Echoes of Appalachia
“Stories, culture, and memories from the heart of Appalachia.”
Join 1,000+ readers preserving Appalachian history. Get new stories Daily.
Tag: Appalachian Mountains
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
In the heart of Appalachia, where the mountains breathe life into the land, folk magic has been quietly practiced for generations. Known as granny magic or rootwork, this blend of herbal healing, superstition, and ancient wisdom has shaped the region’s culture. Granny witches—respected healers in their communities—used the power of plants, chants, and rituals to…
-
Marshall, North Carolina, is more than just a town for me—it’s home. Nestled in the mountains of Madison County, it holds the memories of my childhood, the laughter of my family, and the spirit of a community that’s been through more than its share of trials. Recently, Marshall faced one of its toughest challenges: a…
-
My heart aches as I witness the devastation caused by the recent floods in our small mountain towns. Marshall, Greeneville, Hot Springs, Burnsville, and others have been hit hard. Homes are destroyed, roads washed away, and many families have lost everything. I’ve seen the damage firsthand, and now I’m asking for your help. These towns,…
-
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…
Echoes of Appalachia 