Echoes of Appalachia
“Stories, culture, and memories from the heart of Appalachia.”
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Author: Tim Carmichael
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There’s something undeniably magical about fall in the Appalachian Mountains. As summer slips away, the hills and hollers are transformed into a vibrant patchwork of color, painting the landscape in brilliant hues. Growing up in Appalachia, I learned to love the rhythm of the changing seasons, and fall has always been one of my favorites.…
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Have you ever heard the eerie story of Betty Hazel Price, the woman known as the “Witch of Sullivan County”? In 1888, her name sent shivers through the region, and her story continues to haunt those who speak of her today. Betty’s life ended tragically with one of the last recorded witch hangings in the…
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Appalachia, with its rolling hills and rich resources, has long been at the center of the nation’s energy story. Beneath the beauty of this region lies a deeper, more complicated narrative—one where both the land and its people have been sacrificed for the sake of energy. For over a century, Appalachia has been mined for…
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When most people think of Appalachia, the first images that come to mind are often of misty mountains, tight-knit communities, and age-old traditions passed down through generations. However, one aspect of Appalachian history that is often overlooked is the significant and lasting influence of African Americans on the culture, food, music, and traditions of the…
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In the hills and hollers of Appalachia, “granny witches” held a special place in their communities. These women, often referred to as “Mountain Doctor’s,” were the keepers of folk wisdom and natural remedies. They relied on the land to heal and protect their families and neighbors, drawing from centuries of knowledge passed down through generations.…
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Mountaintop removal is a radical form of coal mining in which the tops of mountains are literally blasted off to access seams of coal. It takes place in the Appalachian Mountains, one of the oldest mountain ranges on earth. Mountaintop removal (MTR) is a form of coal mining that, quite literally, changes the face of the…
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In a significant moment of cultural recognition, the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains, formerly known as Clingmans Dome, is returning to its original name—Kuwohi (pronounced koo-WHOA-hee). This decision honors the deep Cherokee heritage of the land, restoring a name that held meaning long before the area became a national park and a tourist…
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In the shadowy hills where Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina meet, a unique group of people has quietly woven their thread into the intricate tapestry of Appalachia. These people are known as the Melungeons, and their origins have been the subject of curiosity, mystery, and debate for centuries. Who Are the Melungeons? The Melungeons are…
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Growing up in Marshall, North Carolina, ginseng hunting was just something we did every year. It wasn’t just a hobby—it was part of life. My family and I spent hours out in the woods, looking for that plant that my granny and daddy both held in high regard, each for different reasons. When Granny went…
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If you’ve ever roamed the shady hollows and moist woods of Appalachia, you’ve likely stumbled across a plant that’s as much a part of the landscape as the moss-covered rocks and winding streams—jewelweed. This unassuming green plant, which can grow up to three feet tall, is more than just a bit of undergrowth. It’s a…
Echoes of Appalachia 