Stories of Appalachia

There was once a coal company in Appalachia that was owned not by wealthy investors but by its employees, in a cooperative enterprise.  And the houses in the company’s coal camp were owned by the miners as well, most of whom were Hungarian immigrants on the Kentucky side of Tug Fork.   Join Steve and Rod as they tell the fascinating history of Himlerville, a unique coal mining town in Appalachia f...

Ginseng is a plant with a rich history and high demand in Asia, which brought buyers to Appalachia, home to an American version of this much desired root.    This week, Rod and Steve tell the story of a man who made his fortune gathering, processing and selling ginseng in the mountains of North Carolina 150 years ago.  Don't miss this episode of Stories of Appalachia. Be sure to subscribe to our p...

In this episode, we tell the fascinating tale of John Henry, the legendary steel-driving man of Appalachia. Join Steve and Rod as they explore the story of this American folk hero, a man of strength and determination who is said to have stood against the power of machines during the industrial revolution. From the Big Bend Tunnel in West Virginia to the comic book adaptations in the 21st century,...

Harry "Pop" Kramer, was a vaudeville trick cyclist whose story is filled with circus flair, daring feats, and personal tragedy. Born in 1875 in Alexandria, Virginia, Harry's journey from a disciplined farm life to the dazzling world of vaudeville is nothing short of remarkable.   Today we tell the story of Pop Kramer, the Appalachian daredevil on two wheels, another one of the Stories of Appalachi...

In this episode, we revisit the catastrophic summer of 1916, when two hurricanes unleashed unprecedented destruction on the mountains of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, an event with eerie similarities to the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Rod and Steve also tell you of the connection between this event and the tale of Mary the elephant, hanged in Erwin for killing he...

This week we explore the fascinating connection between moonshining and NASCAR racing, a tale that combines the rugged spirit of Appalachia with the high-speed world of motorsports. Discover how the need to outrun the law transformed moonshiners into legendary drivers, setting the stage for a sport that captivates millions across the country today, another one of the Stories of Appalachia.    Be s...

Today we tell the story of Fiddlin' John Carson, a man who was not only an early pioneer of country music but also a master storyteller with a controversial past.     Discover how Carson, born in the Appalachian foothills of Georgia, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the first national country music stars, a few years before the famous Bristol Sessions of 1927. With his fiddle in hand a...

Today we tell the story of one of the boldest raids of the Civil War—the Great Locomotive Chase, also known as Andrews' Raid. We tell of the daring plan to steal a Confederate train, the high-speed chases, and the desperate acts of sabotage that unfolded in this incredible story of espionage and bravery. Join us as we delve into the details of James J. Andrews' audacious mission, the relentless pu...

Join us as we tell the story of one of the most shocking crimes in Tennessee's history: the brutal murders of the O'Neal family in Overton County in 1846. Patsy Troxdale, the sole survivor, became the prime suspect in a case filled with intrigue, betrayal, and a chilling deathbed confession. Discover the dark secrets that Patsy revealed and the fate of her accomplices, William Upton and Nicholas S...

Join us as we tell the adventurous and daring story of the kidnapping of Jemima Boone, daughter of the legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone, by a Native American war party and her dramatic rescue. Discover how Jemima's quick thinking and bravery, along with the relentless efforts of her father and Colonel Richard Calloway, led to her safe return.     Listen to the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Spoti...

Join us as we tell the tragic and lesser-known story of Willis Hatfield, the youngest son of Devil Anse Hatfield. While the Hatfield-McCoy feud had cooled down by the time Willis came of age, his life was still marked by turmoil and violence.   Willis's life took a dark turn on December 31, 1911. After a heated encounter with Dr. Edwin O. Thornhill in a local drugstore in Mullens, West Virginia, W...

Join us as we tell the story of one of the most notorious landmarks in West Virginia: the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. Known as the most haunted place in America, this episode uncovers the dark history and eerie folklore surrounding this infamous asylum. From its beginnings in the 1850s to its closure in 1994, the asylum's story is filled with tragedy and overcrowding.  We also tell about the s...

This week we tell the mysterious and tragic story of Blaise Harsell, a wealthy naturalist and writer from New York who vanished into the rugged mountains along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, leaving behind a puzzle. In the fall of 1921, Blaise embarked on what was supposed to be a preliminary wilderness expedition before a planned journey to a remote part of South America. However, this hike...

Today, we tell a story about a place that over a century ago was said to have been shrouded in mystery and fear, known for inexplicable and mysterious disappearances. That, folks, is our story today. Join us as we tell the eerie tales of Black Mountain, a region straddling the border between Virginia and Kentucky, infamous for its history of vanishing people. Listen to the Stories podcast on Sprea...

On Christmas Eve in 1881, Ashland, Kentucky, was shattered by a horrific crime that would forever be known as the Ashland tragedy. Join us as we recount the chilling events that led to the brutal murders of Robert and Fanny Gibbons and their friend Emma Carrico, whose lives were violently cut short in a crime that shocked the entire state of Kentucky. We explore the trials, the public outrage, and...

Today we tell a story about a man from Kentucky whose life was said to have spanned across three centuries. Truth or fiction? Well, folks, you'll have to decide that for yourselves. Join us as we tell the story of John Shell, a man who claimed to be the oldest person to have ever lived. Listen to the Stories podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Don't forget t...

This week, we tell the fascinating story of a beloved American soft drink, Dr Pepper. Join us as we explore the origins of this iconic beverage, which has roots right here in Appalachia.  We'll take you on a journey from the small town of Rural Retreat, Virginia, to the bustling streets of Waco, Texas, where it blossomed into the beloved drink we know today. Whether you call it pop, soda, or soft...

In the early morning hours of May 13, 1972, a head-on collision involving a double-decker Greyhound bus and a tractor-trailer occurred on US Route 11W, about 5 miles west of Bean Station, Tennessee. This tragic accident resulted in 14 deaths and 15 injuries, marking it as the deadliest traffic accident in Tennessee history, further cementing the reputation of a road known locally as “Bloody 11W.”...

Our story today involves a member of the infamous Wild Bunch, Butch Cassidy's gang. Known as the wildest of the bunch, Harvey Alexander Logan, better known as Kid Curry, was a force to be reckoned with.  After a successful train robbery put a bounty on their heads, the gang members went their separate ways to wait for things to cool off.  Curry chose Knoxville, Tennessee, as a hideout in December,...

In the heart of Appalachia lies a small town with a story unlike any other.   Philippi, West Virginia, is home to two perfectly preserved mummies, the result of a mysterious embalming process developed by an unassuming farmer named Graham Hamrick nearly 140 years ago. This intriguing story shines a light on the rich and sometimes eerie history of a state known for its eerie tales, West Virginia.  ...

Join us this week as we tell a chilling story from Martin County, Kentucky. This episode recounts the harrowing events of January 9, 1933, when the quiet community of Tomahawk was rocked by a gruesome discovery. The lifeless body of a 72-year-old woman was found in her mountain cabin, the victim of a bizarre ritual led by her own son, John H. Mills. The story unfolds with details of religious hyst...

This week we tell the story of a man from Pike County, Kentucky, who made his mark in aviation history.   Join Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins as they tell the story of John Paul Riddle, from his humble beginnings in Appalachia to his pioneering contributions to aviation.  His passion for flight led him to become a daredevil barnstormer, a co-founder of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a...

This week on the Stories podcast, we tell the story of two Appalachian towns, Loyston and Butler, that were submerged beneath TVA lakes but refused to disappear. Join Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins as they recount the fascinating tales of these communities that were dramatically transformed by the Tennessee Valley Authority.   Listen to the audio version of the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Spotify, A...

Join Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins as they tell the story of Nancy Emmeline Callahan Dollar, affectionately known as Granny Dollar. This Cherokee matriarch lived on Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne, Alabama, and became a legendary figure in her community. Born in 1826, Granny Dollar's life was a rich tapestry of Cherokee heritage, history, and survival.  Listen to the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Sp...

This week on the Stories podcast, we tell of the harrowing events of the first Battle of Saltville and its tragic aftermath. Join Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins as they recount the significance of Saltville's salt mines during the Civil War, a resource as valuable as gold for preserving food.   We also shed light on a lesser-known but profoundly impactful event involving the brave soldiers of the Fif...