The southern Appalachian region is, indeed, rich in history and culture. It includes all of West Virginia and parts of 7 other states – AL, GA, SC, NC, TN, KY, and VA. Long ago, people settled in the rugged Appalachians, drawn by the dense forest and steep mountains. Beginning with the Native tribes. European explorers came early in the 16th century. By the 17th century, the Scotch, Scot-Irish, English, and Germans began settling here, eventually leading to conflict with the Native Americans. By the 18th century, coal mining and logging had become major industries.
These filled the needs of a growing country and brought prosperity to some people. But not to many southern Appalachians. It left them with land and forests wrecked. The fishing waters were damaged by the erosion caused by the lost tree cutting. One of the first things Franklin Roosevelt did after being elected president was to take action to improve this area. He created the Tennessee Valley Authority that would stop flooding and also provide power to generate electricity. This would make people’s lives easier and attract businesses. But this was a heart-breaking time for those that had to leave the homes and farms they had built.
Before John Kennedy was elected president, he wanted to meet the “people”. He was shocked and surprised to see the poverty conditions these people lived in. After he was elected, he started the Appalachian Regional Commission to help these people help themselves by marketing their work. President Johnson finished this project after Pres. Kennedy’s untimely death. The ARC is still working today, financed by government and private funds. Tourism and its creations are taking hold as a source of income: they are now helping some of the poorer states with the infrastructure of their cities, the availability of the internet, and the provision of training for leadership positions for young people.
Throughout its history, this region has shown how it can ‘hand on and make do’ by the strength and adaptability of the people that remain deeply connected to the land and hopeful about the future. With your help, organizations like Southern Appalachian Creations can help these communities by preserving their culture, improving access to resources and boosting sustainable growth through your support. You may make this support at www.visitsac.org/donations.
