Stories of Appalachia
@storyappalachia.bsky.social
The podcast where hosts Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins have been sharing the history and folklore of Appalachia since 2015.
storiesofappalachia.com
storiesofappalachia.com
May 1, 1769: Daniel Boone, John Findley, and two others set off on a hunting trip into what’s now Kentucky. They followed the old route through Cumberland Gap, first used by Dr. Thomas Walker in 1750, and spent two years exploring and trapping in the wilderness. #Appalachia #History
May 1, 2025 at 11:18 AM
May 1, 1769: Daniel Boone, John Findley, and two others set off on a hunting trip into what’s now Kentucky. They followed the old route through Cumberland Gap, first used by Dr. Thomas Walker in 1750, and spent two years exploring and trapping in the wilderness. #Appalachia #History
On this day in 1774, Daniel and Jacob Greathouse lured Mingo Indians into a settler's cabin on the banks of the Ohio River, then killed them in what's known as the Yellow Creek Massacre, which helped spark Lord Dunmore’s War. None of the attackers were ever brought to justice. #Appalachia #History
April 30, 2025 at 11:31 AM
On this day in 1774, Daniel and Jacob Greathouse lured Mingo Indians into a settler's cabin on the banks of the Ohio River, then killed them in what's known as the Yellow Creek Massacre, which helped spark Lord Dunmore’s War. None of the attackers were ever brought to justice. #Appalachia #History
On April 29, 1872, five men rode into Columbia, KY, and robbed the Deposit Bank. A gunfight broke out and bank president Judge Garnett, was shot, with cashier R.A.C. Martin fatally wounded. The robbers fled with less than $1,500. The gang? Jesse & Frank James, and the Younger brothers. #Appalachia
April 29, 2025 at 11:22 AM
On April 29, 1872, five men rode into Columbia, KY, and robbed the Deposit Bank. A gunfight broke out and bank president Judge Garnett, was shot, with cashier R.A.C. Martin fatally wounded. The robbers fled with less than $1,500. The gang? Jesse & Frank James, and the Younger brothers. #Appalachia
April 28, 1914: A methane explosion at Eccles No. 5 mine killed at least 180 people, including an insurance agent visiting that day. It’s West Virginia’s second worst mining disaster, after Monongah, and helped fuel the push for better worker protections. #Appalachia #History #minedisasters
April 28, 2025 at 11:09 AM
April 28, 1914: A methane explosion at Eccles No. 5 mine killed at least 180 people, including an insurance agent visiting that day. It’s West Virginia’s second worst mining disaster, after Monongah, and helped fuel the push for better worker protections. #Appalachia #History #minedisasters
On April 27, 1865, the Sultana, carrying released Union POWs, exploded, killing many East Tennesseans of Company H, Third Tennessee Cavalry. Pleasant Keeble, of Knoxville, is thought by many to be the last survivor, dying in the 1930s. #Appalachia #History
April 27, 2025 at 12:32 PM
On April 27, 1865, the Sultana, carrying released Union POWs, exploded, killing many East Tennesseans of Company H, Third Tennessee Cavalry. Pleasant Keeble, of Knoxville, is thought by many to be the last survivor, dying in the 1930s. #Appalachia #History
On April 26, 1907 Carrie Nation came to Grafton, WV, swinging. After scolding a hotel owner for smoking ("smoke away what little brains you have"), she rallied the crowd against alcohol, sold souvenir hatchets and her autobiography, then caught a train to D.C. #Appalachia #History #Prohibition
April 26, 2025 at 12:51 PM
On April 26, 1907 Carrie Nation came to Grafton, WV, swinging. After scolding a hotel owner for smoking ("smoke away what little brains you have"), she rallied the crowd against alcohol, sold souvenir hatchets and her autobiography, then caught a train to D.C. #Appalachia #History #Prohibition
New podcast out! #Appalachia #History
Land, Power and a Little Fish: The Tellico Dam Story storiesofappalachia.com?p=3533
Land, Power and a Little Fish: The Tellico Dam Story storiesofappalachia.com?p=3533
Land, Power and a Little Fish: The Tellico Dam Story
Today we tell the story of the battle over the Tellico Dam, the last major project of the Tennessee Valley Authority. TVA’s ambitious plans for the Tellico project included not only a dam and…
storiesofappalachia.com
April 26, 2025 at 12:04 AM
New podcast out! #Appalachia #History
Land, Power and a Little Fish: The Tellico Dam Story storiesofappalachia.com?p=3533
Land, Power and a Little Fish: The Tellico Dam Story storiesofappalachia.com?p=3533
On April 15, 1919, Henry Timothy Sutton, age 18, appeared in court in Knoxville seeking to annul his marriage. His wife? Maggie Sutton, age 73...and his late grandfather’s widow/his own step-grandmother. He claimed he married her under pressure. She didn’t show up. The court granted the annulment.
April 13, 2025 at 11:31 AM
On April 15, 1919, Henry Timothy Sutton, age 18, appeared in court in Knoxville seeking to annul his marriage. His wife? Maggie Sutton, age 73...and his late grandfather’s widow/his own step-grandmother. He claimed he married her under pressure. She didn’t show up. The court granted the annulment.
On the road yesterday… #Appalachia #History
April 10, 2025 at 1:07 PM
On the road yesterday… #Appalachia #History
On April 10, 1673, Gabriel Arthur and James Needham’s first bid to reach the Cherokee was blocked. But in May, they tried again and made history. Arthur became the first European to see the TN River, set foot in KY, and enter WV’s Kanawha Valley. #Appalachia #History
April 10, 2025 at 11:49 AM
On April 10, 1673, Gabriel Arthur and James Needham’s first bid to reach the Cherokee was blocked. But in May, they tried again and made history. Arthur became the first European to see the TN River, set foot in KY, and enter WV’s Kanawha Valley. #Appalachia #History
On this day in 1862, William Holland Thomas joined the Confederate army, bringing his Cherokee recruits with him. Thomas’s Legion, a rare mix of white and Cherokee soldiers, fought in NC, TN & VA. Their story is a unique chapter of the Civil War. #Appalachia #History
April 9, 2025 at 10:43 AM
On this day in 1862, William Holland Thomas joined the Confederate army, bringing his Cherokee recruits with him. Thomas’s Legion, a rare mix of white and Cherokee soldiers, fought in NC, TN & VA. Their story is a unique chapter of the Civil War. #Appalachia #History
April 8, 1916: Charles Harrison was indicted for a massive train heist in West Union, WV. His crew looked like businessmen, but they robbed trains for years. A bill deposited in Texas cracked the case. But they never revealed who tipped them off on the train schedule. #Appalachia #History
April 8, 2025 at 12:39 PM
April 8, 1916: Charles Harrison was indicted for a massive train heist in West Union, WV. His crew looked like businessmen, but they robbed trains for years. A bill deposited in Texas cracked the case. But they never revealed who tipped them off on the train schedule. #Appalachia #History
On this day in 1989, aviation pioneer John Paul Riddle passed away. Born in Pikeville, KY, he went from barnstorming daredevil in Appalachia to co-founder of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He flew with Howard Hughes, trained RAF cadets in WWII, and helped shape modern aviation. #Appalachia
April 6, 2025 at 11:51 AM
On this day in 1989, aviation pioneer John Paul Riddle passed away. Born in Pikeville, KY, he went from barnstorming daredevil in Appalachia to co-founder of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He flew with Howard Hughes, trained RAF cadets in WWII, and helped shape modern aviation. #Appalachia
On April 3, 1930, Nebraska Senator George Norris urged the construction of a dam on the Clinch River northwest of Knoxville, TN, saying the dam would help control flooding in TN and MS.
Norris Dam was finished in 1936. The dam and its lake are now the 4000-acre Norris Dam State Park. #Appalachia
Norris Dam was finished in 1936. The dam and its lake are now the 4000-acre Norris Dam State Park. #Appalachia
April 4, 2025 at 11:35 AM
On April 3, 1930, Nebraska Senator George Norris urged the construction of a dam on the Clinch River northwest of Knoxville, TN, saying the dam would help control flooding in TN and MS.
Norris Dam was finished in 1936. The dam and its lake are now the 4000-acre Norris Dam State Park. #Appalachia
Norris Dam was finished in 1936. The dam and its lake are now the 4000-acre Norris Dam State Park. #Appalachia
100 years ago today, KKK Grand Dragon D.C. Stephenson was indicted for the horrific crimes that led to his murder conviction. Paroled and exiled, he ended up in Jonesborough, TN. He died in 1966. #History #Appalachia
A Dark Chapter of History Buried in Appalachia storiesofappalachia.com?p=3502
A Dark Chapter of History Buried in Appalachia storiesofappalachia.com?p=3502
D.C. Stephenson: A Dark Chapter of History Buried in Appalachia
On April 3, 1925, one hundred years ago today, the legal system finally caught up with one of the most powerful and dangerous men in Indiana. D.C. Stephenson, the Grand Dragon of the Indiana Ku Klu…
storiesofappalachia.com
April 3, 2025 at 12:52 PM
100 years ago today, KKK Grand Dragon D.C. Stephenson was indicted for the horrific crimes that led to his murder conviction. Paroled and exiled, he ended up in Jonesborough, TN. He died in 1966. #History #Appalachia
A Dark Chapter of History Buried in Appalachia storiesofappalachia.com?p=3502
A Dark Chapter of History Buried in Appalachia storiesofappalachia.com?p=3502
On this day in 1866, President Andrew Johnson declared the Civil War officially over for most Confederate states. His proclamation ended the rebellion in 10 states, though Texas was left out as it hadn't formed a new government yet. This marked the beginning of Reconstruction. #Appalachia
April 2, 2025 at 11:28 AM
On this day in 1866, President Andrew Johnson declared the Civil War officially over for most Confederate states. His proclamation ended the rebellion in 10 states, though Texas was left out as it hadn't formed a new government yet. This marked the beginning of Reconstruction. #Appalachia
Early on April 1, 1940, three TVA power towers supplying Tennessee Copper Co. were blown up, cutting power to Copperhill, Ducktown & Isabella. A labor strike was ongoing. On May 1, five men pleaded guilty to the bombing. The strike ended May 5. #History #Appalachia
April 1, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Early on April 1, 1940, three TVA power towers supplying Tennessee Copper Co. were blown up, cutting power to Copperhill, Ducktown & Isabella. A labor strike was ongoing. On May 1, five men pleaded guilty to the bombing. The strike ended May 5. #History #Appalachia
In March of 1920, a Lanes Creek NC man & friends had a “little booze party” until his wife stormed in with a pistol, ordered “hands up,” & shot their moonshine jug. The liquor “trickled into the ground” as they watched in shock.
Prohibition had arrived with a bang. #Appalachia #History
Prohibition had arrived with a bang. #Appalachia #History
March 31, 2025 at 11:44 AM
In March of 1920, a Lanes Creek NC man & friends had a “little booze party” until his wife stormed in with a pistol, ordered “hands up,” & shot their moonshine jug. The liquor “trickled into the ground” as they watched in shock.
Prohibition had arrived with a bang. #Appalachia #History
Prohibition had arrived with a bang. #Appalachia #History
March 30, 1930: Construction began on the Hawk’s Nest Tunnel in WV. Over 764 workers, mostly black men, died from silicosis. Many were buried in unmarked graves in a farm field and later moved for the building of Highway 19, where a memorial to their sacrifices stands today. #Appalachia #History
March 30, 2025 at 12:28 PM
March 30, 1930: Construction began on the Hawk’s Nest Tunnel in WV. Over 764 workers, mostly black men, died from silicosis. Many were buried in unmarked graves in a farm field and later moved for the building of Highway 19, where a memorial to their sacrifices stands today. #Appalachia #History
On March 29, 1913, massive flooding left Bristol’s streets underwater, shutting down streetcars and covering much of downtown around the Hotel Bristol. Homes in Appalachia, VA were abandoned, livestock lost, and the railroad to Andover damaged. #Appalachia
storiesofappalachia.com?p=3489
storiesofappalachia.com?p=3489
March 29, 1913: When Floodwaters Overtook Appalachia
The Great Flood of 1913 was one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history. Between March 23 and 26, relentless rainfall overwhelmed rivers across the central and eastern United Stat…
storiesofappalachia.com
March 29, 2025 at 12:43 PM
On March 29, 1913, massive flooding left Bristol’s streets underwater, shutting down streetcars and covering much of downtown around the Hotel Bristol. Homes in Appalachia, VA were abandoned, livestock lost, and the railroad to Andover damaged. #Appalachia
storiesofappalachia.com?p=3489
storiesofappalachia.com?p=3489
March 28, 1865: Gen. Stoneman’s Union cavalry passed through Blowing Rock, NC, on a mission of destruction to end the Civil War faster. They later tore up 150 miles of railroad and burned part of Abingdon, VA. A ruthless but strategic raid in the war’s final days. #Appalachia #History
March 28, 2025 at 11:53 AM
March 28, 1865: Gen. Stoneman’s Union cavalry passed through Blowing Rock, NC, on a mission of destruction to end the Civil War faster. They later tore up 150 miles of railroad and burned part of Abingdon, VA. A ruthless but strategic raid in the war’s final days. #Appalachia #History
Due to the lack of local men to work the bean fields in Johnson Co. TN because of WW II, U. S. officials in 1943 went to the Bahamas and recruited 425 out-of-work butlers, chauffeurs, and general laborers, to come to the fields around Mountain City to pick beans. 1/2
(Photo by Brian Stansberry)
(Photo by Brian Stansberry)
March 27, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Due to the lack of local men to work the bean fields in Johnson Co. TN because of WW II, U. S. officials in 1943 went to the Bahamas and recruited 425 out-of-work butlers, chauffeurs, and general laborers, to come to the fields around Mountain City to pick beans. 1/2
(Photo by Brian Stansberry)
(Photo by Brian Stansberry)
On March 26, 1879, Col. Thomas Buford shot Judge John Elliott outside a Frankfort, KY hotel, blaming him for a court ruling. He was found insane in 1881 but escaped the asylum, fleeing to Indiana. Elliott, pictured, had a long political career in KY and the Confederacy before his murder. #Appalachia
March 26, 2025 at 11:46 AM
On March 26, 1879, Col. Thomas Buford shot Judge John Elliott outside a Frankfort, KY hotel, blaming him for a court ruling. He was found insane in 1881 but escaped the asylum, fleeing to Indiana. Elliott, pictured, had a long political career in KY and the Confederacy before his murder. #Appalachia
113 years ago today, Cap Hatfield—son of Devil Anse—offered to lead a posse into Virginia to track down the Allens, who had gunned down a judge and 4 others at the Carroll County Courthouse March 14, 1912, after Floyd Allen's conviction. He condemned the violence in Hillsville. #Appalachia
March 25, 2025 at 12:35 PM
113 years ago today, Cap Hatfield—son of Devil Anse—offered to lead a posse into Virginia to track down the Allens, who had gunned down a judge and 4 others at the Carroll County Courthouse March 14, 1912, after Floyd Allen's conviction. He condemned the violence in Hillsville. #Appalachia
On March 24, 1892 the contract for building the John Sevier Monument in Knoxville, TN was awarded to Muldoon & Co. of Louisville, KY. In 1893, the monument was placed at Sevier’s grave, which had been moved to the Knox County Courthouse in 1889 at the order of Gov. Robert Love Taylor. #Appalachia
March 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM
On March 24, 1892 the contract for building the John Sevier Monument in Knoxville, TN was awarded to Muldoon & Co. of Louisville, KY. In 1893, the monument was placed at Sevier’s grave, which had been moved to the Knox County Courthouse in 1889 at the order of Gov. Robert Love Taylor. #Appalachia