Echoes of Appalachia
“Stories, culture, and memories from the heart of Appalachia.”
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Category: Appalachia
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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 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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In the aftermath of natural disasters like Hurricane Helene, misinformation spreads quickly and causes real damage. One false claim suggested that 1,000 people died in Burnsville, NC, with 900 bodies still without body bags. Another baseless rumor alleged that 1,100 people died in Asheville, and the government is hiding the bodies at Mission Hospital. Let’s…
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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…
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For me, hiking the Smoky Mountains has always been more than just a physical activity—it’s a way to reconnect with myself, find peace, and immerse in the beauty of the Appalachian wilderness. With over 520 miles hiked out of the 900 miles of trails that crisscross these mountains, I’ve come to realize that each step…
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Ray Hicks, born on August 29, 1922, in Banner Elk, North Carolina, left an indelible mark on the art of storytelling that resonates far beyond the rolling hills of Appalachia. He passed away on April 20, 2003, in Boone, but his legacy as the “grandfather of storytelling” continues to inspire countless admirers and storytellers alike.…
Echoes of Appalachia 