Echoes of Appalachia
“Stories, culture, and memories from the heart of Appalachia.”
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Tag: recipes
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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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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…
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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…
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Our people in the mountains are hurting. The recent floods have caused unimaginable devastation across East Tennessee, Western North Carolina, and surrounding areas. Homes have been destroyed, families displaced, and entire towns are grappling with loss. The damage is severe, and for many, the recovery will take months, if not years. In Greene County, TN,…
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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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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…
Echoes of Appalachia 