River, Fed’s remarkable life spanned over a century, making him a living connection to a…
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Life in Spillcorn where I was raised wasn’t always about survival, hardship, or solemn moments. We had our share of laughter, too, often at each other’s expense, but never in a mean-spirited way. In a community as small and close-knit as ours, humor was a way to cope with the challenges we faced and to…
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In the annals of East Tennessee folklore, few figures are as enigmatic and larger-than-life as Mahalia Collins Mullins. Her tales are woven into the fabric of moonshine culture, capturing the imagination of many across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. From her purported wrestling feats to her infamous run-ins with the law, Mullins’s story is…
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If you’ve ever been to Appalachia, you know it’s a place of breathtaking beauty. The mountains, the valleys, the sense of being connected to something deeper—it’s a place that gets into your bones. But there’s another side to this region, a side that doesn’t get talked about as much. Appalachia is also a place where…
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Tucked away in the Montford Historic District of Asheville, North Carolina, lies Riverside Cemetery—a place where history and mystery intertwine. Spanning 87 acres, this burial ground holds the stories of over 13,000 souls, including literary legends like Thomas Wolfe and William Sydney Porter, better known as O. Henry. But for those who walk its peaceful…
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For nearly 60 years, my daddy made moonshine that people would drive from all over to get. His shine was as clear as glass, and folks would cross state lines just to fill a jug, some coming all the way from California. Daddy didn’t need fame—his reputation traveled on its own, built on word of…
Echoes of Appalachia 