Stories of Appalachia

Steve Gilly, Rod Mullins

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Welcome to "Stories of Appalachia," the podcast where hosts Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins have been unraveling the captivating history and folklore of the Appalachian region since 2015. Join them as they guide you through mist-covered mountains and winding rivers, exploring the stories that define the heart and soul of Appalachia.

The Dunkards of Appalachia: A Story of Faith and Survival

In this episode, we journey back to the mid-1700s to uncover the story of the Schwartzenau Brethren, also known as the Dunkards, who established one of the earliest settlements in the New River Valley of Virginia. Join us as we tell the story of this fascinating religious community, their unique beliefs, and the challenges one family of Dunkards faced while trying to create a self-sustaining life in the wilderness.  From their roots in Germany to their journey to Pennsylvania, then on to the New

Mar 8, • 16:11

Whiskey, Dynamite and Faith: An Appalachian Preacher's Fiery Battle

In this episode of the podcast, we tell the story of Reverend William Riley Rickman, a steadfast preacher who took on the liquor industry in Pocahontas, Virginia. Join Steve and Rod as they tell you about Rickman's fervent battle against alcohol in that Appalachian coal mining community.Rickman’s tireless efforts resulted in Pocahontas becoming a dry town in 1916. However, that victory soon brought an explosive response, putting his family in grave danger.  Be sure to subscribe to catch all our

Mar 1, • 13:36

The Battle of Kings Mountain

Today, we tell the remarkable story of the Overmountain men, Appalachian frontiersmen from the far western parts of North Carolina and Virginia.  As tensions escalated in the South, these settlers took a stand against British forces at Kings Mountain, on the South Carolina/North Carolina border.  Their bravery in that decisive battle was instrumental in securing America's independence in the Revolutionary War.   Be sure to subscribe to catch all our stories, available on your favorite podcast ap

Feb 22, • 18:30

Ballads from the Mountains: The Life and Legacy of Jean Ritchie

Today we tell the story of Jean Ritchie, the "Mother of Folk."  Born in the small town of Viper, Kentucky, Jean captivated audiences worldwide, influencing legends like Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash along the way. Join Steve and Rod as they tell the story of her remarkable life, from her roots in the mountains to her role in the folk revival of the mid-20th century.  Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite app to catch all our episodes. You can also support our storytelling jour

Feb 15, • 19:24

Revenge on the Frontier: The Tragic Tale of Old Tassel and the Kirk Family Massacre

Old Tassel, a prominent figure among the Overhill Cherokee, was a staunch advocate for peace during a period of conflict between them and the settlers moving into East Tennessee. Despite his efforts to forge treaties and maintain peace and harmony between the two groups, the rise of tensions ultimately led to tragedy for both. The killing of the Kirk family by Cherokee warriors led to revenge at the site of a meeting called to discuss peace.  Subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite app

Feb 8, • 18:18

Ale 8 One, Appalachia's Homegrown Soda Legacy

Discover the fascinating story of Kentucky's unique soft drink, "Ale 8 One," in this episode of Stories of Appalachia.   Join Steve and Rod as they tell the history of this Appalachian soda, which has been a staple in Eastern Kentucky since 1926. From its origins in northern European ginger recipes to its modern-day variations like Cherry Ale-8 and Ale-8 Salsa, this episode uncovers the rich heritage and ongoing legacy of Kentucky's only native soft drink.  Be sure to subscribe to catch all our

Feb 1, • 15:16

Feud and Fury: The Dark Legacy of Bad Tom Smith

By request of one of our listeners, this week we tell the story of Bad Tom Smith, a notorious figure at the very heart of the French-Eversole feud in Kentucky. As he grew up an orphan, he was regularly in trouble, until he crossed paths with two powerful rivals, Joseph C. Eversole and B. F. French, an encounter that would shape his life.    Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or on your favorite podcast app.You can also help support our storytelling j

Jan 25, • 27:30

Chief Nimrod Jarrett Smith: How One Cherokee Leader Changed History

Nimrod Jarrett Smith, born in 1832 near Murphy, North Carolina, was a member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee who played a crucial role in shaping the tribe’s future. His life was marked by his dedication to his people during a time of immense change and challenge. As principal chief of the Eastern Band, he guided them to self-government on Western North Carolina land they themselves bought and secured a future for those Cherokee who still lived in their Appalachian home after the forced migr

Jan 18, • 13:37

Philippi, West Virginia- The First Land Battle of the Civil War

At the beginning of the Civil War, the small Appalachian town of Philippi, Virginia, now West Virginia, became the site of the first organized land action of the conflict as the Union made a move into Confederate territory.  Despite its strategic importance, the battle is sometimes humorously referred to as the "Philippi Races" due to the swift retreat of untested raw Confederate recruits. Join us as we tell the story of the Battle of Philippi, another one of the Stories of Appalachia.Subscribe

Jan 11, • 13:54

Bloody Harlan: W. B. Jones and the Battle of Evarts

In the late 1920s and early 30s, the coal fields of Harlan County, Kentucky, became the backdrop for one of the darkest chapters in labor history. Known as Bloody Harlan, this tumultuous time saw miners fighting for justice and fair treatment during a time of economic despair and corporate greed. At the heart of this struggle was William B. Jones, a determined union organizer who dared to stand up to the powerful coal operators, culminating in the battle of Evarts. Be sure to subscribe to the St

Jan 4, • 16:59

The Spruce Pine New Years Eve Blast

On New Year's Eve 1959, the quiet town of Spruce Pine, North Carolina, became the stage for a teenage prank that would put the town in newspapers all around the country.   Join us as we tell the story of two local teenagers armed with dynamite bought at the town’s hardware store who decided to ring in the new year with a bang—literally.  Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app or on our YouTube channel.You can also support our storytelling journey and access excl

Dec 28, 2024 • 11:23

The Frontier Trailblazer: Elisha Wallen, Longhunter

Elisha Wallen was more than just a man of the frontier—he was a trailblazer who left an mark on the region's history.  Today we tell the story of this legendary long hunter, a man who traveled alongside Daniel Boone through Southwest Virginia and into Eastern Kentucky. From his beginnings in Prince George County, Maryland, to his adventures across the uncharted wilderness of the Appalachian frontier, Elisha Wallen's story is one of courage, exploration, and survival in the wilderness. Subscribe

Dec 21, 2024 • 14:25

The 1902 Quarter House Battle

Nestled in Mingo Hollow, six miles west of Middlesboro, Kentucky, the Quarter House was no ordinary saloon. Its unique position on the Tennessee state line allowed patrons to evade the law by simply stepping across a painted line on the floor. Built like a fortress with heavy railroad timbers and a log stockade, it became a notorious hotspot for gambling, fights, and moonshine-fueled chaos. Over a decade, the saloon was linked to the deaths of at least 50 people.  In 1902, a property dispute esc

Dec 14, 2024 • 18:25

The Night of Endless Rain: The Flash Flood of 1924

On the night of June 13, 1924, what appeared to be a summer thunderstorm in Carter County, Tennessee, transformed into one of the most devastating flash floods in the state's history. Join us as we tell the harrowing story of this natural disaster.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast. You’ll find us wherever you get your favorite podcasts or on our YouTube channel.  You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here:https://www.spreaker.co

Dec 7, 2024 • 11:39

The Deadliest Show on Earth: The Appalachian Wild West Show Shootout of 1905

In the summer of 1905, the Wild West came alive in the heart of Appalachia, complete with a saloon, a shootout, and a dramatic train attack. Join us as we tell the wild tale of Texas Bill's Wild West Show, which turned a simple sightseeing trip by their performers into a deadly encounter on the train out of Richwood, West Virginia. This was the kind of Wild West show the passengers on that train didn’t expect, nor want.Don't miss this episode of the Stories podcast. Subscribe on your favorite po

Nov 30, 2024 • 11:39

The Himlerville Experiment: Appalachia's Only Miner-Owned Coal Town

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 founded by a visionary Hungarian immigrant coal miner named Martin Himler. Discover how Himlerville's

Nov 23, 2024 • 12:09

Appalachia's Ginseng King

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 podcast on your favorite podcast app or on our YouTube channel to catch all our stories.  Thanks for li

Nov 16, 2024 • 16:44

The Legend of John Henry, The Steel Drivin' Man

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, John Henry's story is woven into the fabric of American culture. Don't miss this episode of Stories o

Nov 9, 2024 • 12:08

Pop Kramer: The Appalachian Daredevil on Two Wheels

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 Appalachia.  If you want to catch all our stories, be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app.  You can

Nov 2, 2024 • 17:09

When the Mountains Drowned: The Great Flood of 1916

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 her handler in Kingsport that same year.   This story highlights the determination of the Appalachian p

Oct 26, 2024 • 14:39

The Moonshine Roots of NASCAR

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 sure to subscribe to catch all our tales, available on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening,

Oct 19, 2024 • 27:28

Fiddlin' John Carson: Mountain Melodies and Dark Shadows

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 and a knack for spinning a yarn, Carson captivated audiences both on the radio and through his recordi

Oct 12, 2024 • 21:06

The Great Locomotive Chase: A Daring Civil War Raid

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 pursuit by the conductor of the train they hijacked, and the final outcome of this bit of Civil War his

Oct 5, 2024 • 14:25

Appalachian Nightmare: The O'Neal Family Massacre

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 Stephens, one of the Stories of Appalachia.  Listen to the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Spotify, Appl

Sep 28, 2024 • 14:14

The Daring Rescue of Jemima Boone

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, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app. Don’t forget to subscribe for more Stories of Appal

Sep 21, 2024 • 13:53

A Whiskey Fueled Tragedy: Willis Hatfield and the Death of Dr Edwin Thornhill

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, Willis's actions led to a shocking and brutal killing that reverberated through the community and bey

Sep 14, 2024 • 14:15

The Most Haunted Place in Appalachia? The Story of The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

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 spirits that are said to haunt its halls, including the ghost of a young girl named Lily, and the alle

Sep 7, 2024 • 20:55

The Mysterious Disappearance of Blaise Harsell

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 through Appalachia would be the last time he was ever seen.Listen to the Stories podcast on Spreake

Aug 31, 2024 • 13:53

Appalachia's Mysterious Mountain of Lost Souls

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 Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app. Don't forget to subscribe for more Stori

Aug 24, 2024 • 14:28

The Ashland Tragedy

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 the violent and deadly confrontations that marked this tragic chapter in Appalachian history. Don't

Aug 17, 2024 • 19:09

Appalachia's Oldest Man

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 to subscribe for more Stories of Appalachia.You can also support our storytelling journey and access e

Aug 10, 2024 • 14:32

The Appalachian Roots of Dr. Pepper

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 drink, this episode is sure to tickle your taste buds and warm your heart.Don't miss out on all our st

Aug 3, 2024 • 11:28

The Day the Road Burned: The Deadly 1972 Wreck on Bloody 11W

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.”Listen to the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast app.

Jul 27, 2024 • 11:23

Kid Curry's Knoxville Showdown

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, 1901. There he got into a brawl with another man, leading to a violent confrontation with the police

Jul 20, 2024 • 8:47

Wrapped In Mystery: A Pair of Appalachian Mummies

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.  Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast; we’re on Spotify, Spreaker, Apple Podcasts, PlayerFM and

Jul 13, 2024 • 12:50

The Sacrifice of Lucinda Mills: A Kentucky Family's Descent Into Madness

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 hysteria, frenzied rituals, and the tragic consequences of blind faith and the subsequent trial that sho

Jul 6, 2024 • 10:45

Wings Over Appalachia: The John Paul Riddle Story

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 key figure in training pilots during World War II.Listen to the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Spotify

Jun 29, 2024 • 16:43

Beneath the Lakes: The Lost Communities of Loyston and Butler

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, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Don't forget to subscribe on YouTube for more tales

Jun 22, 2024 • 14:58

Granny Dollar, The Cherokee Matriarch of Lookout Mountain

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, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast app. Don't forget to subscribe for more tales from

Jun 15, 2024 • 12:48

The Saltville Massacre: A Tale of Courage and Cruelty

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 Fifth US Colored Cavalry. These newly formed African American troops, composed mainly of formerly enslav

Jun 8, 2024 • 9:03

The Mystery of the Beale Treasure

In this week’s episode of Stories of Appalachia, we tell the captivating tale of the Beale Treasure—a story that has fascinated treasure hunters and cryptographers for well over a century. Join Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins as they share the story of the mystery surrounding a massive cache of gold, silver, and jewels allegedly buried in Bedford County, Virginia, worth over $63 million today. Listen to the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Don'

Jun 1, 2024 • 14:27

A Bristol Millionaire's Tragic End In New Orleans

In this episode of the Stories podcast, we tell a crime story involving a wealthy heir from Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia, whose life ended tragically in New Orleans. James Mahoney, a man of many talents and pursuits, found himself entangled in a web of mystery and murder that has intrigued many for decades.  Join Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins as they tell the story of the bizarre case of Mahoney's murder in a French Quarter hotel room.  This is a tale you won't want to miss.  Listen to the Stories

May 25, 2024 • 13:22

A Cherokee Murder That Hastened The Trail of Tears

In this episode of Stories of Appalachia, we tell the story of the prelude to the infamous Trail of Tears—the murder that inflamed Cherokee tensions and provided the legal framework for the tragic forced relocation of the tribe from the southeast to what’s now Oklahoma.   Join Rod Mullins and Steve Gilly as they unravel the complex tale of Jack Walker Jr., a Cherokee man caught in the crossfire of a nation's strife and the murky politics that led to a pivotal moment in American history. Listen t

May 18, 2024 • 17:05

When The Whirlwind Came: The 1929 Tragedy at Rye Cove, Virginia

In this episode of Stories of Appalachia, we tell the story of one of the most devastating natural disasters to strike southwest Virginia: the Rye Cove cyclone of 1929. A day that began like any other would end in tragedy as a powerful tornado tore across the community of Rye Cove, leaving death and destruction in its wake.  Listen as Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins recount the terrifying moments when a monstrous F2 tornado descended upon the small community of Rye Cove, Virginia, demolishing the sc

May 11, 2024 • 16:24

The Long Hunter’s Legacy: James Smith’s Survival in Appalachia

Today we tell the remarkable story of James Smith, a frontiersman and longhunter whose fight for survival in the Appalachian wilderness in 1767 after a hunting expedition tested his knowledge, ingenuity and determination to live.   Listen to our podcast on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, or on your favorite podcast app, and consider supporting us on Spreaker to keep these extraordinary tales coming.  https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support

May 4, 2024 • 13:27

The Story of the Humming Bird Car: An Appalachian Innovation on Wheels!

In this episode of Stories of Appalachia, we tell the remarkable tale of Talmadge Judd, a backyard innovator from Kingsport, Tennessee, whose vision and mechanical abilities led to the creation in 1945 of the Humming Bird, an automobile far ahead of its time.  With no blueprints, Judd built the Humming Bird in just four months—a subcompact marvel that boasted impressive fuel efficiency and a sleek design decades ahead of its time.  Join Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins as they tell another one of the

Apr 27, 2024 • 14:18

The Mendota Gunslinger? The Story of Texas Jack

Today we tell a story with echoes of the Wild West…along with a twist! We unravel the mysterious life of Jack Vermillion of Mendota, Virginia, a man who many say once walked the dusty streets of Tombstone, Arizona, alongside the legendary Earp brothers.  Join hosts Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins as they journey through the tangled tales of a figure many believed to be the notorious Texas Jack Vermillion!  Was the Jack Vermillion laid to rest in Mendota the same man who earned his fame in the desert

Apr 20, 2024 • 17:49

Devil John Wright of the Cumberlands

In the heart of Appalachia, a legend looms as large as the mountains themselves. Today, we tell the story of John Wesley Wright.Born in the Elkhorn Valley of Kentucky, John Wright's life was a mix of adventure, violence, and survival. From his early days as a Confederate soldier making a daring escape from Union forces, Wright's exploits during the Civil War set the stage for his legendary status. But his story doesn't end with the war. Wright's journey led him to the circus spotlight alongside

Apr 13, 2024 • 30:53

Deathwind in the Wilderness: The Lewis Wetzel Story

Today we venture into the untamed wilderness of the late 18th-century Appalachian frontier, along the Ohio River. In this episode of Stories of Appalachia, Steve and Rod unearth the life and lore of Lewis Wetzel, a man whose name is etched in the annals of history as a fearless pioneer, frontiersman, and Indian fighter.    Join us on a journey through time as we trace Wetzel’s origins from uncertain beginnings to his rise as a formidable force known for his exceptional weapon skills who earned t

Apr 6, 2024 • 12:36

Appalachian Goliath-The Tale of Tennessee's Strongest Man

Step into the world of Appalachian giants with the incredible tale of Joseph Jefferson Copeland, known to all as Big Joe, the strongest man in Tennessee. In this episode of Stories of Appalachia, Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins bring to life the legend of a man whose feats of strength and size became the benchmark for tales of might in the 19th century.  Join us as we explore the life of Big Joe. We'll share anecdotes that are as heartwarming as they are jaw-dropping, including a Kentucky challenger

Mar 30, 2024 • 10:46

The Punch Jones Diamond, Appalachia's Hidden Gem

In this captivating episode of Stories of Appalachia, we delve into the lucky discovery that forever altered the lives of a father and son in Monroe County, West Virginia. Join Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins as they recount the day in 1928 when a simple game of horseshoes unearthed a treasure that would remain hidden in plain sight for 15 years. Hear the tale of the Punch Jones Diamond, an alluvial gem weighing a staggering 34.48 carats, and its journey from an ordinary backyard to the record books

Mar 23, 2024 • 13:03

The Hanging Judge's Executioner

Discover the fascinating tale of George Maledon, the legendary hangman for Arkansas' Hanging Judge Parker, and his peculiar path to Tennessee's Mountain Home veterans cemetery. Uncover a piece of Old West justice on our latest podcast episode.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast...we're on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.Thanks for listening and for sharing our stories with your friends!

Mar 16, 2024 • 15:07

The 1970 Hurricane Creek Mine Explosion

Today we tell the story of the deadliest mine disaster in Eastern Kentucky history, the explosion in shafts number 15 and 16 at Hurricane Creek near Hyden, Kentucky.The Stories podcast is on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Be sure to subscribe!Thanks for listening and for sharing our stories with your friends...Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support.

Mar 9, 2024 • 10:38

Frontier Justice: Russell Bean and Andrew Jackson

Russell Bean was the son of William Bean and his wife, Lydia, the first people to settle in what's now Tennessee and for whom Bean Station is named. Russell, considered the first child of European descent to be born in the future Tennessee, was a large, strong man with a temper who most folks avoided that temper came to a boil.Andrew Jackson was a judge on the Tennessee Superior Court, hearing cases at the Washington County Courthouse in Jonesborough at the turn of the 19th century. He also had

Mar 2, 2024 • 15:36

The Greene-Jones War

In the 1880s and 1890s a bloody feud was happening across two Appalachian counties, with conflicts over hogs, shootings, ambushes, cabins set on fire and the threat of the governor to call in the state militia to stop it.This feud was NOT between the Hatfield and McCoy families in Kentucky and West Virginia. This one was about a hundred miles to the southwest, in Hancock and Hawkins counties in Tennessee and was so violent it's remembered as the Greene-Jones War instead of the Greene-Jones Feud.

Feb 24, 2024 • 22:22

The Kingdom of the Happy Land

After the Civil War, as the South lay in ruins, a group of freedmen decided to depart the Mississippi plantation on which they had been held as slaves in search of a promised land. They found it...in the mountains of Appalachia.Come along with us as we tell the story of one of the first successful black communities in the south, the Kingdom of the Happy Land.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast at Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.And we

Feb 17, 2024 • 12:47

Billy Dean Anderson: Appalachia's Most Wanted Outlaw

Billy Dean Anderson was born in Fentress County, Tennessee, and, by all accounts, lived a normal law-abiding life as he grew up, even becoming a volunteer preacher in his church.Then it all went horribly wrong.He and some other men held up a theater in Jamestown, beginning a life of crime in two states. He eventually made the FBI most wanted list.This is his story.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast for more Stories of Appalachia...we're on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever y

Feb 10, 2024 • 12:11

Amos Owens: The Cherry Mountain Moonshiner

After the Civil War a young man bought Cherry Mountain in Rutherford County, North Carolina and used the wild cherries found there to add flavor to his distilled product, illegal of course, that became a runaway hit. Not only was his distinctive "Cherry Bounce" popular in his part of Appalachia, but it was also the favored beverage on riverboats from Cincinnati to New Orleans!Today we tell the story of Amos Owens, beloved Appalachian moonshiner!Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast at Spot

Feb 3, 2024 • 18:02

Dr. John R. Brinkley: The Goat Gland Doctor from Appalachia

John Romulus Brinkley was born in Burnsville, North Carolina, to a former Confederate medic and his housekeeper. From those humble beginnings young Brinkley grew up to become a traveling "Quaker doctor," a medical huckster and conman in both Knoxville, Tennessee and Greenville, South Carolina, a student at several "eclectic medical schools," a successful surgeon in Kansas, renowned for his "goat gonad" transplants into willing men hoping to boost their sexual prowess, the owner of two radio sta

Jan 27, 2024 • 38:00

The Tragic End of Outlaw Joe Brown

Joe Brown was a hell-raiser, thug and violent alcoholic who terrorized the town of Whitmer, West Virginia at the turn of the 20th century. He did, that is, until he went a step too far.That, folks, is our story today.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss any of our stories of Appalachia.Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing our stories with your friends.

Jan 20, 2024 • 9:35

The 1921 West Virginia Capitol Fire

On January 3, 1921, a massive fire broke out at the West Virginia state capitol in Charleston. Not a big deal, you might be thinking, fires happen all the time. This one, though, had a twist or three, as you'll find out.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast, at Spreaker, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, Audible or on your favorite podcast app.Thanks for listening and for sharing our little podcast with your friends!

Jan 13, 2024 • 13:16

The Tragedy at the Cowee Tunnel

On December 30, 1881, 30 convicts, along with their guards, were shackled and deposited on the banks of the Tuckaseegee River near Dillboro, North Carolina, with a job to do: cross the river in a boat and then start digging out the Cowee Tunnel for the Western North Carolina Railroad. 19 of the 30 didn't make it across alive.Today we tell that tragic story.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast at Spreaker, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, or on your favorite podcast app.Thanks for

Jan 6, 2024 • 11:47

Bettie Simms, The Queen of the Moonshiners

In the early 1900's a young mother in Polk County, North Carolina, had a decision to make. She had separated from her abusive husband and had several young children to feed, house and clothe, with very few job prospects. So she started her own business...moonshining. Bettie Simms was good at that chosen profession but, as so often happens, she had a run-in with the law.Today we tell the story of the woman the press dubbed "The Queen of the Moonshiners," another one of the Stories of Appalachi

Dec 30, 2023 • 13:49

Appalachian Christmas Traditions

With Christmas fast approaching, Rod and Steve talk about the history and the folklore behind Christmas in Appalachia...You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PlayerFM, Spreaker, Audible or on your favorite podcast app, whatever that might be.Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, y'all!

Dec 23, 2023 • 11:13

Tinker Dave Beaty, Union Guerrilla/Outlaw

David Crockett Beaty was a farmer in Fentress County, Tennessee...until the start of the Civil War.He became a guerrilla fighter in that war, on the side of the Union, with his most well-known rebel counterpart being Champ Ferguson, with whom he had a running war all its own. Today we tell the story of Tinker Dave Beaty, Union guerrilla/outlaw.Be sure to subscribe on our YouTube channel or on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss any of our Stories of Appalachia!

Dec 16, 2023 • 17:22

The 1902 New River Coal Strike -The Battle of Stanaford

In 1902 coal miners struck the mines along the New River, seeking better wages and better working conditions. The strike continued until February 25, 1903, when a massive gun battle broke out between miners and coal company men, including detectives from the Baldwin-Felts agency and local law enforcement. The battle was fierce, with both sides exchanging gunfire for approximately five minutes.Many of the miners, faced with overwhelming firepower, rushed out of the building and surrendered. Howev

Dec 9, 2023 • 12:47

The Fentress County Witch

In 1843 a prominent man in Jamestown, Tennessee, distributed a broadsheet, under an assumed name, accusing the wife of a tavern owner of being, among other sordid things, a "witch of the most extraordinary power." That, as you can imagine, led to legal action in the Fentress County courts. Today we tell the story of the Fentress County witch, another one of the Stories of Appalachia!Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast so you don't miss any of our stories of Appalachian history and folk

Dec 2, 2023 • 10:27

Orlean Hawks Puckett. Appalachian Granny Woman

Granny women were the healers and caretakers of folks in Appalachia, dispensing folk remedies, serving as midwives, and even dousing for water. These women were essential in rural Appalachia, where doctors and hospitals were scarce.Today we tell the story of one of these women, Orlean Hawk Puckett, from Carroll County, Virginia, known for being a midwife responsible for helping to bring over a thousand Appalachian babies into the world!Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite

Nov 25, 2023 • 14:03

The Gun Battle of Thorn Hill, TN

At the turn of the 20th century a wealthy and politically connected man from Grainger County, Tennessee, lost a lawsuit filed by a widow and was ordered to pay her a sum of money. Failing to do that, the court ordered a sale of some lumber this man owed, which was bought by a blacksmith in the community of Thorn Hill. Out of this came two murders, a prison sentence, a feud, and a deadly gun battle at the blacksmith's shop five years later.That, dear listeners, is our story of Appalachia this w

Nov 18, 2023 • 12:21

The Eccles Mine Disaster

In 1914 a series of massive explosions occurred in the Eccles Mine No. 5 near Eccles, West Virginia in Raleigh County, West Virginia, leaving over 180 men and boys dead, including an insurance salesman who had the bad luck of making a call on the miners that day.Today we tell the story of West Virginia's second-worst mine disaster.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast at Spreaker, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thanks for listening to our stories and sh

Nov 11, 2023 • 15:31

Cora Wilson Stewart and the Moonlight Schools of Kentucky

At the turn of the 20th century a young woman named Cora Wilson Stewart was hired as an elementary school teacher, later becoming Rowan County school superintendent. Fifteen years later she began a program that has since spread across the country: the idea of adult education for those who needed it.Today we tell her story and the story of the schools she founded, the Moonlight Schools of eastern Kentucky.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast...we're on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, P

Nov 4, 2023 • 9:52

John Forbes Nash, Jr.: Appalachia's Mathematical Genius

Today we tell the story of one of the 20th century's most brilliant mathematicians, born in Bluefield, West Virginia, and the subject of the movie "A Beautiful Mind," John Forbes Nash, Jr.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, Audible, PlayerFM, Goodpods (where we're #34 on their Top 100 Indie Documentary Podcasts of all time!) or wherever you get your podcasts.Thanks for listening!

Oct 28, 2023 • 9:01

Dark Deeds in the Mountains: The Twisted Tale of Thomas David Carr

Thomas David Carr was born in Wheeling, West Virginia in 1846. After a childhood marked by abuse, a prison term at age 8 and an attemped poisoning of one of his "acquaintances," Carr joined the Union Army at the start of the Civil War. As he traveled with his unit, and by his own admission, Carr left a string of murders in his wake, culminating with the brutal murder of a 13-year-old girl who spurned his persistent marriage proposals.Today we tell the story of a dark and dangerous man, Thomas Da

Oct 21, 2023 • 12:57

The Sanctified Hill Mudslide

Sanctified Hill was a section of Cumberland, Kentucky, where many retired African American miners and their families resided in homes many had built themselves. In 1972 heavy rains fell across Appalachia, resulting in flooding and, in the case of Sanctified Hill, a terrible disaster.Today we tell that story.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast...we're on your favorite podcast app.We're also on TikTok @storiesofappalachia and on Instagram @storyappalachia. There you'll find short video s

Oct 14, 2023 • 8:27

The Curious Case of L. K. Garber

Around the turn of the 20th century a man charged with murder escaped from the Scott County, Virginia, jail and headed to Texas. He likely would have spent the rest of his life there but for an accident. A real accident, involving a train.Today we tell the story of a man whose demand for justice from the railroad company led to his own reckoning back home.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast. We're on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast app.Thanks so much for

Oct 7, 2023 • 9:13

The Battle of Point Pleasant

Rising tensions along the Appalachian frontier culminated with what's called "Lord Dunmore's War," named after the royal governor of Virginia, Lord Dunmore. That conflict came to a head with a battle in 1774 at Point Pleasant in what's now West Virginia, in which Dunmore's forces battled the Shawnee warriors under Chief Cornstalk.Today we tell that story.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast at Spreaker, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible or on your favorite podcast app.Thanks for listening

Sep 30, 2023 • 11:18

The West Virginia Mine Wars: Matewan

Our story of the West Virginia Mine Wars continues at Matewan, West Virginia, where a famous gun battle left several mine company hired guards dead, along with the town mayor, among others. The fighting was so fierce, many townsfolk fled across the Tug Fork into Kentucky, seeking safety. This battle also set the stage for the climax of the mine wars: the Battle of Blair Mountain.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast at Spreaker, or on your favorite podcast app.Thanks for listening!

Sep 23, 2023 • 12:14

The Hanging of Cal Logston: An Eerie Prophecy From The Gallows

On April 5, 1872, the last man to be hanged in Fentress County, Tennessee, was said to have made three eerie predictions, all of which came true.Today we tell the story of Cal Logston, a convicted murderer who is said to have foretold events up to a hundred years in the future. Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast. We're at Spreaker.com or on your favorite podcast app.Thanks for listening!

Sep 16, 2023 • 10:57

The West Virginia Mine Wars: Paint Creek and Cabin Creek

For a century and a half the king of central Appalachia has been coal. That mineral powered the industrial revolution in America, made some men and corporations very wealthy and provided jobs for the Appalachian men and women who dug it out of the ground. Those jobs, though, didn't pay nearly well enough to justify the human costs of the work, so in 1912 miners in the Paint Creek and Cabin Creek areas of West Virginia went on strike, triggering the first battle in what's come to be known as the

Sep 9, 2023 • 12:10

The Savant of Rhea County, Tennessee

Alvin Goins was a hard worker who, like many Appalachian men of his time, never finished school and was unable to read or write. That never stopped him from getting work as a laborer in and around his home of Rhea County, Tennessee. But Mr. Goins was a little bit different.He was a mathematical genius, able to look at a pile of block, bricks and lumber and calculate in his head, almost to the last piece of wood, how much material would be needed to do the job.Today we tell his story.Be sure to

Sep 2, 2023 • 11:27

The Dark Mystery of Booger Hole

Starting in the latter part of the 19th century and continuing up into the 20th century a valley in Clay County, West Virginia, became the site of a series of mysterious disappearances and deaths. It only stopped with the aid of an organized mob (yeah, we know, an oxymoron, but also true).Today we tell the story of the mysterious Booger Hole.If you haven't already done so, be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app.Catch us on TikTok @storiesofappalachia and on Inst

Aug 26, 2023 • 10:57

The Great Glen Alum Payroll Robbery

On Friday, August 14, 1914, three Glen Alum Coal Company employees were returning to the mine office with that week's payroll. They didn't make it with the money to the mine alive.Today we tell the story of the great Glen Alum payroll robbery.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast wherever you download your podcasts.Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing our stories with your friends.

Aug 19, 2023 • 10:30

From Darkness to Hope: The Appalachian Journey of Bob Childress

In 1912 a young man's life was transformed by his witnessing a historic tragedy: the infamous Carroll County courthouse shootout, which left several prominent lawyers, police officers and a judge dead. Bob Childress left a life of violence, ignorance and alcohol abuse for a life of faith and service, establishing several churches in his part of Appalachia, many of which still exist today.Today we tell this man's remarkable story.You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify

Aug 12, 2023 • 10:07

The Laurel Mine Disaster of 1884

The Pocahontas coal field, located in southwest Virginia and southern West Virginia, was one of the most productive coal areas in the United States. The town of Pocahontas, in Tazewell County, Virginia, and for which the field was named, was granted a town charter by Virginia on January 31, 1884.Less than two months later tragedy struck when the Laurel (East) mine suffered a series of massive explosions powerful enough to move homes off their foundations and uproot massive trees.Today we tell th

Aug 5, 2023 • 9:42

Woodrow Derenberger And The Man From Lanulos

In November 1966 a man on his way home from work literally drove into Appalachian history when he encountered a UFO blocking his way on I-77 outside Parkersburg, West Virginia. Not only that, he actually "spoke" to the occupant of said UFO!Today we tell the fascinating story of Woodrow Derenberger and his encounter with....something.You can subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss any of our stories.Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing our stories w

Jul 29, 2023 • 12:19

Appalachia's Petticoat Government

In 1948 Clintwood, Virginia, held an election for the town's offices. After the campaigning, the voting, and the vote counting, something unique for it's time had happened: All of Clintwood's elected officials were women!Today we tell the story of the first all-female elected government in Appalachia.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast so you don't miss a single one of our stories.Thanks for listening!

Jul 22, 2023 • 8:27

The Goat Man

From the 1930s to the 1980s an itinerant preacher from Georgia traveled throughout Appalachia and beyond in a ramshackle wagon pulled by a herd of goats. It was his way of spreading the gospel and of seeing the world beyond his home. Over those years Ches McCartney became world-renowned as the Goat Man.Today we tell his story.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast...we're found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, and most other podcast apps.Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing our

Jul 15, 2023 • 15:16

The Blue People of Kentucky

In 1820 French orphan Martin Fugate and his wife Elizabeth arrived as new settlers in eastern Kentucky. Unknown to them, they carried genetic traits that would pass on to their descendants, causing many of them to have skin that was a purplish-blue color.Today we tell the story of the blue people of Kentucky.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app.Thanks for listening, y'all!

Jul 8, 2023 • 13:50

The Mysterious Christmas Eve Fire: The Missing Sodder Children and their Haunting Legacy

On Christmas Eve, 1945, a mysterious fire broke out at the Fayetteville, West Virginia home of George and Jennie Sodder. Try as they might, George and his oldest son were unable to put out the fire, nor were they or their neighbors able to call for help, as all the phone lines in the area had stopped working. Five of the Sodder children were trapped inside the burning house, with no hope of rescue.Then things got really strange.Today we tell the story of the mysterious Christmas Eve fire and wha

Jul 1, 2023 • 16:57

The Dark Mystery of the Sensabaugh Tunnel

Theft. Infanticide. Insanity. Murder. Ghosts.The stories that surround a notorious tunnel in Tennessee contain all those elements and more.Today we tell some of those stories and tell you a little bit of the history of the infamous Sensabaugh Tunnel, near Kingsport, Tennessee, in Hawkins County.Come along with us, if you dare...Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast so you don't miss any of our stories of Appalachian history and folklore.Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing our s

Jun 24, 2023 • 11:42

Haunted Waters: The Tragic Tale of the Siren's Song in the French Broad River

A tale was told by the Cherokee of a siren that inhabited the deep whirlpools of the French Broad River in western North Carolina. These sirens were said to be demons that would lure men to their deaths in the river. Today we tell the folktale of a young man from Asheville who encountered that siren.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories of Appalachia podcast so you don't miss any of our stories.Catch us on YouTube and TikTok @storiesofappalaciha and on Instagram @storyappalachia for short videos

Jun 17, 2023 • 10:28

Sam's Magnificent Beard

A mountain farmer and schoolteacher from the North Carolina town of Magnetic City (now Buladean) got so tired of shaving that he tossed his straight razor in the garbage and just let that facial hair grow.Unbeknownst to him, that decision launched him on a path to fame and fortune throughout North America as the “Man With The Longest Beard In The World.” He met the King of England, Buffalo Bill Cody, Annie Oakley, and many other celebrities of his day, all while maintaining his farm and teachin

Jun 10, 2023 • 19:05

The Appalachian Insurrection of 1917

As the United States entered World War I, it was found to be necessary to start drafting men to serve in the military. That decision was met with widespread resistance across the country, with protests and riots springing up. In one part of America, though, that resistance came close to turning into something akin to the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia that happened that same year.Today we tell the story of an Appalachian populist revolt that almost happened in the summer of 1917, centered in the

Jun 3, 2023 • 16:08

The Kentucky Cannibal: Boone Helm

Right before and during the Civil War an outlaw roamed the West who was unlike any of the other outlaws you might have heard of. This man, born and raised in eastern Kentucky, gained a reputation for not only robbery and murder, but for his practice of cannibalizing both his victims and a few of his fellow outlaws. Today we tell the story of Boone Helm, the Kentucky Cannibal.(Note: this story, while it does discuss cannibalism, does not go into great detail, but does talk frankly about what He

May 27, 2023 • 15:36

An Appalachian Frontier Legend: Simon Kenton, Part Two

Today we wrap up our story about legendary Appalachian explorer, longhunter and guide Simon Kenton, who went from explorer and longhunter to owning hundreds of thousands of acres of frontier land, businesses, and a small fortune...only to have it all ripped away from him by the end of his life.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss a single one of our stories.Thanks for listening!

May 20, 2023 • 18:07

An Appalachian Frontier Legend: Simon Kenton, Part One

Today we have a story so big we had to split it into two parts!Simon Kenton was an Appalachian explorer, longhunter and guide. His life was so filled with adventure that it became the stuff of legend, second only to Daniel Boone, Kenton's close friend. Numerous buildings, schools, and other places bear Kenton's name in those states that border the Ohio River, testament to his place in history.Today we begin to tell his amazing story.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite po

May 13, 2023 • 18:39

French, The Alderson Lion

In 1890 the circus came to Alderson, West Virginia. When the circus moved on, it left a new resident of the town, which became loved by all, well, except for one traveling salesman.Today we tell the story of a gentle and loving lion named French, for the circus that brought him to town, another one of the stories of Appalachia.You can subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app; be sure to do so to keep getting our stories!Thanks for listening!

May 6, 2023 • 13:31

The Amazing Life of One-Armed Jimmy

Today we tell the story of a man who refused to let a "disability" keep him down.Linguist, athlete, amateur astronomer, adventurer and genealogist James Brownlow Lawson from Sevier County, Tennessee, lived the life he wanted, despite the loss of his arm as a young man.You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, Audible, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM or on your favorite podcast app.Thanks for listening!

Apr 29, 2023 • 12:54

The Buffalo Creek Disaster

In February, 1972, a coal company muck dam along Buffalo Creek in Logan County, West Virginia, collapsed after a winter of heavy snow and rain. The resulting flash flood of water and gob destroyed homes, businesses and took several lives in that Appalachian holler.Today we tell that story.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app or on YouTube.

Apr 22, 2023 • 14:43

The Outlaw Otto Wood: Appalachian Escape Artist

Otto Wood was headed in the wrong direction from a young age. As a child he learned how to make moonshine while in the care of his relatives in West Virginia, to whom he had run away from home.One thing led to another and before you knew it Otto was a wanted man in at least six states.Thing is, the authorities in those states just couldn't keep Otto locked up for long, since he was always escaping.Today we tell the story of the Appalachian escape artist and outlaw, Otto Wood.Don't forget to subs

Apr 15, 2023 • 14:46

The Flatwoods Monster

Did some Braxton County, West Virginia, kids see a UFO back in 1952? Some folks thought so, especially after locals began exhibiting strange symptoms. Today Steve and Rod tell the tale of the Flatwoods Monster, or the Phantom of Flatwoods, as it was also called. It’s another story that makes up the history of this place we call home.You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Spreaker or on your favorite podcast app.We're on Facebook, YouTube and TikTok @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter and In

Apr 8, 2023 • 11:57

Uncle Bush's Magnificent Funeral

In 1938 a Roane County, Tennessee, hermit felt the pull of time. Concerned about how he was going to be remembered after he was gone and wondering if anyone cared anyway, he decided to plan and hold his funeral service...while he could experience it.Today we tell the story of Uncle Bush's magnificent funeral...Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app.Follow us on YouTube, Facebook and Tiktok @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter and Instagram @storyappalachia.Thank

Apr 1, 2023 • 9:55

Hell's Cabin

There was once a cabin down by Sinking Creek at the foot of Droop Mountain in West Virginia, or so it's been told. That cabin was the home of a mysterious man known as "Old Hell." Some folks around there said that hell was the right name, for that house became known for hellish sounds and otherworldly lights. It was also found to have more to it than that, though, and this bit of folklore is today's story of Appalachia.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast wherever you get your podcasts so

Mar 25, 2023 • 11:16

The Girl From Slab Fork, West Virginia

Doris Payne was born in 1930 to a coal miner in Slab Fork, West Virginia. She didn't stay there. In fact, she ended up traveling the world for decades pursuing her chosen path in life.International jewel thief.Today we tell her story.You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, Audible, Spotify, IHeart Radio, or on your favorite podcast app.Thanks for listening!

Mar 18, 2023 • 13:23

The Man Who Wanted to be Alone - Uncle Nick Grindstaff

In the late 19th century a man from Stoney Creek, in Johnson County, Tennessee, went West to seek his fortune. He found that fortune. He then lost that fortune and in the process decided that he no longer wanted the company of his fellow man, so he took what money he had left and purchased the top of an East Tennessee mountain on which to live, with his faithful dog and, for a time, with a pet rattlesnake.Today we tell the story of Uncle Nick Grindstaff, whose grave and monument still stand next

Mar 11, 2023 • 10:38

The Knoxville Race Riot

In 1919 a wave of riots and lynchings occurred across America, fueled in part by a fear of communism and communist agitation among minorites and in part by fear of battle-hardened African-American soldiers returning from service in World War I not complying with Jim Crow laws in the south.Appalachia was not immune to this wave.In the summer of 1919 a mob swept through downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, after the arrest of a prominent African-American resident named Maurice Mays in the assault and mu

Mar 4, 2023 • 11:03

The Legend of the Moon-eyed People

Years before European settlers moved into Appalachia, native tribes from Alabama to Ohio spoke of going to war with a mysterious race of pale-skinned people who were so sensitive to sunlight they only came out at night. These "moon-eyed" people were forced from Alabama into North Carolina, then to Tennessee and Kentucky before being driven out west of the Mississippi River.Today we tell the legend of the Moon-eyed People.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app.T

Feb 25, 2023 • 10:22

The Last Public Hangings in Lawrence County, Kentucky and Wilkes County, North Carolina

Today we bring you part of the end of an era of public executions in Appalachia, which had, in many cases, turned into an excuse for a carnival, with vendors selling food and drink (much of it the hard stuff) and children brought in for a day with a picnic and other family activities, prior to the hanging itself. Our first story comes from Wilkes County, North Carolina, where an alleged horse thief shoots and kills the man looking for that horse; the second comes from Lawrence County, Kentucky,

Feb 18, 2023 • 17:19

The Unfetchable Moonshiner

One of the biggest moonshiners (literally) in Appalachia was a Melungeon woman from Newman's Ridge in Hancock County, Tennessee. She lived an interesting life, providing shine in many ways, including from a hollow tree.To find out more, give this week's episode a listen!You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, Audible, Stitcher, Goodpods or on your favorite podcast app.Thanks for listening and for sharing our stories of Appalachia with your friends!

Feb 11, 2023 • 17:37

The Outlaw Kinnie Wagner

The 1920s were a decade of loosening morals, Prohibition and crime, with notorious outlaws popping up across America. Along with the likes of Al Capone, John Dillinger and Bonnie and Clyde was a home-grown Appalachian outlaw whose exploits made headlines across the South.Today we tell the story of Appalachian outlaw Kinnie Wagner, from Scott County, Virginia.You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, Spotify, Audible or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.Thanks fo

Feb 4, 2023 • 13:39

The Last Gunfight of Troy and Elias Hatfield

In 1911 Devil Anse Hatfield’s sons Troy and Elias were in Fayette County running a bar, which was doing quite well. They had established their liquor and beer territory thanks to agreements with the competition and things looked bright…until someone with ties to the Italian-American miners’ community decided to compete with them.Things did not turn out well.Today we tell the story of the last gunfight of Troy and Elias Hatfield.

Jan 28, 2023 • 12:48

The Legendary Revenuer: Big Six

We've told stories of moonshiners; we've even interviewed one of them. Today we're going to tell the story of untaxed whiskey from the other side, that of the federal revenue agent, or revenuer. One of those agents was well-known in the hills and hollers of Kentucky, the legendary Big Six.Today we tell his story.You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Spreaker, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, Stitcher, PlayerFM or on your favorite podcast app or feed reader.Thanks for listening and for sha

Jan 21, 2023 • 12:06

The Appalachian Prophet

A man from Anderson County, Tennessee, had developed a reputation as being a bit strange, going on about all those visions he had after his wife left him years before. One vision, though, led many people to decide that maybe they'd misjudged him.Today we tell the story of John Hendrix, the prophet of Appalachia.You can subscribe to the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Audible or wherever you get your podcasts.Thanks for listening!

Jan 14, 2023 • 8:07

The Appalachian "Bat-Man"

In 1892 a West Virginia hermit living high above the Cheat River announced to the world that he had an invention: a suit that would allow him to fly above the forests and mountains of Appalachia just like the hawks that lived there. If only he had a little more money to finish his invention...Today we tell the story of the Appalachian "Bat-Man."You can subcribe to the Stories podcast at Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, Stitcher or on your favorite podcast app.

Jan 7, 2023 • 11:04

Hillbilly

To many the word "Appalachia" is synonymous with the word "hillbilly," for better or for worse. Often used as a derogatory term by non-residents of the region, many here have adopted "hillbilly" with defiant pride. Today we're going to tell a bit of the history of that word, which involves religion, war, and a famous British king and queen. Quite the story.You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, Audible, Goodpods, RadioPublic, or on your favorite podcast

Dec 30, 2022 • 14:17

The Cloudland Hotel

After the Civil War fine hotels were built all along the mountain range that separated North Carolina and Tennessee, each one grander than the last, a sort of Guilded Age race between the wealthy hotel operators flooding into the region. There were many of these fine hotels, from the Wonderland Hotel to Unaka Springs to the Cloudland Hotel. That last hotel had one advantage the others didn't. It sat high atop Roan Mountain, making that hotel the higher than any other hotel in the region, with

Dec 24, 2022 • 9:36

Christmas Traditions in Appalachia

It is Christmas week, folks, so join us as we talk about Old Christmas and some Appalachian Christmas folklore.Merry Christmas, all!

Dec 19, 2022 • 10:50

The Saltville Muck Dam Collapse

Christmas Eve, 1924, started like Christmas Eve always had, with people getting ready for family gatherings, caroling, and opening presents the next morning. That's not what ended up happening in Saltville, Virginia, that night. Instead, the town suffered through a literal nightmare of caustic muck, debris, death and destruction as an alkali plant's muck dam collapsed, sending a massive wave down the north fork of the Holston River.You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spre

Dec 17, 2022 • 13:30

The Hatfields and the McCoys: After the Feud

When you say "feud" anywhere in America, what comes to most folks' minds are the names "Hatfield" and "McCoy." That notorious feud has been the stuff of legend not just in Appalachia but all across America as well.But that feud eventually burnt itself out. So what happened to Devil Anse Hatfield and Randall McCoy after that? Well, for one thing, did you know that Devil Anse Hatfield went on the vaudeville circuit early in the twentieth century? Today we tell you that story and more about the

Dec 10, 2022 • 10:45

Frankie Silver: An Appalachian Woman Hanged for Murder

In the early part of the 19th century, a woman was arrested for the gruesome murder of her husband in what's now Mitchell County, North Carolina. Some said she acted in jealousy, others say she reacted to ongoing spousal abuse to protect herself and her baby daughter.Today we tell the story of Frankie Silver, the first woman to be hanged in North Carolina.

Dec 3, 2022 • 13:08

The Great UFO Invasion of Appalachia

On a few nights in October, 1973 all over Appalachia, from Ohio to Tennessee, there was a wave of UFO sightings and reports of attempted abductions. Today we tell that story.If you like our stories of Appalachian history, you might want to subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss an episode. You can do that at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, Audible, Goodpods, PlayerFM or on your own favorite podcast app...we'll be there.Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing our stories with your frie

Nov 26, 2022 • 15:03

Appalachia's Lonely Hearts Club Con Man

In the late 1940's a man who went by the name of Ernest I. Torrence traveled across Appalachia, from Georgia to Pennsylvania, seeking his true love. Unfortunately for the women he met, his true love was not them, but their money.Today we tell the tale of a smooth-talking Appalachian con man, who targeted women through the lonely hearts clubs ads in newspapers all around the region.You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, Stitcher, Audible, Goodpods, or on your favor

Nov 19, 2022 • 15:06

The Road to Nowhere

Earlier this summer we took our YouTube viewers to the area around Fontana Lake to show them a road that was promised but never fully built. On today's podcast episode, we're going to tell the story of what's come to be known as the "Road to Nowhere."You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, Goodpods, Audible, Stitcher, and on most other podcast apps.Thanks for listening and for sharing us with your friends!

Nov 12, 2022 • 10:43

The Building of the Western North Carolina Railroad

Building a railroad in Appalachia after the Civil War was always a hard, back-breaking effort. But in the very rugged mountains of Western North Carolina, which contained the tallest mountains east of the Mississippi River, it was deadly.Today we tell the story of the building of the Western North Carolina Railroad.You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, Stitcher, Goodpods, Audible, or on your favorite podcast app.Thanks for listening!

Nov 5, 2022 • 11:12

The Murder That Never Happened: The Story of Condy Dabney

In 1925 a man from Coal Creek, Tennessee, named Condy Dabney came to Harlan County, Kentucky, looking for work down in the mines. He soon tired of that work and started a taxi service that shuttled folks around Harlan and other towns in the county.Things were looking bright for Mr. Dabney, until he was arrested and charged with killing a 14-year-old girl who it was said had taken a ride in his cab. He was convicted of her murder.Then, things got strange.Today we tell the story of a Harlan Coun

Oct 29, 2022 • 13:47

The Witch Dog

Back during the Great Depression East Tennessee was visited by a mysterious beast, a large dog with, some say, glowing red eyes. This dog, called the Witch Dog by some, terrorized farms in the region. Then, just as suddenly as it appeared, the Witch Dog vanished, never to be seen again.Today we bring you the story of the Witch Dog, in honor of Halloween...You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, Audible, Goodpods, PlayerFM, Radiopublic or wherever you download your

Oct 22, 2022 • 11:21

Bascom Lamar Lunsford

Every now and then there appears a man or woman with a sense of the true importance of the culture of Appalachia. Bascom Lamar Lunsford was one of those people.Trained as a teacher and as a lawyer, Lunsford not only taught and practiced law in Western North Carolina, he also spent time as a fruit tree salesman, a beekeeper, a newspaper publisher, and an auctioneer, among other pursuits.But it was his love of old-time Appalachian music that made him famous. Lunsford is known for his travels thr

Oct 15, 2022 • 13:43

The "Hillbilly Girl" Murder Case: Edith Maxwell

In 1935 a young Appalachian teacher from Pound, Virginia, was arrested for the murder of her abusive father. The trials that followed attracted the attention of the national press, which chose, as it always does, to portray Appalachia as a land of ignorant, backward and poor folks while they focused on the more lurid details of the case. Today we tell the story of Edith Maxwell.You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, Audible, Goodpods, Stitcher, Google Po

Oct 8, 2022 • 17:27

The Howard-Turner Feud

In the 1880's and early 1890's Harlan County, Kentucky was the scene for one of the most notorious feuds aside from the one between the Hatfields and McCoys.Two prominent families, the Howards and the Turners, and their allies, fought to avenge wrongs inflicted by the other side, for control of the county and for control of the local whiskey trade. Harlan itself was the scene of gun battles, murders and even threats to burn the town itself to the ground. Today we tell the story of the Howard-T

Oct 1, 2022 • 32:39

The Bombing of the Gouge Home

On January 7, 1938, a blast rocked the little community of Hampton, Tennessee. After the smoke cleared, the home of Harmon and Pauline Gouge was in ruins, their three daughters lay dead, and Pauline Gouge was in a coma. On this episode of the Stories podcast, Steve and Rod tell the story of this bit of Appalachian history.

Sep 24, 2022 • 7:52

The Dunglen Hotel

During the post-Civil War coal boom in West Virginia, many new towns were founded to serve the coal industry and the railroads that hauled that coal to market. One of these towns was Thurmond, founded by a former Confederate captain of Thurmond's Rangers which was based in the area.Along with those towns came hotels to accomodate visitors and businessmen. In Thurmond one of those hotels gained quite a saucy reputation: the Dunglen Hotel.Today we tell that story.You can subscribe to the Stories

Sep 17, 2022 • 11:26

Bad Talt Hall

Talt Hall had a very interesting life. Born and raised in eastern Kentucky, he had been a Confederate soldier, a deputy sheriff, a U. S. Marshal, a feudist, a railroad employee and a traveler who lived in various places across the country.He was also alleged to have killed nearly a hundred men in his lifetime. He was tried for 6 of those killings over the years and was acquitted of 5 of them. It was that 6th one, the last one attributed to him, that sent him to the gallows...just a short time be

Sep 10, 2022 • 15:53

Champ Ferguson

During the Civil War a man from Kentucky who had moved to Tennessee joined the Confederate side as a guerrilla fighter. Due to his extreme anger issues he soon became a Confederate vigilante, killing anyone he knew who had any connections with the Union. It was an infamous incident at a Confederate hospital in Saltville, Virginia, that resulted in his capture and arrest by Confederate authorities in 1865. Today we tell the story of an outlaw from both sides in the Civil War: Champ Ferguson.Yo

Sep 3, 2022 • 14:15

A Civil War Tragedy in Cade's Cove

A man's family in the Smoky Mountains community of Cade's Cove is torn apart by the Civil War, with tragic results for him.Today we share that story.You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, Spotify, Audacy, Goodpods, Audible, or on your favorite podcast app.

Aug 27, 2022 • 10:09

The Night Marauder of Blount County, Tennessee

In the 1920s residents of Maryville, in Blount County, Tennessee, were living in fear of being the victim of a violent home invasion by a mysterious man known as the Night Marauder. One man was arrested and charged with being the Night Marauder, Will Sheffey, and he was put on trial for several sexual assaults and two murders.Today we tell that story.You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, Audible, Goodpods, Spotify, Stitcher or on your favorite podcast app.Thanks

Aug 20, 2022 • 12:24

The Farmington Coal Mine Explosion

On November 20, 1968, there was a massive explosion at the Consol number 9 mine near Farmington, West Virginia. This explosion resulted in the death of scores of miners, including the uncle of a current U. S. senator from West Virginia. It also spurred the passage of mine safety legislation by Congress to lessen the chances of another such mine explosion.Today we tell that story.

Aug 13, 2022 • 16:19

Robert Porterfield and the Barter Theater

From its beginnings in a former church, the Barter Theater has become the premiere theatrical destination in Appalachia, starting the careers of many a Broadway and Hollywood actor.Today we tell the story of the Barter and the man whose vision made it possible. Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing our podcast with your friends.

Aug 6, 2022 • 17:42

The Appalachian Rip Van Winkle

In the Washington Irving story, Rip Van Winkle partakes in some boozy fun in the Catskill Mountains in New York, then falls asleep for 20 years, waking to find the world completely changed. That story was a fantasy tale.Today we have the true story of a woman who, like old Rip, fell asleep one night in 1936 and didn't wake up until 1948 to a world turned upside down.Thanks for listening to our stories!

Jul 30, 2022 • 11:36

How Gatlinburg Got Its Name

Every place has a name, and every name has its story...including the tourist destination of the Smokey Mountains, Gatlinburg, Tennessee.Listen as we tell you the very interesting story of how White Oak Flats became Gatlinburg!Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing our stories with your friends...

Jul 23, 2022 • 15:03

The Trial of Wilson Howard

In the 1880's there was a feud between the Turner and Howard families in Harlan County, Kentucky, almost as notorious as the one going on between the Hatfields and the McCoys a couple of counties to the east at the same time. One of the feudists, Wilson, or Wils, Howard was alleged to have killed seven men in that feud and he left Harlan for Missouri, then on to California, as a result.Mr. Howard ended up on trial for another murder that happened in Missouri and the story of his trial for that

Jul 16, 2022 • 18:43

That Time Roy Acuff Ran For Governor

Back in the 1940s Roy Acuff was at the top of his game. He was a country music star with such hits as "The Great Speckled Bird" and "The Wabash Cannonball" under his belt; he was appearing in the movies, and he was one of the biggest stars on the Grand Ol' Opry. In 1948, Mr. Acuff tried to attain one more goal: the office of Governor of the State of Tennessee. Today we tell you that story.If you haven't already, be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast, at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, A

Jul 9, 2022 • 17:03

Belle Boyd, The Siren of the Shenandoah

Isabella Marie Boyd, better known to history as Belle Boyd, was a notorious rebel spy during the Civil War who used her wiles to obtain Union secrets which she then passed on to the Confederate government. Today we tell the story of this woman, who was born in what's now West Virginia.You can subscribe to the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Audible, Goodpods, Audacy, Spotify, or on your favorite podcast app.Thanks for listening and for sharing our stories with your friend

Jul 2, 2022 • 10:43

General John D. Imboden

Lawyer, politician, Confederate general, land developer, promoter of coal and the founder of the town of Damascus, Virginia. All these jobs were held by one man for whom a mine and a coal camp were also named: General John D. Imboden.Today we tell his story.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app.Thanks for listening!

Jun 25, 2022 • 10:45

The Legend of Swift's Silver Mine

It's been said that there is a mine somewhere in Appalachia, in which a vein of the highest quality silver can be found. And it's located...well, that's the problem. Nobody knows where this supposed silver mine can be found. Today we tell the story of the legendary Swift's Silver Mine.

Jun 18, 2022 • 18:56

The Murder of the Richards Sisters

Early in 1940 two middle-aged sisters and a teen-aged boy who did odd jobs for them were brutally murdered in their home in Oliver Springs, Tennessee. These killings were unsolved for over 60 years.Today we tell that story.

Jun 11, 2022 • 14:44

The Showgirl and the Tobacco Heir

On November 23, 1931, 20-year-old Zachary Smith Reynolds of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was divorced from his first wife. Six days later he married his second wife, Broadway showgirl Libby Holman, and six months later he was dead from a gunshot wound that may or may not have been self-inflicted. This was a tragedy, magnified in the media by the fact that Smith was the youngest son of tobacco magnate R. J. Reynolds.Today we tell that story.

Jun 4, 2022 • 16:27

Good Trouble

In 1965 a Kentucky widow managed to drive the coal company from her land with what was called a "sit-in," an early use of peaceful civil disobedience in Appalachia. Today we tell the story of Ollie Combs of Knott County, Kentucky, and her fight to save her farm from strip-mining.Thanks for listening!

May 28, 2022 • 11:54

Hog Greer of Big Bald Mountain

A jilted young man came over the mountains from North Carolina to Tennessee, intent on spending the rest of his life alone on a mountaintop. This he did, along with developing his own moral code, rewriting the U. S. Constitution, and killing a man, among other things.Today we tell the story of David (Hog) Greer, of Big Bald Mountain.Thanks for listening!

May 21, 2022 • 14:55

Joash And The Beast

Many years ago, before the first settlers had arrived on the Appalachian frontier of what's now West Virginia and far southwestern Virginia, it's told that a long hunter and his son spent some time hunting and trapping, gathering meat and furs to take back home to their farm in North Carolina. That trip turned out to be one not soon forgotten, for they encountered...something. And that something has a statue erected in its honor on High Knob in Norton, Virginia.Today we tell you a story that's

May 14, 2022 • 10:06

The Battle of the State of Franklin

In 1788 the fate of the State of Franklin was uncertain. North Carolina had re-exerted control over the area, appointing judges, sheriffs and other state and county officials, and residents of the area were divided between supporters of Franklin and supporters of North Carolina. Everything came to a head early in 1788 at the John Tipton farm in Washington County, Franklin/North Carolina. Today we tell that story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for

May 7, 2022 • 11:15

Asheville's Ponzi

We've told the stories of businessmen in Appalachia, all with their own colorful history, folks from Cas Walker to Virgil Q. Wacks. But they take a back seat to an Asheville businessman who took pushing boundaries to a whole new level. Today we tell the story of who the newspapers of the 1920's called "Asheville's Ponzi," Scott Dillingham.

Apr 30, 2022 • 25:34

The Harlan County Coal War

During the Great Depression of the 1930s coal miners in Harlan County, Kentucky, struck against the coal operators for better pay and better working conditions. These strikes often turned violent and gun battles were common. Today we tell the story of the Harlan County coal war of the 1930s.

Apr 23, 2022 • 16:51

Dr. Ralph Stanley

Today we tell the story of one of the most successful musicians to come from Southwest Virginia: Dr. Ralph Stanley, from Dickenson County. Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Audacy, Audible, Goodpods, RadioPublic, or on your own favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening to our stories!

Apr 16, 2022 • 9:33

The Crash Of The Shenandoah

In 1923 a rigid airship, made with new material produced by Alcoa Aluminum in Pittsburgh, became the U. S. Navy's flagship aircraft. Two years later this airship came down in bad weather in eastern Ohio with tragic results. Today we tell the story of the crash of the Shenandoah. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Audacy, Spotify, Audible, Goodpods, RadioPublic or on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening.

Apr 9, 2022 • 13:07

General John Hunt Morgan

Today we tell the story of the man who led the most successful Confederate raid on American territory during the Civil War, leading his men into battle throughout Indiana and Ohio. Afterwards, General John Hunt Morgan met his end at the hands of Union soldiers in Greeneville, Tennessee. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Goodpods, RadioPublic, Audacy, Audible or on your own favorite podcast app.

Apr 2, 2022 • 9:32

The Last Survivor of the Sultana Explosion

In April 1865 a riverboat that carried cargo from Illinois south to New Orleans was hired to transport newly freed Union prisoners from Vicksburg, Mississippi, home. Unfortunately, many of them would end up dying during this trip. Today we tell the story of the man claimed to be the last survivor of this ill-fated trip, a man born and raised in Blount County, Tennessee.

Mar 26, 2022 • 12:00

The Silver Legion

In the 1930's a man interested in writing, new age religions and far-right politics came to Asheville, North Carolina, where he established his own fascist organization in support of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party in Germany. Today we tell the story of William Dudley Pelley.

Mar 19, 2022 • 12:48

Jenny Wiley's Escape

In the area of Bland and Tazewell Counties in Virginia in the late 1780's a pregnant young woman and her child were captured by a band of renegade Indians consisting of two Cherokee, three Shawnee, three Wyandots and three Delaware. After a year as their slave, this woman managed to escape and make it back through the Appalachian wilderness to her family and friends. Today we tell the story of Jenny Wiley. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for liste

Mar 12, 2022 • 10:19

A Criminal Operation

In 1912 a Presbyterian pastor in Greeneville, Tennessee, decided to help his former secretary back at the school he headed in Pittsburgh. That decision cost the woman her life and landed the pastor in jail. Today we tell that story.

Mar 5, 2022 • 10:51

The Bloody Harpes

In the late 1700s two cousins, Micajah Harpe and Wiley Harpe, terrorized the Appalachian frontier, stealing, fighting, raping and killing pioneers as they crossed Appalachia looking for a new home. Today we tell the story of the Bloody Harpes, two of America's most vicious serial killers. Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast, at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Goodpods, Audacy, Audible, IHeart Radio, Stitcher or on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening.

Feb 26, 2022 • 18:37

Ida Mae Stull

Today we tell the fascinating story of the first woman in this country to go down in the coal mines to make a living, and how she made it legal for women to do so. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audacy, Goodpods, Audible or on your own favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening!

Feb 19, 2022 • 10:00

The Crash At Clingman's Dome

In the summer of 1946 a training mission for a B-29 Superfortress ended in tragedy. Today we tell the story of that B-29, which crashed into the third-highest mountaintop in the eastern United States. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Audacy, Stitcher, Goodpods, Audible, Spotify, IHeart Radio, RadioPublic, or on your favorite podcast app.

Feb 12, 2022 • 11:19

The Regulator Movement

Who were the men who moved into what’s now East Tennessee, establishing the first local governments there, such as the Watauga Association in 1772 and the State of Franklin in 1784? Many of them came from a movement that had been quashed in North Carolina by the Royal Governor in a battle that’s still remembered and re-enacted today. Today we tell the story of the Regulator Movement.

Feb 5, 2022 • 13:24

The Witch Murders

In 1950 a man shot and killed his sister-in-law and niece in a country store in northeast Tennessee. Why he did that is our story today. Don't forget to subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app!

Jan 29, 2022 • 10:50

The First Integrated Little League Team In The South

In 1951 Little League baseball came to Norton, Virginia. In that very first season the Little League allowed black boys and white boys to play together, fully integrated, for the first time in the South. Today we tell that story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Audacy, Goodpods, Audible, IHeart Radio or on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening!

Jan 21, 2022 • 9:20

Blennerhassett and Burr

After the end of the Revolutionary War the land north and west of the Ohio River was organized by Congress into the Northwest Territory. Soon settlers began to move into the eastern part of the territory (the future state of Ohio) and form new towns, including Marietta, at the junction of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers. One of these new settlers was an Irish nobleman, Harman Blennerhassett, who built a fine estate on an island in the Ohio not far from Marietta. There he entertained the rich and

Jan 15, 2022 • 12:19

Death By Psychic

At the turn of the 20th century, a Kentucky man obsessed with spiritualism, fortune-telling, seances and speaking to the dead, was convinced to marry a "psychic" and give her all his property. This act set off a chain of events involving this man, his siblings, his new (fourth) wife, and a man named Fred, all of which ended up very badly for him. Today we tell that story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Audacy, Audible, Goodpods, Spotify, TuneIn, Stitcher, IHeart Radi

Jan 8, 2022 • 11:52

The Fraterville Mine Disaster

In May of 1902 one of the best-run mine companies in the Coal Creek, Tennessee, area suffered a disaster when an explosion trapped and killed 216 miners, all but 3 of the adult male population of the Fraterville community. Today we tell that story. Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app!

Jan 1, 2022 • 13:03

Encore: The Krampus

This holiday season has been a tough one for us, so we haven't had the opportunity to put together this year's Christmas episode. Instead we give you last year's wonderful tale of the Krampus. By the way, all the references in that episode to 2020? Nothing's really changed, so just mentally put in "2021" when you hear us say "2020." Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, y'all!

Dec 24, 2021 • 10:22

The Thealka Explosion

On June 17, 1922, a tremendous explosion happened at the Thealka mine near Paintsville, Kentucky, killing two miners starting up mine equipment. This blast was no accident. Join us today for a story of labor unrest, coalfield violence, and justice, along with a bit of redemption. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audacy, Stitcher, Audible, RadioPublic, Google Podcasts, Goodpods, or on your favorite podcast app.

Dec 18, 2021 • 10:31

The Lost Children

In the spring of 1856 the two little boys of Samuel and Susanna Cox disappeared, seemingly without a trace. Today we tell the story of how the tragedy of that disappearance led to a miracle, one memorialized with a monument in the township of Pavia, Pennsylvania, east of Johnstown. You can subscribe to the audio version of the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Audible, Spotify, Audacy, Goodpods, Stitcher or on your favorite podcast app.

Dec 11, 2021 • 9:38

Green Allen Brooks, "Mountain Man"

There was a man who lived in Lee County, Virginia, who claimed to have once been a Tennessee Circuit Court judge, a preacher, a teacher and a business owner in Cumberland Gap. He was also tried for killing two lawmen who tried to arrest his son-in-law. Today we tell the story of Green Allen Brooks, dubbed by the press as the "Mountain Man." You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Audacy, Spotify, Audible, Stitcher or on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening

Dec 4, 2021 • 14:48

Cap Hatfield's Run

Over 120 years ago one of Devil Anse Hatfield's sons made his escape from a Williamson, West Virginia, jail.  How he got in that jail, why he escaped and where he went is our story this week. Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast, at Apple Podcasts, Audible, PlayerFM, Stitcher, Spotify, Audacy or on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening!

Nov 20, 2021 • 16:32

A Robbery Gone Awry

A hundred years ago two men were captured near Harriman, Tennessee, after an intense manhunt.  They, along with two other men, were responsible for an attempted armed bank robbery, two kidnappings, and one murder during a crime spree through the Tennessee hills west of Knoxville in June, 1921. Today we tell that story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, Stitcher, IHeart Radio, Audacy, or on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening and for sharing

Nov 13, 2021 • 13:56

Lewis The Robber

In the early 1800's central Pennsylvania was the home of a man named David Lewis.  Lewis joined the army then went AWOL, starting down a road that led to him becoming a charming con man, counterfeiter, robber and murderer, as well as a legend in the area, some even comparing Lewis to Robin Hood. Today we tell his story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, Stitcher, IHeart Radio or on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening.

Nov 6, 2021 • 11:29

The Trial Of Dr. Smith

In 1877 a young Kentucky man's body was found by the side of the road, the victim of a knife attack. Suspicion quickly fell on the deceased's former best friend since the two had recently had a falling out over a girl. That led the friend to go on the run. 20 years later he was found and brought back to Kentucky to face justice. Today we tell that story.

Oct 23, 2021 • 7:50

The Sevier/Jackson Duel

In 1803 John Sevier was the governor of the state of Tennessee and Andrew Jackson was a Superior Court judge, both in Knoxville.  They were also bitter political rivals.  One day the two met on the steps of the Knox County Courthouse and began an argument that turned into a fist fight and challenges from both men to the other to settle matters with a duel.  Today we tell that story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening and for sharing our st

Oct 16, 2021 • 14:57

The Bridge To Vulcan

In 1977 a small town along the Tug River in West Virginia needed a bridge.  They got that bridge, and became world-famous in the process.   That's our story this week. Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Audible, Spotify, Stitcher, RadioPublic, IHeart Radio or on your own favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening!

Oct 9, 2021 • 11:14

The Rugby Colony

After the Civil War a group of English men and women traveled to the hills of Tennessee to set up a utopian colony.   Today we tell that story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, IHeart Radio, Audacy, or on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening and for sharing our stories with your friends!

Oct 2, 2021 • 9:51

Moses Stepp

Today we tell a story that's a little bit history and a little bit folklore about a legend in eastern Kentucky named Moses Stepp, supposedly the oldest man to have ever lived in the state. Thanks for listening and for sharing our podcast with your friends.

Sep 25, 2021 • 11:16

The Knox Mine Disaster

In 1959 a mining operation ignored mine regulations leading not only to a mine roof collapse but flooding so bad that miners were killed and the entire economy in the area was pretty much destroyed. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audacy, IHeart Radio, Stitcher or on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening and for sharing our stories with your friends...

Sep 18, 2021 • 10:54

Escape(s) From The Yancey County Jail

1929 was a rough year for the jailer at the Yancey County jail, in North Carolina.  That year saw not one but two 3-prisoner escapes from the facility.   That's our story today. Thanks for listening and for sharing our stories of Appalachian history.

Sep 11, 2021 • 9:53

Part Two: Davy Crockett Goes To Texas

We wrap up our story about Davy Crockett, telling of his leaving Tennessee and moving to Texas to fight in the Texas War of Independence. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app...please add us to your favorites list! Thanks for listening...

Sep 4, 2021 • 10:42

The King of the Wild Frontier, Part One

Probably nobody embodies Appalachia and her people more than a man born near Limestone, Tennessee, in 1786.  Davy Crockett was a frontiersman, cowboy, businessman, politician and a martyr to the cause of Texas independence.   Today we start telling you his very big story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for listening!

Aug 28, 2021 • 14:20

Snakebit

In 1945 a preacher was arrested and charged in his wife's death...by snakebite. Seems he had been holding a service near Norton, Virginia, in which a large poisonous snake had been placed in his hand, and his wife had been bitten when she reached over to pat the creature's head. Today we tell the story of a death in a snake-handling church, another part of the history of this place we call home: Appalachia.

Aug 21, 2021 • 12:26

The Batts And Fallam Expedition

In 1671 Thomas Batts and Richard Fallam set out from Appomatox Town (near present day Petersburg), Virginia, on a mission of exploration into Appalachia.  Along the way they discovered the New River and many other places in the western part of the colony. Today we tell their story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Spotify, IHeart Radio, Deezer and many other podcast apps. Thanks for listening!

Aug 14, 2021 • 11:43

Blair Mountain

One hundred years ago this month the largest labor uprising in American history occurred in southern West Virginia when striking coal miners gathered with weapons and headed toward the Appalachian coal fields, intent on unionizing the mines there. What started with a deadly shootout in Matewan between men hired by the coal company to kick striking miners out of company-owned housing and Police Chief Sid Hatfield and his men in the spring of 1920 and Hatfield's subsequent killing on the McDowell

Aug 6, 2021 • 15:00

The Hillsville Courthouse Shootout

In 1912 a Carroll County, Virginia, man was sentenced to serve a one year sentence in the state penitentiary. The announcement of that sentence set off a gun battle that became one of the worst incidences of violence ever to occur in an American courtroom. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Spotify, IHeart Radio or on your favorite podcast app.

Jul 31, 2021 • 19:36

The Secret Still

In 1931 Knox County, Tennessee, sheriff's deputies, along with federal Prohibition officers, found something very interesting underneath a house in Knoxville. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing our stories with your friends!

Jul 24, 2021 • 10:08

An Unsolved Appalachian Mystery

Shortly after the end of the Civil War an orphan boy disappeared near the High Knob, on the border of Scott and Wise Counties in Virginia. Today we tell a story that's been handed down for over a hundred years of an Appalachian unsolved mystery! You can subscribe to the audio version of our podcast on your favorite podcast app. As always, thanks for listening!

Jul 17, 2021 • 10:11

Wonderland

Today we tell the story of the Wonderland Hotel and the area around it, Elkmont, both part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.   You can subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening!

Jul 10, 2021 • 12:10

Maggie Bailey

In the 1920s a young woman opened a business providing moonshine to all the bootleggers in the Harlan, Kentucky, area during Prohibition.  After Prohibition she opened a store that sold legal liquor.  She also sold moonshine there, for which she was arrested and tried and served her one and only jail sentence, even though she was arrested again and again, 37 more times, without a conviction.   Oh, she was also the model for a character in a popular television series that aired just a few years a

Jul 3, 2021 • 10:48

The Execution of Daniel Dean

In 1877 a farmer was shot dead as he was working in his fields.  No one saw who fired the shot and nobody confessed to the murder.  But Daniel Dean was hanged for the crime, splitting his community in half. Today we tell that story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening.

Jun 26, 2021 • 16:39

Mack Elliott

In 1929 there were textile strikes going on across the southeastern U. S., including at the two mills located in Elizabethton, Tennessee. Mack Elliott worked at one of those plants and was involved in union organizing there, which led, literally, to an explosive development. Today we tell that story.

Jun 19, 2021 • 8:45

The French Settlement

During the French Revolution a French baron attempted to establish a colony of Frenchmen in Appalachia, at present-day St. Paul, Virginia.  Today we tell you that story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, IHeart Radio, TuneIn, Audible or wherever you find your podcasts. Thanks for listening!

Jun 12, 2021 • 11:57

Joseph Martin

Explorer, surveyor, soldier and Indian agent are all jobs held by Joseph Martin. He also built a settlement, Martin's Station, that was a way station for settlers moving west into Kentucky. Today we tell his story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, IHeart Radio, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on you favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening and for sharing our stories of Appalachian history.

Jun 5, 2021 • 14:17

The Draft Dodger

During World War I a wealthy playboy from Philadelphia refused induction into the U. S. Army and was charged and convicted of draft evasion.  He managed to escape and, when captured, offered to buy his way out of prison with gold he said was hidden in the hills of West Virginia. That's just a small part of this week's story...you'll have to listen for the rest! Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app for all our stories of Appalachian history. Thanks for listenin

May 29, 2021 • 10:58

Who Am I ?

Today we tell the story of an East Tennessee man who realized after 20 years of marriage that he wasn't who he always thought he was. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, IHeart Radio, Audible or on your own favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening!

May 22, 2021 • 11:19

Earl

On April 11, 1946, Earl McFarland was captured by the FBI at the corner of Gay Street and Magnolia Avenue in Knoxville while waiting for a streetcar.    Why this happened to a Marine veteran of the Battle of Guadalcanal is the subject of our story today. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening to our stories of Appalachian history.

May 15, 2021 • 12:46

The Scopes Monkey Trial, Part Two

In 1925 the state of Tennessee passed the Butler Act, which made it illegal to teach the theory of evolution in public schools.  Today we tell part two of that story, the trial itself. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast in many ways: on our website, www.storiespodcast.net, at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Audible, Player FM and many more. Thanks for listening!

May 8, 2021 • 10:04

The Scopes Monkey Trial, Part One

In 1925 the state of Tennessee passed the Butler Act, which made it illegal to teach the theory of evolution in public schools. A group of men in Dayton, Tennessee, decided to challenge that law with the help of the ACLU, picking a high school teacher named John Scopes as their defendant. Today we tell part one of that story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast in many ways: on our website, www.storiespodcast.net, at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, IHeart Radio, Audible, RadioPublic and

May 1, 2021 • 13:23

The Kentucky Meat Shower 2021

Today we go back and retell one of our favorite stories, about a very odd occurrence at a farm in Kentucky in the 1870s that's still a mystery today. A tasty tale, indeed. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast on such fine podcast apps as Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Audible, IHeart Radio and more. Thanks for listening!

Apr 24, 2021 • 12:33

Cassius Marcellus Clay

Prior to the Civil War the Clay family of Kentucky was one of the nation's most prominent political families, the most well-known of which was congressman, senator, speaker of the House and Secretary of State Henry Clay.  Today we tell not his story, but the story of another Clay, abolitionist Cassius Marcellus Clay, who also was the namesake of another well-known Kentucky native, the boxer who dropped that name for the name Mohammed Ali. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcast

Apr 17, 2021 • 11:59

George Washington's Lost Colony

After the French and Indian War the governor of Virginia awarded veterans land in the western part of the state in payment for their service to king and colony.  Among those vets receiving land was George Washington, who decided to set up a colony of settlers in what's now West Virginia.  Today we tell the story of that attempt to set up an early Appalachian settlement. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, IHeart Radio, TuneIn, or on your own fa

Apr 10, 2021 • 14:48

Bouncing Bertha's Appalachian Ghost

In 1938 a family had an encounter with an Appalachian ghost when young Bertha Sybert's bed began to shake mysteriously every night. Soon people were coming from all over the country to witness the spirit, or demon or witch or whatever it was that was moving Bertha's bed around. Today we tell the story of Bouncing Bertha's ghost. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, IHeart Radio, among others. Thanks for listening!

Apr 3, 2021 • 15:54

Kidnapped!

In 1949 a gang robbed the Bank of Follansbee, near Weirton, West Virginia, of $5,400.00 and made their escape. Later that night two policemen pulled over a car they suspected belonged to those robbers. Things did not go as they planned, and we tell that story this week. Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Audible and on many other podcast apps.

Mar 27, 2021 • 8:48

The Marshall University Plane Crash

November 14, 1970, is a date burned into the memories of the residents of Huntington, West Virginia.  That's the day Marshall University lost its football team in a terrible plane crash, and that's the story we tell today. Thank you for listening and for sharing our stories of Appalachian history with your friends.

Mar 19, 2021 • 11:54

Fire In The Hole!

New Straitsville, Ohio, was founded as a coal town in the Hocking Valley after the Civil War. Labor unrest happened in the 1880's, leading to the Great Hocking Valley coal strike. During that strike something unthinkable happened, and is still happening today. On this episode of the podcast we tell that story. Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast at our website, www.storiespodcast.net, at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Audible, Spotify, TuneIn, IHeart Radio or on your favorite podcast app. Tha

Mar 13, 2021 • 10:59

The Greeneville Cholera Epidemic of 1873

In 1873 a wave of cholera swept across the southeastern U.S.  This epidemic hit the town of Greeneville, Tennessee, hard; so hard, in fact, that around 10% of the town's population was killed. Today we tell that story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, IHeart Radio, TuneIn, Amazon Music and more. Thanks for listening.

Mar 6, 2021 • 15:37

The Shelton Laurel Massacre

Loyalties were divided in Appalachia, from Kentucky to Tennessee to North Carolina. And it was in western North Carolina that a Confederate army unit committed an atrocity against Union sympathizers living in Madison County. Today we tell that story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast on a ton of apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Audible, IHeart Radio, TuneIn, Amazon Music, Deezer and more. Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing our stories with your

Feb 27, 2021 • 10:25

Appalachia And The First Anti-Lynching Law

Wise County, Virginia, saw very little racial violence after the Civil War. In fact, up until 1927, there were only three known cases of death by lynching in this southwestern Virginia county. But those three, each one more violent than the one before, led to the passage in Virginia of the first anti-lynching law in the former Confederacy. Today we tell that story. Thanks for watching...

Feb 20, 2021 • 13:30

The Lady Chained To The Wall

Firefighters responding to a house fire in Canton, Pennsylvania, in 1896 were stunned by what they found.   Today we tell that story. The Stories podcast is available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, IHeart Radio, Amazon Music, RadioPublic, Audible and more. Thanks for listening.

Feb 13, 2021 • 8:50

The Wild Man Of The Smokies

Mason Evans was a schoolteacher and principal in McMinn County, in southeast Tennessee. After his one true love left him he made a fateful and life-changing decision to head to the Smoky Mountains. That's the story we tell you today. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Audible, IHeart Radio, TuneIn and more. Thanks for listening!

Feb 6, 2021 • 13:18

The Wright-Templeton Gang

The bloody legacy of the Civil War lived on in Appalachia up until the beginning of the 20th century in the form of feuds and honor killings between those who once served the Union and those who did the same for the Confederacy.  Today we tell of one such example that arose along the Clinch River in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, the Wright-Templeton Gang. The Stories podcast is available on these fine podcast apps: Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Spotify, IHeart Radio, PlayerFM, RadioPublic, A

Jan 30, 2021 • 14:00

The Murderous Landlady

After World War II a young vet moves to Abingdon, Virginia, to take a teaching and coaching position in an area high school. And, being short on funds, he rents a room to live in from a widow. Things go down from there, eventually leading to a high profile murder trial. Today we tell you that story. Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Libsyn, TuneIn, PlayerFM, or on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening!

Jan 23, 2021 • 7:58

The Natural Tunnel Train Wreck

Early on Christmas Eve, 1911, a 24 car coal train wrecked inside the Natural Tunnel in Scott County, Virginia. Today we tell that story. You can subscribe to the audio version of the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Spotify, RadioPublic, and more. Please subscribe to our YouTube channel and give us a thumbs-up, please. Thanks for listening/watching!

Jan 16, 2021 • 9:33

Ty Cobb And The Heckler

Ty Cobb was born in 1886 in Narrows, in north Georgia.  He became a baseball legend, known as much for his fierce competitiveness as for his athletic ability.  Today we tell the story of what happened when a fan decided it was a good idea to heckle Cobb during a game. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast on these podcast apps: Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and many more. Thanks for listening.

Jan 9, 2021 • 12:10

Jock Yablonski

For years the UMWA was under the tight control of John L. Lewis.  After he retired in 1960, he engineered the election of his hand-picked successor, W. A. (Tony) Boyle, as vice-president and then, on the death of Lewis' successor, he made sure he became UMWA president.  Six years later Boyle was challenged for the union presidency by long-time UMWA officer Joseph (Jock) Yablonski on a platform of reforming the union to better serve the needs of rank and file miners.  Yablonski lost, amid allegat

Jan 2, 2021 • 17:13

Brushy Mountain's Prodigal Son

An attempted robbery of a Johnson City, Tennessee, laundry in 1930 eventually led to a stint in Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, a prisoners strike and an escape for the robber.  Two years later, this man walked into a police station a thousand miles away and surrendered to authorities, who had no idea he was a wanted man.  Today we tell that story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, RadioPublic, IHeart Radio, TuneIn a

Dec 26, 2020 • 11:06

The Krampus

Christmas is fast approaching so this week, as we do at this time of the year, we tell a Christmas story. And, since this is the pandemic year, 2020, what better story to tell than that of a man-goat being with horns that represents the evil side of Christmas! Today we tell you about Krampus. Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast on such fine podcast apps as Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, RadioPublic, Spotify, IHeart Radio and TuneIn. If you'd rather watch us, then go over to our

Dec 19, 2020 • 10:19

Tsali

Today we tell the story of Cherokee prophet and leader, Tsali. According to tribal oral tradition, it was Tsali who made it possible for the Eastern Band of the Cherokee to remain in North Carolina after the southeastern Native American tribes were forced to move to Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. But the actual historical records tells a different story. We share those stories today. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn and wherever

Dec 12, 2020 • 12:23

A Courtroom Tragedy

The Avery family is very well-known in western North Carolina, starting in the late 1700s with Waightstill Avery, a lawyer and the very first attorney general in the state. His grandson, William Waightstill Avery, was, just like his grandfather, a North Carolina lawyer and politician. What happened between him and another man in a courtroom in 1851 is the subject of our story today. You can find the audio version of the Stories podcast on many podcast apps, including Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Sp

Dec 5, 2020 • 10:28

Faster Than A Speeding Bullet

Today we tell the story of the man from West Virginia who became a brigadier general in the U. S. Air Force, helped train the first American astronauts and became the first man to break the sound barrier, Chuck Yeager. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Amazon Music, IHeart Radio, Tunein and more. Thanks for listening!

Nov 28, 2020 • 15:49

Appalachian Travellers

At one time it was a common sight to see a traveling group of Roma, known then as gypsies, come through Appalachia. Folks would barter with them for livestock, utensils and services. Along with the Roma, the Irish travellers were also present, providing stories and repairs for the locals they met. Today we tell their story, a part of the history of Appalachia. You can subscribe to the audio version of the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Spotify, IHeart Radio, Amazon

Nov 21, 2020 • 15:51

The Last Gunfight In Knoxville

Disputes in Appalachia between the well-to-do were often handled with the use of firearms with one of the most well-known people from the region, Andrew Jackson, being famous for his duels with rivals.  And when it wasn't a formal duel, these folks would often shoot it out, much like in the Wild West.  Today we tell of a dispute that ended with the son of one of the parties lying dead on Gay Street in Knoxville, along with both of the combatants, an incident so bad it ended up being one of the l

Nov 14, 2020 • 8:55

The New Market Train Wreck

Saturday, September 24, 1904, started just like any other day for the passengers getting ready to board the Southern Railway Number 15 train at the Bristol Train Station.  It would end in a horrible, horrible way in New Market, Tennessee. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, IHeart Radio, Amazon Music, Deezer and many, many more. Thanks for listening.

Nov 7, 2020 • 10:16

Ghost Stories 2020/A Look Back Over Five Years

It's Halloween so Rod and Steve each have a bit of Appalachian folklore for you, in the form of two ghost stories.  Stick around after the stories, though, because Halloween is the fifth anniversary of the podcast and we're discussing our favorite episodes over the years. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, TuneIn, IHeart Radio and on many other podcast apps. Thanks for listening.  Happy Halloween...

Oct 31, 2020 • 34:27

Will Harris

In 1906 a North Carolina prison escapee comes to Asheville.  There he gets into a drunken shootout with police and an escape littered with his murdered victims.  Today we tell the story of Will Harris. The Stories podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Podcasts, RadioPublic, Amazon Music, IHeart Radio and on many other podcast apps. Thanks for listening and for sharing our stories with your friends!

Oct 24, 2020 • 11:06

Raccoon John Smith

In 1784 a child was born on the Appalachian frontier, along the Holston River, in what was then the state of Franklin.  This child would grow up to become a preacher, a leader in the Restoration Movement and would help in the founding of the Disciples of Christ.  Today we tell the story of Raccoon John Smith. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, IHeart Radio, Amazon Music, Deezer, and many more. Thanks for listening.

Oct 17, 2020 • 14:07

More Short Stories

Today we have another collection of what we call "short stories," bits of Appalachian history that are interesting but which by themselves won't make for a full podcast episode. On this episode we tell about a strange substance found at a home in Tom's Creek, Virginia;  a criminal who managed to outwit the court system in West Virginia; a vote on Prohibition in Bristol, Virginia; a jailbreak in North Carolina worthy of an episode of the Andy Griffith show; and a murder trial in eastern Kentucky

Oct 10, 2020 • 14:33

Ollan Cassell

Many world renowned athletes have come from Appalachia, from NFL players Thomas and Julius Jones to gymnast Mary Lou Retton, just to name a few.  Today we tell the story of a runner born in Nickelsville, Virginia, who won the gold medal in the 4 x 400 meter relay in the 1964 Olympics. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, IHeart Radio, Spotify, Amazon Music and more. Thanks for listening...

Oct 3, 2020 • 12:13

Worcester v. Georgia

In the 1830s the Cherokee of north Georgia had settled on a strategy of using litigation to establish and enforce rights that had been given to them by treaties with the United States.  Samuel Worcester, a missionary to the tribe from Vermont, helped to come up with this approach. And they won their case at the U. S. Supreme Court, which said they were a sovereign nation within Georgia.  But that didn't matter because both Georgia and the President of the United States ignored that decision, whi

Sep 26, 2020 • 9:34

Cinder Bottom

Today we take another trip to Keystone, West Virginia.  Last time we were here, we told of a bank failure so huge it was a forerunner of the financial crash of 2008 and the Great Recession.  On this podcast we turn to the seedy part of town, a place called Cinder Bottom, where the liquor ran freely and the women were a plenty (for a price).   You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, IHeart Radio and more. Thanks for listening!

Sep 19, 2020 • 12:51

Shanksville

19 years ago today Al Qaeda terrorists seized four commercial jets with the intent to use them as suicide bombs against American targets.  Three of these succeeded, resulting in the collapse of both towers of the World Trade Center in New York and massive damage to the Pentagon.  The fourth attempt was foiled by the plane's passenger over the skies of Appalachia.  Today we tell the story as seen from the ground in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where the plane crashed. Thanks for listening.

Sep 11, 2020 • 10:13

William Fayssoux

William Irvine Fayssoux was a psychic and illusionist in the south early in the 20th century.  He traveled throughout Appalachia, performing feats that would seem incredible even today. There's little doubt that had he been born 100 years later he'd have his own TV show.  Today we tell his story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, IHeart Radio, Deezer, RadioPublic and more. We're also on YouTube.  Be sure to like and subscribe. Thanks for listening!

Sep 5, 2020 • 9:56

D. C. Stephenson

In 1962 a World War I vet came to the VA hospital at Mountain Home, Tennessee for medical care.  This man decided to stay in the area, getting a job at the weekly newspaper in nearby Jonesborough.  There he worked as a linotype operator and part-time reporter.  He also developed a relationship with his widowed landlord, eventually marrying her. When he died he was buried at the Mountain Home National Cemetery. It was only after his death that the dark secrets he held were discovered.  Today we t

Aug 29, 2020 • 18:15

The Cane Ridge Revival

Today we tell the story of the camp meeting to end all camp meetings, the one that helped to spark the Second Great Awakening. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, RadioPublic and more. Thanks for listening!

Aug 22, 2020 • 14:03

Lillie Ladd

In 1927 the wife of the Roane County, Tennessee, sheriff managed to persuade two escaped prisoners to return to the jail in Kingston without using a weapon of any kind.  That's a story in and of itself, but it's only part of Lillie Ladd's story, which includes not one but two twists at the end!  You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RadioPublic, Spotify, IHeart Radio, TuneIn and more. We're also have a YouTube channel, at Stories, A History of Appalachia. Thanks f

Aug 15, 2020 • 12:34

The Bunch Gang

In May, 1934, a man wanted for the robbery of a bank in Ewing, Virginia, made a daring escape from the Cocke County, Tennessee, jail.  Thus started a summer of carjackings, highway robberies, moonshining and high speed chases from Knoxville to Cumberland Gap that came to a tragic end on August 22.  Today we tell the story of Clarence Bunch, another part of the history of Appalachia. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, IHeart Radio, and on our Yo

Aug 8, 2020 • 11:17

The Governor

Today we tell the story of the first Republican elected governor of Virginia since the Civil War, who also happens to be the father-in-law of one of the state's current senators, and who also happens to have been raised in the Appalachian town of Big Stone Gap... You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, IHeart Radio, RadioPublic, YouTube and more... Thanks for listening, y'all!

Aug 1, 2020 • 9:19

Pocahontas Hale

In the 1860s a Cherokee witch doctor arrived in Bristol, Virginia, to assist in the local Confederate hospital with her salves and potions.  After the war she invested her meager savings into a building on State Street, from which she operated what became Bristol's largest brothel, the Black Shawl.   Today we tell her story, and more. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RadioPublic, Spotify, IHeart Radio and on our YouTube channel as well. Thanks for listening.

Jul 25, 2020 • 17:11

Abijah Alley

Back in the 1800's a preacher named Abijah Alley from Scott County, Virginia, made a name for himself when he began traveling around the world.  He also was a bit of a prophet, as he foretold the Civil War, emancipation and the defeat of the South.   Today we tell his story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, IHeart Radio, RadioPublic and more.

Jul 18, 2020 • 12:07

Beulah and Jean

You've probably seen the movie "Thelma and Louise," about two housewives who hit the road for a bit of adventure that eventually goes wrong.  Today we're going to tell you a story about a real life pair of Tennessee housewives whose adventures on the road lead to murder in the 1930's. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, IHeart Radio, Deezer and more. Thanks for listening!

Jul 11, 2020 • 10:46

Martin Van Buren Bates, The Kentucky Giant

From Kona, in Letcher County, Kentucky, came one of the tallest men in the world, a true giant. Martin Van Buren Bates traveled the world as a circus performer, which allowed him to meet the love of his life, Anna Swan, one of the tallest women in the world.  Together, they still hold the Guinness record as the tallest married couple ever.  Today we tell that story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RadioPublic, IHeart Radio, Spotify, TuneIn and more. Thanks f

Jul 4, 2020 • 13:50

Sara Jane

On this episode we tell the story of Sara Jane Moore, the second woman to attempt to assassinate a president, who was born and raised in Charleston, West Virginia. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, and more. Thanks for listening, y'all!

Jun 27, 2020 • 10:34

The Escape Artist?

Today's story is from Clay County, Kentucky, and involves a man who was arrested for allegedly killing his father and stepmother, but who escaped justice for years by breaking out of jail again, and again, and yet again before he was finally captured for good.   You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, IHeart Radio, TuneIn and more.

Jun 20, 2020 • 13:45

Pictureman

William Richardson Mullins made his living as a photographer in Eastern Kentucky and Southwest Virginia.  Starting in the Great Depression, he traveled the mountains taking pictures until, eventually, he had amassed a collection of thousands of photographs that documented life in central Appalachia during the mid 20th century.  He also earned the nickname "Pictureman" for his work. Today we tell his story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Deezer, RadioPublic,

Jun 13, 2020 • 11:29

193-0

Football is big in Appalachia, just like it was 94 years ago when two teams met but only one, apparently, was there to play.  Today we tell the story of one of the most lopsided high school football games ever played, between Kingsport's Dobyns Bennett High School and the Raiders from Norton, Virginia.   You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RadioPublic, Spotify, Feedburner and more. Thanks for listening to our stories...

Jun 6, 2020 • 11:05

Der Furrier

Today we tell how Adolf Hitler came to be in eastern Kentucky after World War II...not.  It's actually a story about a massive con job on post-war Nazi sympathizers all done from Middlesboro, Kentucky.   You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RadioPublic, Spotify, IHeart Radio, and more. Thanks for listening and for sharing our stories of Appalachian history with your friends.

May 30, 2020 • 15:25

The First Woman Convicted Of Bank Robbery In Kentucky

Today we tell the story of Lillian Grace Browder who, with her husband Carl, robbed the Farmer's Bank in Louisville, Kentucky.  In the process she earned the distinction of being the first woman to be convicted of that crime in the state. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at our website, www.storiespodcast.net, on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play, Radio.com, Spotify, and on many other apps. Thanks for listening!

May 23, 2020 • 9:36

L. W. Wright, Nascar Legend

In 1982 a man in Nashville managed to con enough people to earn a spot in the Nascar race in Talladega, Alabama.  He made it a few laps, earned a little prize money, then vanished, leaving behind several bounced checks and no clue who he really was.   Today we tell you the story of a man who called himself L. W. Wright. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, RadioPublic and on many other podcast apps.  Thanks for listening!

May 16, 2020 • 14:26

The Murder of Lillie Davis

In 1907 a woman was killed in a cemetery that straddled the border between Virginia and Tennessee in Bristol.  Newspapers of the day soon turned this crime into a media circus, especially after it was linked to a prior homicide in the city.   In this, our 300th podcast episode, we tell you that story. The Stories podcast is available at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, and on many other podcast apps. Thanks for listening, y’all!

May 9, 2020 • 9:33

The Fast

In 1937 a devout Christian man in Sequatchie County, Tennessee, was instructed by the Lord to begin a fast.  He did as he was told and at the same time attracted the attention of a nation in the grip of the Great Depression.  Today we tell his story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, TuneIn and on many other podcast apps. Thanks for listening.   Keep yourselves safe.

May 2, 2020 • 9:52

The Spanish Flu, Part Two

A few weeks ago we told about the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic that swept across Appalachia.  Today we return to tell more of that story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play, RadioPublic, Spotify and on many other podcast apps. Thanks for listening.  Keep yourselves safe.

Apr 25, 2020 • 19:09

Atomic Breakdown

In the 1940's workers, scientists and the military came to Anderson County, Tennessee, and built a city in which to develop an atomic weapon.  The weight of what they were doing came to be too much for one Naval ensign.  Today we tell what happened. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RadioPublic, TuneIn, Spotify and on many other podcast apps. Thanks for listening, folks...

Apr 18, 2020 • 10:13

Divided Loyalties

At the start of the Civil War, the Appalachian part of Tennessee voted 2-1 to remain a part of the United States in that state's secession vote.  When Tennessee left the Union and joined the Confederacy, those loyalists defended that Union, leading to summary executions and marshal law.  Today we tell their story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, IHeart Radio, RadioPublic and on many other podcast apps. Thanks for listening!

Apr 11, 2020 • 13:33

Virgil Q. Wacks

Appalachia is filled with unique and colorful characters.  Today we tell the story of one of them: journalist, baseball entrepreneur, self-promoter and chronicler of life in southern Appalachia through the medium of Super-8 movie film, Virgil Q. Wacks, of Lee County, Virginia. The Stories podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RadioPublic, Spotify and on many other podcast apps. Thanks for listening!

Apr 4, 2020 • 21:11

Jackie Mitchell

In 1931 a Chattanooga woman made baseball history by striking out, back to back, two Yankee legends.  Today we tell her story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RadioPublic, TuneIn, Spotify and on many other podcast apps. Thanks for listening!

Mar 28, 2020 • 8:36

The Spanish Flu

They say that history doesn't repeat itself.  While that's certainly true, it's also true that history does tend to rhyme every now and then. Today we tell the story of the Spanish flu, a story that could have come from today's headlines, except it's actually about a pandemic  that happened 102 years ago.   You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RadioPublic, Spotify, IHeart Radio, TuneIn and on most other podcast apps. Thanks for listening, folks.  Stay safe.

Mar 21, 2020 • 18:20

Mother Jones, Part Two

Today we continue the story of labor activist Mother Jones, beloved by generations of Appalachian coal miners. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RadioPublic, TuneIn, Spotify and on many other podcast apps. Thanks for listening and for sharing our stories of Appalachian history.

Mar 7, 2020 • 13:17

Mother Jones, Part One

A woman born in Ireland who immigrated to, first, Canada, then the United States, became a schoolteacher and dressmaker.  The tragic loss of her husband and children led eventually to a career in labor activism.  Today we start to tell you the story of a woman beloved by generations of Appalachian coal miners, Mother Jones. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, TuneIn, IHeart Radio, and more. Thanks for listening and for sharing our stories o

Feb 29, 2020 • 10:52

Wiley Oakley

A boy's search for the spirit of his late mother in the Smokey Mountains led to a career as a Great Smoky Mountains National Park guide and a life as a well-loved Gatlinburg businessman and teller of Appalachian tall tales.  Today, by listener request, we tell the story of Sevier County's Wiley Oakley. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at our website: www.storiespodcast.net  You can also subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, Tune In as well as on most other podcast

Feb 22, 2020 • 7:28

Tabitha Holton

Up until the late 1800's the legal profession in North Carolina was limited to men only.  That changed with the admission of a spunky woman born in Iredell County named Tabitha Ann Holton.  Today we tell her story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at our website: storiespodcast.net; also at Apple Podcasts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, IHeart Radio, and wherever else fine podcasts are found. Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing our stories of Appalachian history.

Feb 15, 2020 • 8:18

Nancy Ward

One of the most well-known Cherokee on the Appalachian frontier was Nancy Ward.  Today we tell the story of the Cherokee "beloved woman." The Stories podcast is available at our website, www.storiespodcast.net, at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RadioPublic, Spotify, Google Play and on most other podcast apps. Thanks for listening and for sharing our stories of Appalchian history with your friends.

Feb 8, 2020 • 12:42

The Fall

Today we tell the story of a bizarre tragedy that took place aboard a Piedmont Airlines DC-3 in the skies over western North Carolina in 1956. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, RadioPublic, Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, IHeart Radio, Tune In and on many other podcast apps. Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing our stories with your friends...

Feb 1, 2020 • 10:15

Tweetsie

Many years ago a railroad ran from Johnson City, Tennessee, over the mountains to the North Carolina high country in Boone.  This narrow-gauge passenger and freight railroad is no more, but it is remembered in a theme park named after it, the Tweetsie Railroad.  Today we tell its story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, Tune In, IHeart Radio as well as on many other podcast apps. Thanks for listening!

Jan 25, 2020 • 11:20

The Luther Elkins Petroglyphs

Wyoming County, West Virginia, contains a set of strange rock carvings called petroglyphs on a rock ledge of a cliff overhanging the upper Clear Fork of the Guyandotte River.  While most scientists think these etchings are the work of Native Americans, some people argue they were made by Irish Christians during the Middle Ages.  Today we tell the story of the Luther Elkins Petroglyph. The Stories podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, IHeart Radio, Spotify, RadioPublic and many other

Jan 18, 2020 • 14:41

Homer and Geneva

In 1937 the state of Tennessee passed a law that forbade marriage for anyone under the age of 16, without their parents' permission.  The first case brought under that new law involved 32 year-old Homer Peels, who married Geneva Hamby, who was 11 years old, in Monroe County. Today we tell that story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play, TuneIn, Spotify or on our website, www.storiespodcast.net. Thanks for listening and for sharing our st

Jan 11, 2020 • 11:22

An Insurance Scheme in Pike County, Kentucky

What do you get when you mix a coal mine, explosives, and greed?  Why, you get today's bit of Appalachian history, of course!   Today we tell the tale of an insurance scheme gone horribly wrong in Pike County, Kentucky back in 1925. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play, IHeart Radio, Spotify , Tune In and on many other podcast apps.  You can also subscribe at our website, www.storiespodcast.net. Thanks for listening and for sharing our st

Jan 4, 2020 • 9:14

Attakullakulla and Dragging Canoe

Today we tell the story of two of the most prominent Cherokee the first settlers encountered on the Appalachian frontier, Attakullakulla and his son Dragging Canoe.   You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at our website, www.storiespodcast.net, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RadioPublic, Spotify, or wherever fine podcasts are found! Thanks for listening and for sharing out stories of Appalchian history with your friends.

Dec 28, 2019 • 14:20

A Fugitive Returns

Connolly Fields lived with his wife in Scott County, Virginia, in the 1880s.  All was well, until he, his wife, his brother in law William and his associates all got into a fight over trespassing on the Fields' land.  That resulted in Connally going on the run for 16 years.  Today we tell his story. The Stories podcast is found on RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play, TuneIn, Player FM and on most other podcast apps. Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing our stories with your

Dec 14, 2019 • 9:11

The Flood of '77

Appalachia has always been prone to flooding in one valley or another but in 1977 the heavens quite literally opened up over the entire region, setting off the worst widespread flooding in Appalachian history.  Today we tell that story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and on most other podcast apps. Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing us with your friends.

Dec 7, 2019 • 18:24

Elgin Baylor's Boycott

The Minneapolis Lakers weren’t exactly setting the basketball world on fire in January, 1959.  In fact, on January 16th they had a 15/27 won loss record for the season.  The 16th was the day the Lakers were scheduled to appear in Charleston, West Virginia’s brand new civic center to play the Cincinnati Royals, and they hoped to break a four game losing streak with the help of their talented rookie player Elgin Baylor.  As it turned out, that was not to be. Today we tell the story of why Elgin Ba

Nov 23, 2019 • 8:56

The Murder Of Judge Lawler

Today we have a story of politics, corruption and murder in 1916 Huntsville, Alabama. The Stories podcast is available on RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, IHeart Radio and many other podcast apps.  Be sure to subscribe for free! Thanks for sharing our stories of Appalachian history with your friends.

Nov 16, 2019 • 9:45

The Wreck Of The Old '97

On September 27, 1903, a mail train was on it's way to Spencer, North Carolina, from Monroe, Virginia, when it crashed at a trestle in southern Virginia, near Danville.  That terrible wreck inspired a country music classic that's still played today, and on this episode of the podcast we share the story of the crash and the song with you. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RadioPublic, IHeart Radio, TuneIn, and on many other podcast apps. Thanks for listening an

Nov 9, 2019 • 8:18

Cas

One of the most colorful personalities to ever come out of Appalachia was a media savvy self-made grocer, radio and tv host and Tennessee politician by the name of Cas Walker.  Today we tell you about him. The Stories podcast is available on RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn and on many other podcast apps. Thanks for listening and sharing our stories of Appalachian history with your friends.

Oct 31, 2019 • 12:58

The Hermit Of Pound Gap

A traveler uncovers a local legend about an old hermit living in a cave on the Virginia/Kentucky border, so he sets about to investigate.  We tell you that story, this year's Halloween tale, on today's podcast. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, RadioPublic, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, IHeart Radio, and on many other podcast apps. Thanks for listening...Happy Halloween!

Oct 26, 2019 • 9:51

Boneyard Hollow

Between the towns of Big Stone Gap and Appalachia in the mountains of southwestern Virginia was a  place once known as "Boneyard Hollow."  This little hollow was where a meat butchering concern used to dump the bones left over from preparing steaks, roasts and other meats.  It also was where a body could be found, at least as one prisoner told it.  Today we tell you that story. The Stories podcast is available free of charge at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, IHeart Radio, Spotify, TuneIn

Oct 18, 2019 • 8:51

Tizrow McGhee

The strange story of Tizrow McGhee, born on Friday the 13th in Kentucky, who kept getting into all kinds of scrapes, including one that kept him awake for 23 years. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and many other podcast apps. Thanks for listening!

Oct 12, 2019 • 11:06

The Knoxville Football Riot

When the Chattanooga Mocs came to Knoxville to take on the Tennessee Volunteers in the fall of 1958, Tennessee was looking forward to breaking a losing streak.  You see, the Mocs had lost their last 28 games with the Vols, so Chattanooga was seen as an easy pick up.  That's not what happened, and that led to, well, mayhem on the football field in Knoxville.  Today we tell you that story. The Stories podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, RadioPublic, Stitcher, Spotify, IHeart Radio, and many ot

Oct 5, 2019 • 8:29

The Rowan County War

Feuds were fought across the mountains of Appalachia after the Civil War, as families competed for the newly developed timber and coal riches in the area.  One of the most well-known, outside the famous Hatfield-McCoy feud, was the one in eastern Kentucky between the Martins and the Tollivers, better known as the Rowan County War. The Stories podcast is available, free of charge, at Apple Podcasts, RadioPublic, Stitcher, Spotify, IHeart Radio, TuneIn and on many other podcast apps. Thanks for li

Sep 28, 2019 • 18:55

Uncle Dyke

Today we tell the story of one of southern West Virginia's most beloved circuit riding preachers, William Dyke Garrett.  Garrett is best known to the rest of the world, though, as the preacher who saved the soul of the most famous feudist in Appalachia. The Stories podcast is available at RadioPublic, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Player FM, Feedburner, and on most other podcast apps.  Be sure to subscribe, for free. Thanks for listening and sharing our little stories of Appalachian history with you

Sep 21, 2019 • 8:42

The Shooting Of E. E. Carter

Who shot the mayor of Bluefield, West Virginia, back in 1917?  Today we tell the story of that little bit of Appalachian history. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast on RadioPublic, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, IHeart Radio, and more, all for free. Thanks for listening and for sharing our stories with your friends...

Sep 14, 2019 • 6:09

Hugh Morton And Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in western North Carolina, and has been for decades.  It's also a world heritage site for the protection of the plants and animals native to the area.  That's all because of the work done by Hugh Morton, one time owner of Grandfather Mountain.  Today we tell that story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, Feedburner or any number of other podcast apps. Thanks

Sep 6, 2019 • 11:07

Buster Duggan

Today we tell the story of William Winfield Scott Duggan, better known as Buster Duggan.  Duggan was an outlaw, moonshiner and murderer notorious in southeast Tennessee and northeast Alabama early in the 20th century. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn and on most other podcast apps, all for free. Thanks for listening and sharing us with your friends.

Aug 31, 2019 • 11:12

The Prophets Of God

Today we tell the story of two oddly dressed street preachers who showed up in Beckley, West Virginia, in the summer of 1930, causing a great deal of commotion among the African-American community in that city. The Stories podcast is available, free of charge, at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RadioPublic, Spotify and many other podcast apps. Thanks for listening to our stories of Appalachian history.

Aug 24, 2019 • 7:43

The Asheville Election Riot Of 1868

The 1868 presidential election was the first held in the country since the end of the Civil War.  Recently freed slaves flocked to the polls on election day in Asheville, North Carolina, to cast their votes for the Republican Party.  At the same time white voters came out to vote for the Democratic Party, run by former Confederates.  A small clash occurred between two groups of opposing voters, which soon turned into rock-throwing and then into a full fledged riot in which several black voters w

Aug 17, 2019 • 8:56

Robert Sheffey, Circuit Riding Preacher

Today we tell the story of Robert Sheffey, one of Southwest Virginia's most well-known circuit riders.  These preachers traveled from one community to the next, bringing the word of God to those who would accept it.  There was one town, however, that never accepted Preacher Sheffey's efforts to save it, no matter how hard he tried, so, as the story goes, he laid a curse on this town, rejecting it just as the town had rejected the Lord.   You can subscribe to the Stories podcast, for free, at App

Aug 10, 2019 • 8:56

Chief Benge

The Appalachian frontier of the 1780's and 1790's was a dress rehearsal for the Wild West of the 1870's and 1880's, with the establishment of new towns, new farms, and wars with the Native Americans who were already there.  Today we tell the story of the son of a Cherokee woman and a Scots trader who became a legendary Cherokee warrior, raiding the settlements along the Holston and Clinch Rivers in what's now eastern Tennessee and southwestern Virginia during those frontier times. The Stories po

Aug 3, 2019 • 17:32

Napoleon Hill

There are a lot of men and women who make a career out of helping others achieve their life goals. These self-help teachers and authors include Norman Vincent Peale, Tony Robbins and Dale Carnegie.  One of the first of these was a man named Napoleon Hill, whose book "Think And Grow Rich," was a world wide bestseller still available in bookstores 80 years after it was first published.   Oh, by the way, Napoleon Hill was born in Pound, Virginia, and we tell his fascinating story on today's podcast

Jul 26, 2019 • 11:53

The Hawk's Nest Tunnel

During the Great Depression jobs were hard to come by.  So when the Rhinehart and Dennis Construction Company came looking for workers to build a hydroelectric tunnel on the New River in West Virginia in 1930, men from around the country started pouring into the area.  Many of these men were African Americans from the Deep South, and they worked the hardest, with little or no safety gear provided by the company that commissioned the work, Union Carbide. The result was the worst industrial disast

Jul 20, 2019 • 10:07

Two True Tales Of Crime In Appalachia

We have a "two-fer" for you this week! In our first story, from Pennsylvania, we tell of a murder with a wizardly twist. In the second, a husband with a dying wife in West Virginia appears to be trying to hurry her along. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RadioPublic, Spotify, TuneIn or wherever podcasts can be downloaded. We're on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia. Thanks for listening and sharing us with your friends!

Jul 13, 2019 • 13:03

The War Of The Roses

In 1886 two brothers from Carter County, Tennessee, ran for governor of the Volunteer State, one a Republican and the other a Democrat.  Instead of ripping the family apart, the campaign allowed the two to have the time of their lives, all the way to the Governor's Mansion.  Today we tell the story of the War of the Roses between the Taylor brothers, Alf and Bob.   You can subscribe to the Stories podcast on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RadioPublic, Spotify, IHeart Radio and wherever else podcasts

Jul 6, 2019 • 10:39

Lesley Riddle

Back in the 1920's A. P. Carter scoured the Appalachian countryside looking for songs the Carter Family could perform.  Along with him was a young black musician from Kingsport who was instrumental in finding many of those songs in the area's African-American community.  Today we tell his story. The Stories podcast is available for download, for free, from many podcast apps, including Stitcher, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, RadioPublic, and more. Thanks for listening to our stories about the history

Jun 28, 2019 • 8:49

A Soviet Spy in Appalachia

Today, in a retelling of our very first podcast episode, Rod and Steve tell the story of a man who, during the 1930's and 40's, worked at Tennessee Eastman, Holston Defense and in Oak Ridge on the Manhattan Project.  He also was a Russian asset who sold information about American weapons to his handlers.   The Stories podcast is available, for free, at Apple Podcasts, RadioPublic, Stitcher, Spotify, IHeart Radio, and on most other podcast apps. Thanks for listening and sharing our stories of App

Jun 22, 2019 • 12:03

The Judge Who Ran Both Ways

Today we tell the story of Judge Alexander Ratliff of Pikeville, Kentucky, who ran for office as both a Democrat and as an Independent, at the same time, gathering enough votes from both ballots to be elected. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn or on any number of podcast apps, all for free. Thanks for listening and sharing us with your friends.

Jun 15, 2019 • 9:42

The Kidnapping of Peggy Ann

The story of the kidnapping of a high school student in Shade Gap, Pennsylvania, who was dragged off into the woods while walking from her bus stop to her house. The man who took her was known as an eccentric in the community. The kidnapping triggered the largest manhunt in American history to that time. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast, for free of course, at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or on any number of other podcast apps. We're on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and

Jun 8, 2019 • 8:45

Massacre at Lattimer

On September 10, 1897, more than a dozen coal miners, mainly eastern European immigrants, were shot and killed by police while on strike at the Lattimer mine in Hazelton, Pennsylvania.  This was a turning point in the UMW's efforts to organize the coal fields of northern Appalachia and today we tell that story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, IHeart Radio, Stitcher or on most other podcast apps. We're on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitt

Jun 1, 2019 • 10:40

Nance Dude

Today we tell the story of Nance Dude, of Haywood County, North Carolina, convicted in the death of her granddaughter in 1913.   You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at RadioPublic, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Player FM and on many other podcast apps. For more stories about the history of this place we call home, you can follow us on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and Twitter @storyappalachia.

May 25, 2019 • 10:00

The Baroness

Today we tell a story of love, lust, and espionage in Chattanooga, Tennessee during World War I. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and many other podcast apps, all for free! We're on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia. Thanks for listening to our tales of Appalachian history...

May 2, 2019 • 8:29

Highlander

The Highlander Research and Education Center in New Market, Tennessee, outside Knoxville, was in the news recently when one of the buildings there was burned.  Fire investigators found a white power symbol in the ashes of that building.  Today we're going to tell you just why that might have been as we share the story of Highlander's history in the civil rights movement of the 1950's and 60's, as well as in labor struggles in Appalachia. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at RadioPublic, A

Apr 20, 2019 • 8:58

Tennessee Ernie Ford

Today we're going to have a pea-pickin' old time telling the story of one of the most talented and popular entertainers to ever come out of Appalachia: Tennessee Ernie Ford, of Bristol, Tennessee. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeart Radio, and on many other podcast apps. We're on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia. Thanks for listening and sharing us with your friends!

Apr 11, 2019 • 10:25

Dock Boggs

Among the pioneers of what was then known as "hillbilly music" was a coal miner from Norton, Virginia, named Moran Lee Boggs.Better known as Dock Boggs, he became known for his unique style of banjo playing and singing, which was a combination of old time Appalachian folk music and African American blues.Today we tell his story.You can find the Stories podcast on RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn and on most other podcast apps.Thanks for listening and sharing our stories wit

Apr 6, 2019 • 9:54

Another Batch of Short Stories

Today we share some interesting short stories about this place we call home, Appalachia. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at our website, www.storiespodcast.net, RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or on any number of podcast apps. Thanks for listening and sharing our tales of Appalachian history with your friends!

Mar 30, 2019 • 12:22

The Homestead Strike

In 1892 Homestead, Pennsylvania, was the site of a strike, pitting the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers, one of the most powerful unions, against Carnegie Steel, owned by Andrew Carnegie and run by Carnegie and his partner, Henry Clay Frick.  The strike turned into a full fledged riot on July 6.  Today we tell the story of the Homestead Strike. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at RadioPublic, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and on many other podcast apps. Thanks for li

Mar 16, 2019 • 13:48

The Murder of Mary Magdaline

Greenup, Kentucky, was the scene of a tragic and brutal murder of a three year old child at the end of 1927.  That crime and its notoriety brought the nation's attention to the issue of child abuse.  Today we tell you that story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast on RadioPublic, Stitcher, Spotify or on any number of podcast apps. Thanks for listening and sharing our tales of Appalachian history!

Mar 9, 2019 • 7:19

John Peter Salling

In 1742 German immigrant John Peter Salling was asked to join an expedition set to travel far into the Virginia back country, all the way to the Mississippi River.  To this he agreed, thus setting him on the path to an adventure involving Indians, French soldiers, the Governor of Louisiana, and even a hijacking at sea.  We tell that story on this week's episode of Stories. If you'd like to get our podcast episodes automatically, simply subscribe at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher

Mar 2, 2019 • 9:48

Andrew Taylor Still

Andrew Taylor Still, born in the Appalachian frontier town of Jonesville, Virginia, went on to become a self-educated doctor.  He moved to Kansas just in time to become involved in the bloody civil war sparked there by the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act.  He fought in the American Civil War, too, but it was his development of a new form of medical practice that placed him in the history books. You can subscribe to the Stories Podcast at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn

Feb 23, 2019 • 9:13

The LaFollette Bombing

In 1935 LaFollette, Tennessee, like most other American towns, was in the grips of the Great Depression.  Money was tight and the banks were calling in loans that couldn't be paid.  One of those loans was on a restaurant in town owned by an Italian immigrant, and what this man chose to do in response to losing his business is the subject of this week's episode of Stories. You can listen to the Stories podcast at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or on any number of podcast apps. Tha

Feb 16, 2019 • 8:49

The Election of '88

Our theme today is "the more things change, the more they stay the same."  You'll see how that fits in as we tell the story of the contested election for West Virginia governor in 1888. The Stories podcast is available on RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn and on a host of other podcast apps. We're on Twitter @storyappalachia and on Facebook @storiesofappalachia. Thanks for listening, y'all!

Feb 9, 2019 • 15:06

McClure

Today we tell the story of the explosion at the McClure Number 1 Mine in Dickenson County, Virginia, in 1983, resulting in several fatalities including the first fatality of a woman in a mine accident. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play or on your favorite podcast app. We're on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia. Thanks for listening.

Feb 1, 2019 • 13:06

A Jailbreak in Wise

Back in 1923 there was a mass jailbreak from the Wise County jail, led by a member of the Hatfield family.  Today Steve and Rod tell you that story. Stories is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RadioPublic, Spotify and a host of other podcast apps. Follow us for more bits of Appalachian history on our Facebook page @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia. Thanks for the use of your ears!

Jan 26, 2019 • 10:45

Three Gun

On Halloween, 1952, James Francis Hill was arrested in Northern Florida after an extraordinary string of carjackings, kidnappings and robberies across Appalachia and the South over the prior two weeks.  Today we tell you the story of the Three Gun Maniac, another story that makes up the history of this place we call home. The Stories podcast is available for download on RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play or on your favorite podcast app.  Be sure to subscribe! Thanks for listening

Jan 19, 2019 • 13:09

A Dispute Over Liquor

Back in 1911 several of the sons of Devil Anse and Levisa Hatfield came to the coal town of Boomer, in Fayette County, West Virginia, with the intent of opening a saloon.  Now in those days saloons not only provided one with a stiff drink at the bar, they also delivered beer and liquor directly to one's house. And the Hatfields had the market all to themselves there in Boomer, by agreement with another saloon in a neighboring town.  Or so they thought.  Today we tell their story. You can subscri

Jan 12, 2019 • 10:22

Bristol Motor Speedway

What started out as a little racetrack in East Tennessee has developed over the years into a world-class sports complex, hosting NASCAR races, college football, remote area medical services, Christmas lights and a whole lot more.  Today Rod and Steve tell the story of the Bristol Motor Speedway. You can subscribe to Stories at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or on any number of other podcast apps. We're on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia. Thanks for l

Jan 5, 2019 • 22:56

Dr. Thomas Walker

Today we tell the story of Dr. Thomas Walker, who was sent by the Loyal Land Company to explore that company's lands in Appalachia in 1750.  The Walker expedition named many of the natural features in this part of the country, including the Powell River and Powell Valley, the Cumberland River and, most famously, the Cumberland Gap. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and many other podcast apps. You can also follow us on Facebook @storiesofappalachia

Dec 29, 2018 • 14:40

Merry Christmas!

Rod and Steve are taking this week off to celebrate Christmas, so we're bringing you an encore Christmas episode with letters to Santa and a reading of The Night Before Christmas.  Enjoy! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all y'all!

Dec 22, 2018 • 14:20

The Potter's Field

Back in 1903 the Knox County undertaker was discovered to have been engaged in a bit of fraud.  We tell you that story on today's episode of Stories, A History of Appalachia. We're on Twitter @storyappalachia and on Facebook @storiesofappalachia. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RadioPublic or on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for the use of your ears, y'all!

Dec 15, 2018 • 8:49

The Hensley Settlement

Early in the 20th century a family moved to the top of Brush Mountain, near the Cumberland Gap, and proceeded to live the next 50 years much like the pioneers did, growing their own food, making their own clothing and tools, and, um, making moonshine.   Today we tell the story of the Hensley Settlement, a place you can still visit today, if you're into a 4 mile hike straight up the side of the mountain. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RadioPublic or any othe

Dec 8, 2018 • 10:21

The Pine Grove Fire

Pine Grove, West Virginia, was a boom town back in 1905, fueled by vast deposits of natural gas and oil.  One thing the town lacked at the time was a fire department.  And in 1905, they really could have used a fire department, as we tell you on today's episode of Stories, A History of Appalachia. You can follow us on Twitter @storyappalachia and on Facebook @storiesofappalachia. We're on Apple Podcasts, RadioPublic, Stitcher and many other podcast apps. Thanks for listening!

Dec 1, 2018 • 6:32

It Fell Out Of The Sky!

In hundreds of thousands of years not one human being had ever been known to have been hit by a meteorite.  Then, in 1954, that lucky streak came to an end, in Sylacauga, Alabama.  Today we tell that story. You can subscribe to Stories at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever you find your favorite podcasts. We're on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia. Thanks for the use of your ears, y'all!

Nov 24, 2018 • 11:39

The Kidnapping of Alice Stoll

In 1934 a woman from a wealthy Kentucky family was kidnapped by a failed law student and former mental patient. Today we tell that story. The Stories podcast can be found on RadioPublic, Apple Podcast, Stitcher and many other podcast services.  Be sure to subscribe. We're on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia. Thanks for listening!

Nov 17, 2018 • 12:16

Wonderland

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was formed out of privately owned farms, woodlands, pastures and homes that had been purchased by the government.  Most of the structures on those tracts of land were torn down and nature allowed to take its course.  One piece of property, though, has not had its buildings removed and you can still visit it today.   On this episode of Stories, we tell the story of Elkmont and the Wonderland Hotel, near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a place you can still visit in

Nov 10, 2018 • 12:54

Nancy Hart Douglas

Born in North Carolina, then moving to what's now West Virginia, Nancy Hart Douglas was a Confederate guide, scout and spy during the Civil War.  We tell her story on this episode of the podcast. Stories can be found on the RadioPublic app, at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Feedburner or on your favorite podcast app. We are also on Twitter @storyappalachia and on Facebook @storiesofappalachia. Thanks for listening to our stories about this place we call home

Nov 3, 2018 • 7:37

The Shadow

Happy Halloween, y'all! Today we tell a little tale about a man who was unjustly hanged in the mountains of North Carolina, so he put a curse on those who sent him to the gallows, in the form of the Shadow.   We can be found on RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn or on your favorite podcast app. Follow us for more stories of this place we call home on Twitter @storyappalachia and Facebook @storiesofappalachia.

Oct 27, 2018 • 9:59

The Strike at Salt Lick High School

In 1953, Salt Lick High School in Bath County, Kentucky, was scheduled to close with the students there transferred to nearby Owingsville High School.  The students were having none of it, so they organized a strike and kidnapped the superintendent of schools.  Today we tell that story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play or on your own favorite podcast app. We're on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia...join us

Oct 20, 2018 • 9:32

The McGhee Brothers

Thanks to the work of A.P. Carter and the Carter family, country music can trace its origins back to the hills and hollers of Scott County, Virginia, and Sullivan County, Tennessee, back in the 1920's.  At the same time, in the same place, two brothers began to make a name for themselves in another genre of music: the blues.  Today we tell the story of the original Blues Brothers, Brownie and Stick McGhee of Kingsport, Tennessee, who wrote and recorded several well-known blues songs and appeared

Oct 13, 2018 • 10:10

George Roby Dempster

Did you know that the dumpster, now seen behind every convenience store on the planet, was invented in Knoxville, Tennessee?  Today we tell you the story of George Roby Dempster, inventor of the Dempster Dumpster. We can be found at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever podcasts can be found. We are on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia.  Be sure to come by for even more stories about Appalachian history. Thanks for listening, y'all!

Oct 6, 2018 • 11:44

Elsie

The city of Kingsport, Tennessee, was a planned community.  Built with money from the Appalachian coalfields combined with Yankee expertise, Kingsport was laid out based on towns and cities in New England, with everything planned by the city fathers, which is why it today goes by the name "The Model City."  Kingsport was chartered in 1917, but within two years those city fathers discovered that while they could plan and manage their new metropolis, they couldn't plan for the evil that existed in

Sep 29, 2018 • 9:25

The Funeral

Once upon a time there was a man who was nearing the end of his days on this earth.  This man decided he wanted to attend his own funeral while he was still in the here and now, in order to find out what his friends and neighbor had to say about him.  And that's exactly what he did.  Today Rod and Steve tell you his story. The Stories podcast can be found on the RadioPublic app, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcatcher. Follow us on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Tw

Sep 22, 2018 • 9:44

The Nerve Gas Train

In August, 1970, two trains loaded with deadly Sarin gas made a journey through Appalachia to the ocean at Wilmington, North Carolina, for disposal at sea.  Today we tell that story. The Stories podcast is available at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn or on your favorite podcatcher. Thanks for listening to our stories about Appalachian history!

Sep 15, 2018 • 11:08

Floyd's Cave

Crawling around underground isn't for everyone, especially the hosts of the Stories podcast.  But there are some for whom exploring caves is their life's work.  Probably the best known of these is Floyd Collins, who lost his life when he got stuck in the Sand Cave in eastern Kentucky.  Today we tell the story of the rescue operation mounted to save Floyd and the media circus that effort triggered. Stories is available on RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast app. We're

Sep 8, 2018 • 14:34

More Short Stories

We're back with some short stories for you, bits of history not long enough for a full podcast each, but interesting stories nonetheless. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play or on your favorite podcast app. We're on Twitter @storyappalachia and on Facebook @storiesofappalachia. Thanks for listening, y'all!

Sep 1, 2018 • 13:56

A Sacrifice

In 1939 Clair Young lived with his wife and their children on a farm in Fallowfield Township in southwestern Pennsylvania.  In addition to farming, Clair also was a coal miner and a lay preacher of the Gospel. And Clair was hearing voices.  Voices telling him to do bad things.  Today we tell the tragic story of Clair Young and his baby daughter, Ada. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening...

Aug 17, 2018 • 6:26

Flossie

In 1929 young Flossie Shelton married her ex-husband's cousin, also named Shelton.  At first the young couple enjoyed wedded bliss.  But then the Green-Eyed Monster raised its ugly head, and jealousy drove Flossie to a crime of passion.  Today we tell the story of Flossie's crime against her husband, Fred, in Madison County, North Carolina. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast on the RadioPublic app, at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening and sharin

Aug 11, 2018 • 9:47

John Fox Jr.

The first popular Appalachian writer lived and wrote in his adopted hometown of Big Stone Gap.  His works became the biggest selling books of his time and gave birth to the official Virginia state outdoor drama, "The Trail of the Lonesome Pine," which is performed every summer in that southwest Virginia town.  Today we tell the story of John Fox Jr. Rod and I thank you for lending us your ears.

Aug 4, 2018 • 9:55

The Long Arm Of The Law

Patton Flannery was a wanted man.  Wanted, but not caught, for 36 years.  Then his luck ran out.  Today we tell Patton Flannery's story, part of the history of Appalachia. Be sure to download the RadioPublic app and subscribe to the Stories podcast.  You can also subscribe at Apple Podcasts, TuneIn or on your favorite podcatcher. You can find even more stories about the history of this place we call home on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia. Thanks for the use of your

Jul 28, 2018 • 9:32

A School Shooting in Grundy

In the winter of 2002 tragedy struck the coal town of Grundy, Virginia, when a Nigerian student at the Appalachian School of Law there opened fire on faculty and students after being expelled due to his grades.  Today we tell that story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or on your favorite podcatcher. Join us on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia for more tales of the history of Appalachia. Thanks for listening to our li

Jul 21, 2018 • 10:05

War Fever!

Today we tell the story of the results of extreme patriotism during World War I in western Pennsylvania. You can subscribe to Stories at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or on your favorite podcast app. We're on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia. Thanks for the use of your ears, y'all!

Jul 14, 2018 • 8:36

Appalachian Internment Camps

At the beginning of World War II, diplomats from the Axis countries were stranded in the United States.  These enemy diplomats couldn't just be allowed to roam freely across the country, nor could they simply be locked up in jail, for fear that our stranded diplomats would be treated the same or worse.  The solution might surprise you. You can subscribe to Stories at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or on your favorite podcast app. We're on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @stor

Jul 7, 2018 • 8:09

The Salve

Granny women are those older ladies in Appalachia who have learned the traditional healing arts, using methods and plants handed down by previous generations of pioneers and Native Americans.  Sometimes, though, granny women ain't women.   Today we tell the story of Scott County's Tom Carter and his amazing salve. You can subscribe to Stories on RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or on your favorite podcast app. Join us on Facebook @storiesofappalachia or on Twitter @storyappalachia. Enjoy!

Jun 30, 2018 • 5:10

Joe Brown

Today we tell the story of one of the meanest men to roam southern West Virginia and how he met his fate at the hands of mob justice.   You can subscribe to Stories at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or on your favorite podcast app. We're on Twitter @storyappalachia and on Facebook @storiesofappalachia. Thanks for listening!

Jun 23, 2018 • 5:52

The Church Arsonist

Today we tell the story of the torching of two North Carolina churches by a very unlikely arsonist.   You can subscribe to Stories at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play or on your favorite podcast app. We're on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia.

Jun 9, 2018 • 8:15

Lord Dunmore's War, Part 2

Today, we finish telling the story of one of the first Indian wars in the west, Lord Dunmore's war. You can subscribe to Stories at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play or on your favorite podcast app. We're on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia. Thanks for listening, folks!

Jun 2, 2018 • 12:23

Lord Dunmore's War, Part 1

One of the first Indian wars fought in the west happened in Appalachia at the time of the American Revolution.  Led by the governor of Virginia, Lord Dunmore, this war, which was named for him, raged on the Appalachian frontier, from Southwest Virginia to southeastern Ohio.  Today we begin the story of Lord Dunmore's War. You can subscribe to Stories on RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast app. We're on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia.

May 26, 2018 • 7:24

Politics

This week we tell three short stories involving politics in Appalachia. You can subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, RadioPublic, Stitcher or on your favorite podcast app. We're on Twitter @storyappalachia and on Facebook @storiesofappalachia. Thanks for lending us your ears!

May 19, 2018 • 9:03

Appalachia's Most Wanted

Today we tell the story of one of the first criminals from Appalachia to make the FBI's Most Wanted List, Kenneth Ray Lawson, from Wise County, Virginia. You can subscribe to the podcast on RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or on your favorite podcast app. Follow us on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia for more stories about the history of this place we call home. Thanks for the use of your ears, y'all!

May 12, 2018 • 10:23

The Prestonsburg School Bus Tragedy

Well, we are pleased to announce that this is our 200th episode of Stories!  Rod and I have enjoyed telling the history of Appalachia over the last two and a half years, and look forward to many more years for the podcast. Today, we tell the story of a tragic accident that happened back in 1959 in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, when a school bus ran off the road and into the Levisa Fork.  At the time, this was the deadliest bus accident in the world, and still ranks in the top 5.   You can subscribe to

May 5, 2018 • 9:30

The Wild West of Appalachia

Today we bring you three tales of turn of the 20th century Appalachia which show just how much this area was like the legendary American Wild West. You can find us on RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or on your own favorite podcast app. We have even more stories about Appalachia on our Facebook page @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia.   Thanks for listening and sharing our podcast with your friends!

Apr 28, 2018 • 10:39

The Confederate Treasury

Today Rod brings us a story about the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the Confederate treasury after the end of the Civil War. You can subscribe to Stories on RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or on your favorite podcast app. We also have more stories about Appalachia on our website, storiespodcast.net, on Twitter @storyappalachia and on Facebook @storiesofappalachia. Thanks for listening and for sharing our stories with your friends.

Apr 21, 2018 • 10:59

The Moonshine Battle of Cades Cove

Nowadays Cade's Cove is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  But before the park came into existence in 1934 it was a vibrant Appalachian community, with churches, schools, farms and, of course, moonshiners. Today we tell the story of a run-in between a Primitive Baptist preacher and the biggest moonshiner in Cade's Cove.   You can listen to the podcast on RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or on your favorite podcast app. More stories are

Apr 14, 2018 • 12:08

The Legend of Headless Annie

On this week's podcast, Rod and Steve tell a Harlan County, Kentucky, legend about Headless Annie, a parable about Bloody Harlan.   You can subscribe to Stories on RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or on your favorite podcast app. Like the stories we tell?  Then be sure to subscribe to our blog at storiespodcast.net, follow us on Twitter @storyappalachia or like us on Facebook @storiesofappalachia for even more stories about this place we call home. Thanks for listening and sharing us with y

Apr 7, 2018 • 8:12

The Unwritten Law

Today we tell the story of a woman who enlisted her children in a plot to rid herself of "the other woman."  According to her, it was her right to do so under "the unwritten law" of Appalachia. Stories is available at storiespodcast.net, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or on your favorite podcast app. Join us on Twitter @storyappalachia, Facebook @storiesofappalachia, or on our website at storiespodcast.net for even more stories about the history of Appalachia. Thanks for listening and sharing us with

Mar 31, 2018 • 9:10

The Distinguished Senator From Tennessee

Tennessee came into the union in 1796, and former Southwest Territory governor William Blount was one of the two first senators appointed from that state.  His stay in Washington was cut short, though, over a scheme involving the British and Spanish lands to the west as he became the first senator to face impeachment. Today we tell the story of Senator William Blount, for whom Blountville and Blount County, Tennessee, are named.  You can follow us on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter

Mar 24, 2018 • 12:01

The Great Kanawha County Textbook War

In the spring of 1974 the Kanawha County, West Virginia, school board had to approve new textbooks for the schools.  One of the board members objected to many of the books, saying that the materials contained therein advocated liberal and, even, radical viewpoints that were anti-Christian.  After that board member shared those views in the media, a movement arose that led to widespread protests and violence in the coalfields.   Today we tell the story of what we call The Great Kanawha County Tex

Mar 17, 2018 • 10:55

Who Was Steve White?

In 1924 an elderly Middlesboro, Kentucky, housepainter was taken to the hospital when he fell deathly ill.  It was here that he confessed that he was not who everyone in town thought he was.  Today we tell the incredible story of Steve White. Stories is now available on the RadioPublic app, which you can download for your iPhone or Android phone. There are tons of your other favorite podcasts there, too, and you can support us and them by listening through the app as that provides us a share of

Mar 10, 2018 • 9:46

The Collapse of the Keystone Bank

Keystone, West Virginia is a small town in McDowell County with 282 residents, mostly African American.  Like many small coal communities, Keystone has seen its population plummet over the years with the decline of coal mining.  But Keystone is unique in that it was also the epicenter of one of the largest banking scandals in American history.  Today we tell you that story. You can subscribe to Stories on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play or on your favorite podcast app. We're on Facebook @s

Mar 3, 2018 • 16:12

The Tucker County War

During the 1880's a dispute broke out over where the county seat of Tucker County, West Virginia, should be.  Unlike the usual political fighting over where the courthouse and county offices should be, this one involved an armed mob intent on taking matters into their own hands. You can now listen to Stories and help us out at the same time.  Download the new RadioPublic app from the Apple app store for your Apple device or from the Google store for your Android device and listen to the podcast

Feb 24, 2018 • 8:00

Charles Johnson

Today we tell the story of Bristol, Virginia, native Charles S. Johnson. Born the son of a Baptist minister during the time of Jim Crow, Johnson got his college education and began a lifelong study of the causes of racism.  His efforts doing so laid the groundwork for the civil rights movement of the 1950's and 1960's. If you'd like to have Stories delivered to your device automatically, subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Feedburner or on your favorite podcast app. For more tales about the h

Feb 17, 2018 • 9:18

George Washington's Appalachian Land

After the American Revolution, General George Washington took a trip out west to inspect land he received for his service to the country, land that was located in Appalachian Pennsylvania.  And when he got there, he encountered a group of Scots-Irish squatters who had planted a small community there, without his permission. And that set the stage for a dispute. Today on Stories, Steve and Rod tell the story of George Washington's Appalachian land.  Thanks for listening. You can subscribe to Stor

Feb 10, 2018 • 13:46

The Great Appalachian Earthquake of 1897

Think you're safe from earthquakes in Appalachia?  Think again. On May 31, 1897, the largest earthquake ever recorded in Virginia (and the second largest in the southeastern United States) struck in Giles County, causing severe damage in several Appalachian states.  Today Rod and Steve tell the story of the great Appalachia earthquake. You can subscribe to Stories on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play or on your favorite podcast app. We're on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @stor

Feb 3, 2018 • 10:34

Ira Jackson Seay

On today's episode of Stories, Steve and Rod sit back and listen as Ira Jackson Seay tells his own story of poverty, war, love, moonshining and racing.   Be sure to subscribe to Stories at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Feedburner or on your favorite podcast app. Follow us on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia for more bits of Appalachian history. Thanks for listening to our stories...

Jan 27, 2018 • 27:53

Daniel Boone, Part Three

Rod and Steve wraps up the story of Appalachian icon Daniel Boone with a look at his last days in Missouri.   You can subscribe to Stories at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Feedburner, or on the podcast app of your choice. We have more stories of the history of Appalachia on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia.  Come by and follow us. Thanks for listening and sharing us with your friends!

Jan 20, 2018 • 11:30

Daniel Boone, Part Two

We continue with Part Two of the story of Appalachia's own Daniel Boone. This week we tell of his days in Kentucky, before civilization overtook him and forced him farther west. You can subscribe to Stories on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play or on your favorite podcast app. You can follow us on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia. Thanks for listening to our stories.

Jan 13, 2018 • 11:14

Daniel Boone, Part One

Explorer, long hunter, pioneer, Appalachian icon.  All these words describe America’s first national hero, Daniel Boone.  Today, Steve and Rod begin telling his story in a three-part podcast series. Thanks for listening. You can subscribe to Stories at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Tune In, or on your favorite podcast app. We’re on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and Twitter @storyappalachia.

Jan 6, 2018 • 17:12

The Bombing at Bluefield

The 1960's were a time of radicalism, with protests, riots, and bombings at institutions of higher learning.  And the colleges in Appalachia saw their share of these things, too. There had been protests at Bluefield State College for several years, starting in the mid-60's, over the increasing ratio of white faculty and staff at Bluefield State, led by African American students of the historically black college.  This all led to a bombing at the campus over the Thanksgiving break.  Today Rod and

Dec 30, 2017 • 10:18

Merry Christmas!

It's Christmas week, and on this episode of Stories, Rod and Steve continue a holiday tradition by going back in time to read some letters to Santa from both good and bad little boys and girls.  Then our own Q. T. pi reads "The Night Before Christmas." We appreciate each and every one of you who listen to our stories about this place we call home, no matter where on Planet Earth you happen to be.  Stay with us for even more stories about Appalachia in 2018. If you want to subscribe to the podcas

Dec 23, 2017 • 14:04

A Tale of Two Mountains

On today's episode, Rod and Steve tell the story of two 19th century western North Carolina explorers who got into a very public argument over the mountains that are now named after them. We are available for subscription at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Libsyn or on your favorite podcast app. We are also on Twitter and Facebook, sharing more stories about this place we call home...be sure to follow us. As always, your ears are important to us.  Thanks for lending them.

Dec 9, 2017 • 9:47

The Great Flood of 1916

1916 saw not one but two hurricanes hit the mountains of North Carolina at once, causing flooding, devastation and death in southern Appalachia.  On today's episode, Steve and Rod tell the story of the Great Flood of 1916. You can subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Tune In or on your favorite podcast app. We're also on Twitter @storyappalachia and on Facebook @storiesofappalachia. As always, we appreciate you listening to our stories about the history of this place we call hom

Dec 2, 2017 • 13:11

The Big Bull Tunnel

A new podcast episode, and new podcast theme music! On the Norfolk and Southern railroad line between St. Paul and Coeburn, Virginia, are three railroad tunnels drilled into the mountains so that the coal companies could get that black gold out of Appalachia and on to market. From Coeburn to St. Paul those tunnels are, […]

Nov 28, 2017 • 11:24

The Baby Seller

This week, Steve and Rod tell the story of a Georgia doctor who decided that an acceptable alternative to the illegal abortions he was performing in the 1940’s and 50’s was the illegal sale of Appalachian babies.  Hundreds of these babies were sold to buyers from all over the country, with no records kept, and […]

Nov 25, 2017 • 9:18

The Fightin’ Blalocks

There have been many examples of women who dressed as men in order to fight in a war. But there was only one example of a woman who did so but also ended up serving on both sides. Today Rod and Steve tell the story of Melinda Blalock, who, along with her husband Keith, joined […]

Nov 18, 2017 • 10:31

The Train Wreck

On September 26, 1936, a coal train and a passenger train derailed and crashed in separate incidents near Welch, West Virginia. On today’s podcast we tell you the story of those wrecks and what caused them. Thanks for listening to our stories…

Nov 11, 2017 • 9:47

The Woman In The Blue Polka Dot Dress

In 1924 a young married couple moved to Logan, West Virginia, from Kentucky. Jack Thurman got a job with the Logan police department, and Mamie Thurman started frequenting the Amour Club, a local speakeasy and house of ill repute. And thus began a series of events that eventually led to death and imprisonment. On this […]

Nov 4, 2017 • 10:03

Haints And Boogers

It’s that time of year, folks, and Rod and I have two short tales for you. First up, we tell the story of the Snallygaster, a Maryland monster that got a lot of attention back in the early part of the 20th century. Then its on to the mountains of western North Carolina, where we […]

Oct 31, 2017 • 10:56

The Last Civil War Veteran In Scott County

Today Rod and Steve tell the story of John Salling of Scott County, Virginia. Mr. Salling was once listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest living Confederate veteran, until records appeared to challenge that claim. You can subscribe to the podcast at TuneIn, Google Play, Apple Podcasts or on your own […]

Oct 14, 2017 • 10:38

Clifton Branham

At the turn of the twentieth century the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, southern West Virginia and Southwest Virginia were like the Old West, filled with outlaws. Among these was Clifton Branham, who lost his life at the end of a rope for murdering his wife, becoming the last man hanged in Wise County, Virginia. Today, […]

Oct 7, 2017 • 15:48

Boston Corbett

Photo by Mathew Brady, Library of Congress. A special episode of Stories for you today! As we’ve mentioned, we have a new podcast in which Steve Gilly and Gena Gilly tell stories of the history of not just Appalachia, but all of America, and beyond. I wanted to give those of you who subscribe to […]

Oct 2, 2017 • 18:16

The Esau System

THIS EPISODE IS NOT SAFE FOR WORK OR FOR SMALL CHILDREN. Whipple Company Store-West Virginia Historical Photographs Collection. We’ve all heard about the hardships miners and their families went through before the UMWA organized the mines. But there were some places in West Virginia where families suffered unspeakably when a miner became disabled. That’s when […]

Sep 30, 2017 • 11:56

Jack Daniel

On today’s episode, Steve and Rod tell the story of the founder of Tennessee’s preeminent whiskey maker: Jack Daniel’s Whiskey in Lynchburg. You can subscribe to the podcast on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts or on your favorite podcast app. We’re on Twitter @storyappalachia and on Facebook @storiesofappalachia. Here’s a tip of the glass to you…thanks for […]

Sep 23, 2017 • 10:28

Monongah

Today we tell the story of the worst mining disaster to occur in the United States, the explosion at the no. 6 and no. 8 mines of the Fairmont Coal Company in Monongah, West Virginia. You can subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts or on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening. (Picture by […]

Sep 16, 2017 • 9:06

Lynchings in Appalachia

On today’s episode, we look at a dark part of Appalachia’s history as we share three stories of racist mob violence and lynching in Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina that occurred early in the 20th century. You can subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play or on your favorite podcast app. We’re […]

Sep 9, 2017 • 17:41

The Case Of The Missing Appalachian Drug Smuggler

Just before Halloween, 1984, a small plane slammed into the side of Fancy Gap Mountain in Carroll County, Virginia, scattering a half-ton of pot across the mountainside. The discovery of the plane triggered an international manhunt for the Southwest Virginia owner of the plane that didn’t end until 2015 when the U.S. Attorney’s Office finally […]

Sep 2, 2017 • 10:48

Governor William Goebel of Kentucky

The 1899 election for Kentucky governor was probably the most partisan election in Appalachian history, with vote-stealing and accusations of voter fraud. The General Assembly itself even divided, the Republicans meeting in one city and the Democrats in another. What set this election apart, though, was how the governor came to be sworn in and […]

Aug 12, 2017 • 10:01

George L. Carter

This week we continue our look at the men who built their Appalachian empires with the story of George L. Carter. Carter not only developed coal and iron mines in Southwest Virginia, he also founded Kingsport, Tennessee, and Coalwood, West Virginia, and built his own railroad, the Clinchfield Railroad, which spanned from Kentucky to South […]

Aug 5, 2017 • 21:33

The Scottish Empire Builder

Alexander Arthur was born in Scotland and settled in America, where he saw the potential of timber, iron ore, and coal, all in abundant supply in Appalachia. And he was determined to build his empire in these mountains with the founding of Middlesboro, Kentucky, and Harrogate, Tennessee, to house those who ran his iron ore […]

Jul 29, 2017 • 12:09

Colonel John Dils, Jr.

Colonel John Dils, Jr., was a Pike County, Kentucky, businessman, Union soldier during the Civil War, abolitionist, and the founder of a family cemetery in Pikeville that’s now on the National Register of Historic Places. Today Steve and Rod tell his story. You can subscribe to the podcast if you’re so inclined at Apple Podcasts, […]

Jul 22, 2017 • 12:31

The Black Widow

It’s time for a crime story, and we have a doozy for you! Today, Steve and Rod tell the story of a woman who had the habit of finding men who, oddly enough, ended up dead. It’s the story of Alabaman Nanny Doss, on this episode of the podcast. You can subscribe to the podcast […]

Jul 15, 2017 • 13:32

The Black Hand

During the first boom in the Appalachian coalfields, there was such a labor shortage that the mine owners recruited workers from the millions of immigrants who were coming to America from Europe. And along with these immigrants came secret societies that were involved in kidnappings, extortion and murder. Today we tell the story of the […]

Jul 8, 2017 • 11:04

July 4, 1900

Nowadays, celebrating the Fourth of July usually means having a cookout then loading the family into the car or van and going to watch the fireworks. But in turn of the 20th century Appalachia, it meant a whole lot more. Today, its the story of how the Fourth used to be in Appalachia, through one […]

Jul 1, 2017 • 8:19

All Hail The Cheese!

The first Appalachian president, Andrew Jackson, was the recipient of a rather, shall we say, noticeable gift. In fact, this gift was quite easily found by those around the White House simply by taking in a deep breath. Today we tell the story of Andrew Jackson’s giant cheese! We’re on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter […]

Jun 24, 2017 • 8:34

Interview With Francis Gary Powers, Jr.

A few weeks ago, Rod caught up with the son of Pound, Virginia, native and U2 spy plane pilot Francis Gary Powers, who has a new book out about his father. Todays podcast contains Rod’s interview with Francis Gary Powers, Jr. Enjoy! You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play or on […]

Jun 20, 2017 • 24:09

Revolution!

During World War I, the Germans managed to get Russia out of the fighting by helping communist rebels seize power and overthrow the Russian czar. Did you know that Germany tried to do the same in America? And that this was supposed to start in the coalfields of Appalachia, in Southwest Virginia? Today we tell the story of William McCoy and John Phipps, two men who attempted to organize an insurrection against the United States over conscription during the first World War.Thanks for listening.

Jun 17, 2017 • 10:50

Escape From Brushy

Forty years ago this week convicted assassin of Martin Luther King, Jr., James Earl Ray, along with several other men managed to break out of Brushy Mountain State Prison in Petros, Tennessee. Today we tell the story of that escape. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher or on your […]

Jun 13, 2017 • 10:51

The Kentucky Meat Shower

What would you do if, all of a sudden, flakes of animal flesh started to fall around you? That’s just what happened to an Eastern Kentucky family in 1876 when meat began raining out of the blue Appalachian sky. Today we tell the story of the Kentucky meat shower. You can subscribe to the podcast […]

Jun 10, 2017 • 10:28

Rotherwood

Today we tell the story of Rotherwood Mansion in Kingsport, Tennessee, a story of the frontier, of love, of loss, of ghosts and a surprising connection to someone you might have heard of. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play or on your favorite podcast app. We’re on Twitter @storyappalachia […]

Jun 6, 2017 • 8:06

Zoo Man

25 years ago East Tennessee was abuzz with news of a serial killer. Today, Steve and Rod tell the story of Thomas Huskey, also known as the Zoo Man, who was tried for a murder spree in Knox County. Or maybe it was Kyle…or Daxx… For you see, this killer came with a twist: multiple […]

Jun 3, 2017 • 10:45

Them Pills

Today we tell the sad story of the American opioid epidemic and how it got its start right here in Appalachia. We’re on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening. (Picture by 51fifty at the English language Wikipedia [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC BY-SA 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons)

May 30, 2017 • 10:04

Stephen F. Austin

In the latter part of the 18th century a family settled along the New River in what’s now Wythe County, Virginia, and began to operate a lead mine there. The area to this day bears the name of that family, as Austinville. And one member left Appalachia to found a new nation in the West […]

May 27, 2017 • 10:37

The Story of Big Foot Spencer

The first settler in the Nashville area was a man from Appalachia who was one part historical figure and two parts legend. Thomas Spencer came over the Appalachian Mountains to Middle Tennessee during the American Revolution and became known for his kindness, his extreme strength and, curiously, the size of his feet. Today, Steve and […]

May 23, 2017 • 10:25

The Great Train Robbery

On March 9, 1949, two young men who were drinking in the bar of the Ambassador passenger train just outside Martinsburg, West Virginia, got into an argument with the bartender over their tab. One thing led to another, and soon these two were on the run after robbing the passengers of their valuables. Today we […]

May 20, 2017 • 8:51

The Mothman

(Photo by Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52598877) Back in the mid-1960s the area around Point Pleasant, West Virginia, was awash in strange tales of a giant man-like creature with huge moth wings. On today’s podcast, Steve and Rod tell the story of the Mothman, one of the most well-known Appalachian legends of the 20th century. You […]

May 6, 2017 • 10:21

The Feud

Today we share the full, nearly one hour long podcast on the Hatfield and McCoy feud, in its entirety. It’s quite a story, and we hope you enjoy it. Apple Podcasts is one place you can subscribe to the podcast, or you can subscribe through your favorite podcast app. We’re on Twitter @storyappalachia and on […]

May 2, 2017 • 55:24

Hit’ll Tickle Yore Innards!

There are all kinds of soft drinks marketed in the United States, mostly under the Coca Cola or Pepsi companies. Of all the soft drinks out there, perhaps the best known of those to originate in Appalachia is Mountain Dew. Today, Rod and Steve tell the story of the birth and growth of Mountain Dew […]

Apr 29, 2017 • 10:10

The Devil Monkey

Every now and then we switch gears and tell about legends instead of straight up history. Today Rod and Steve have the story of a monster that’s been seen around these parts, as well as Louisiana and Chicago: the devil monkey. Enjoy. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tunein or on your […]

Apr 25, 2017 • 8:47

The Story of Brandy Jack

A few weeks ago, our own Rod Mullins made an appearance before the Wise County Historical Society in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, where he shared the story of his own ancestor, Brandy Jack Mullins. Mullins was a colorful character, involved in counterfeiting, moonshining and other activities, many of which Rod shared with his audience. Today […]

Apr 18, 2017 • 41:06

The New Year’s Eve Blast

On New Year’s Eve, 1959, Spruce Pine, North Carolina was rocked by a massive explosion, leaving a crater in the town baseball field. What had happened? Listen to today’s podcast to find out. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play or on your favorite podcast app. We’re on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and […]

Apr 15, 2017 • 9:45

The Bunkers of Mt. Airy

Mt. Airy, North Carolina, is known as the model for Andy Griffith’s Mayberry, as depicted on his television show. But, a hundred years before, it was best known as the home of the first well-known conjoined twins, Chang and Eng, who adopted the American sounding name of “Bunker” when they settled in Appalachia. On today’s […]

Apr 11, 2017 • 7:49

The Feud, Part Five

The feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys comes to a head on New Years Day, 1888, with the bloody Hatfield attack on the McCoy farm. In this last chapter in our story of the feud, Rod and Steve tell that story, as well as the aftermath of the fighting, which included a U.S. Supreme […]

Apr 8, 2017 • 21:12

The Feud, Part Four

The election of 1882 in Pike County, Kentucky, started out like any other election, but ended in Ellison Hatfield dead and three McCoy brothers, Tolbert, Pharmer and Bud, lynched on the banks of the Tug River. Today, Steve and Rod tell that part of the story of the Hatfield and McCoy feud. You can subscribe […]

Apr 4, 2017 • 9:50

The Feud, Part Three

We continue the story of the Hatfields and the McCoys with the tale of an Appalachian Romeo and Juliet. At least that’s how the newspapers of the time portrayed it. But was that really how it happened? Today, Steve and Rod tell the story of Rosanna McCoy and Johnse Hatfield. You can subscribe to the […]

Apr 1, 2017 • 9:15

The Feud, Part Two

Hello podcast listeners! If there’s one thing about the feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys it’s that the whole thing started with a trial over a pig. And you’d be wrong. Today we tell the stories, yes, stories, of the infamous “Hog Trial” of Pike County, which likely never took place, at least not […]

Mar 28, 2017 • 8:55

The Feud, Part One

Hello podcast fans! For the next several weeks Rod and I are going to be telling the story of the Hatfield and McCoy feud. This bit of Appalachian history is probably the most widely known, and the most controversial. Newspaper stories about the conflict planted the seeds of the ignorant, violent, uneducated Appalachian hillbilly stereotype. […]

Mar 25, 2017 • 11:19

A Star Faces Justice

The Loretta Lynn biopic “Coal Miner’s Daughter” was filmed in Eastern Kentucky and Southwest Virginia during the late 70’s, causing a ton of excitement for the residents of that area, including yours truly, who happened to be working in a radio station in Norton, Virginia, at the time. Both Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones […]

Mar 21, 2017 • 14:20

The White Caps of Sevier County

Around the turn of the twentieth century there was a vigilante group that operated in Sevier County, Tennessee, named the “White Caps” for the white hoods they wore. Starting out as a means to enforce morals with switchings of immoral women, the White Caps turned increasingly violent, becoming involved in the murder of a couple. […]

Mar 18, 2017 • 8:55

The Donelson Expedition

In the winter of 1779-1780, a group of settlers set out from the present site of Kingsport, Tennessee, sailing down the Holston River to establish a new settlement in the wilderness. They succeeded in reaching Fort Nashborough, later Nashville, Tennessee, after a trek that took them all the way down to the Ohio River, then […]

Mar 11, 2017 • 9:44

Jack Tales

A little change of pace on today’s podcast as Rod and Steve tell about the old Scots-Irish tradition of storytelling that was brought to the Appalachians by the first settlers. And they also take a stab at a little of that storytelling themselves by sharing a couple of Appalachian Jack tales with you. You can […]

Feb 25, 2017 • 16:51

Parson Brownlow

If you think politics are nasty now, you should have lived in southern Appalachia in the middle of the nineteenth century. That’s where a Methodist circuit rider named Parson William Brownlow began his rise to political power as governor from his home in East Tennessee. Generally ranked dead-last on historians’ lists of Tennessee governors, Brownlow […]

Feb 21, 2017 • 14:20

The Christmas Flood

Times were good in Saltville, Virginia, in 1924. It was Christmas Eve and people were wrapping up their shopping and getting ready for parties and family and gifts under the tree. Then disaster struck in the form of the collapse of a dam holding back millions of gallons of caustic muck. Today, Steve and Rod […]

Feb 18, 2017 • 10:46

Juan Pardo

In the sixteenth century, Spanish conquistadors explored the Southern Appalachians, blazing trails for an expansion of the Spanish Empire. Captain Juan Pardo led one of these expeditions, which visited Western North Carolina, East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. On today’s podcast, Steve and Rod tell his story. You can subscribe to the podcast at iTunes, Stitcher, […]

Feb 14, 2017 • 9:19

The Stories of Abner Vance

Back in early 1800’s Abingdon, Virginia, lived a Baptist minister named Abner Vance, who had a daughter named Betty. Betty was done wrong romantically by a local doctor, and Vance took a shot at him, accidentally killing the doctor’s brother. After a time on the run, Vance returned to Washington County, Virginia, where he was […]

Feb 11, 2017 • 8:24

Squeaky’s Run

On December 23, 1987, a prisoner escaped from the Federal Prison Camp in Alderson, West Virginia. But this wasn’t just any prisoner, this was a member of the Manson Family, a group of hangers-on to Charlie Manson. On this episode of the podcast, Steve and Rod tell the story of the escape and capture of […]

Feb 4, 2017 • 8:27

A Pot Of Gold In Cocke County

Today’s story takes place in Cocke County, Tennessee, nearly a hundred years ago. It’s a story of greed, deception, and murder involving a non-existent pot of Spanish gold. We appreciate you listening to our stories, which you can get automatically by subscribing at iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play and now on the TuneIn app! We’re on […]

Jan 28, 2017 • 9:33

Glenn Roberts, Appalachian Basketball Superstar

On this episode of the podcast, we turn to the world of sports, as Rod tells the story of Pound, Virginia, native Glenn Roberts, the man who popularized the jump shot in the game of basketball. You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or on your favorite podcast app. You can […]

Jan 24, 2017 • 9:36

The Grundy Christmas Fire of 1915

On this episode of the podcast, Rod and Steve tell of the Great Fire of 1915 that destroyed the downtown of Grundy, county seat of Buchanan County, in Virginia. You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher or on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening!

Jan 17, 2017 • 7:09

Katy Sage

In Grayson County, Virginia, in the late 18th century, there was a pioneer family by the name of Sage. One morning, while Mrs. Sage was setting about washing clothes, her daughter, Katy, wandered away after some butterflies and disappeared. What happened to little Katy? Would the family ever see her again? We answer those questions […]

Jan 14, 2017 • 9:12

Mountain Tales, Volume 3

Today, Rod and Steve take a look back at some interesting stories in old newspapers for the third and last time, as they share some “short stories” from Appalachia. You can subscribe on iTunes, Google Play or on your favorite podcast app. Follow us on Twitter @storyappalachia. Thanks for listening!

Jan 10, 2017 • 15:41

The Independent State of Dade

During the Civil War, isolated Dade County, Georgia, decided to strike out on its own, declaring its independence from both the State of Georgia and the United States of America. And that’s how things remained until the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. On this episode of the podcast, Steve and Rod tell the […]

Jan 3, 2017 • 8:25

The Coal Creek War

In the early 1890’s, miners working in the coal mines at Coal Creek in Anderson County, Tennessee, rose up against the mine operators over their jobs being taken by free convict labor. Things eventually became violent, with armed miners squaring off against the Tennessee guard in what can only be described as an armed uprising. […]

Dec 31, 2016 • 13:48

The Legend of Pilot Knob

On today’s episode, Steve and Rod tell an old Cherokee tale about a mysterious city inside Pilot Knob, in Western North Carolina, discovered by Tsuwe’nähï. You can subscribe to the podcast at iTunes, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast app. We’re on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia. Thanks for your ears!

Dec 27, 2016 • 9:17

Letters to Santa

Merry Christmas, y’all! On today’s Christmas Eve podcast, Steve and Rod take you back to the early 20th century as they read several letters to Santa Claus that were printed in newspapers in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. They also show off their literary side with a Christmas poetry reading as well. You can subscribe […]

Dec 24, 2016 • 13:05

Forsyth

(Left to Right) Trussie (Jane) Daniel, Oscar Daniel, Tony Howell (defendant in Ellen Grice rape), Ed Collins (witness), Isaiah Pirkle (witness for Howell), and Ernest Knox. At the turn of the 20th century, African-Americans in Forsyth County, Georgia, made up about 10 percent of the population of the county. A series of incidents involving alleged […]

Dec 17, 2016 • 11:57

The Lights In The Sky

In 1859, a solar storm stronger than any other in recorded history hit the earth, bringing the northern lights all the way down to Cuba and causing massive interference in telegraph lines throughout the world. Today, Steve and Rod tell the story of what’s become known as the Carrington Event, and what that meant for […]

Dec 13, 2016 • 11:03

The Laurel Creek Murders

In the little town of Hurley, Virginia, in 1909, a widow sold the timber rights to her 150 acres of land for a tidy sum, making her a target for anyone wanting to take that money for himself. On September 21, she and her daughter’s family were murdered in cold blood in the daughter’s house […]

Dec 10, 2016 • 7:24

More Mountain Stories

A few weeks ago, Steve and Rod shared several short stories from Appalachian newspapers in 1891-92. This week, they’re back with a second set of these “short stories” for y’all! Thanks for listening, folks…

Dec 6, 2016 • 19:49

The Kentucky Fried Chicken War

Hello folks! This week on the podcast, Rod and Steve tell the story of how a Corbin, Kentucky, gas station operator ended up cornering the market for gasoline in Corbin in a gun battle with his competitor, also launching his in-station restaurant, which became one of the most successful fast food franchises on the planet. […]

Dec 3, 2016 • 10:28

Lots For Sale In Appalachia, Virginia

No, folks, Rod and I haven’t gotten into the real estate business. What we have done is put together the story of how Bone Marrow Creek, West Virginia, became Appalachia, Virginia, in the eyes of CBS, NBC, and ABC, and the creative way the town fathers in Appalachia responded. You can subscribe to the podcast […]

Nov 29, 2016 • 11:48

Eko and Iko, The Ambassadors From Mars

In the early part of the twentieth century, two young African American albinos from Truevine, Virginia, made their way into a carnival sideshow, or freak show as it was sometimes called then, and disappeared. Over a decade later, their mother found them performing for the Ringling Brothers Circus in nearby Roanoke and fought a legal […]

Nov 26, 2016 • 14:23

The Robbery of the Bank of Huntington

In 1875, four men rode their horses into Huntington, West Virginia, and proceeded to rob the local bank. Two of them were later captured, one of whom died without revealing his identity, the other tried and convicted of bank robbery under an alias. The other two? Local legend has it that those men were Frank […]

Nov 22, 2016 • 8:32

Thomas’ Legion

During the Civil War there were numerous local militias formed, but none quite like Thomas’ Legion. Composed of Cherokee Indians and local Western North Carolina men led by the only white man to be made a Cherokee chief, Thomas’ Legion, also known as Thomas’ Legion of Indians and Highlanders or the 69th North Carolina Regiment, […]

Nov 19, 2016 • 10:28

Mountain Life in 1891

In the course of researching the stories that we pass on to you, Rod and I have happened upon a ton of old newspaper stories that contain nuggets of a tale, but we just can’t find enough other information to flesh out a ten to fifteen minute podcast. We’ve been saving these articles, though, and […]

Nov 15, 2016 • 18:42

Jenny Wiley

In the latter part of the eighteenth century, the Wiley family settled in what’s now Southwest Virginia, in the present Bland County. And that’s where they got caught up in the ongoing war between the settlers and the native Americans who had been living in this area for generations. The result was an attack by […]

Nov 12, 2016 • 10:07

Helen Timmons Henderson

In the early part of the twentieth century, Helen Timmons Henderson came to Buchanan County, Virginia, to run the Buchanan Mission School with her husband. She did such an outstanding job of running the school that local Democratic party leaders talked her into running for state delegate in 1924, one of the first two women […]

Nov 8, 2016 • 10:54

Sam Houston

On this episode of the podcast, Steve and Rod tell the story of the Maryville, Tennessee, youth who lived more lives than ten men. Sam Houston was adopted into the Cherokee nation as a teen, then grew up to be an Indian agent, Tennessee governor, commander-in-chief of the Texas military during that nation’s war for […]

Nov 5, 2016 • 15:04

Halloween Stories!

Happy Halloween, podcast listeners! On today’s episode, we have two stories for you. First up, Steve tells the story of the Wampus Cat, a Cherokee legend. Then Rod tells about the legend of the Major Graham Mansion just outside Wytheville, Virginia, which has made that house into one of the premiere Halloween destinations in Appalachia. […]

Oct 29, 2016 • 11:40

The Stories of Penn’s Cave and Blowing Rock

On this podcast we have two native American stories for you. First, Steve tells the story of Penn’s Cave, in Pennsylvania, where tragedy befell a man who fell in love with a chief’s daughter. Then Rod shares the Cherokee tale of how Blowing Rock, North Carolina got its name. All on the way to Halloween, […]

Oct 25, 2016 • 7:10

St. Albans Sanatorium

With Halloween in the air, Rod and Steve tell the story of St. Albans Sanatorium near Radford, Virginia, site of some, well, not so nice “treatments” as well as a lot of paranormal activity. You can subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app. We’re on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia. Thanks for […]

Oct 22, 2016 • 10:17

The Brown Mountain Lights

Halloween month continues with the story of the mysterious glowing orbs that can be seen on Brown Mountain, near the Linville Gorge in the high country of western North Carolina. Are they spirits? Are they swamp gas? Car lights? Or maybe UFOs? Listen as Steve and Rod tell the story of the Brown Mountain lights… […]

Oct 11, 2016 • 7:19

The Notorious Kinnie Wagner

In the early twentieth century, a young man from Scott County, Virginia, joined the circus as a trick shooter, probably one of the best to come out of Appalachia. And in another time, in another place, that talent might have won him accolades, perhaps as a sniper in war, or as a military trainer. But […]

Oct 8, 2016 • 10:44

The Bristol Water War

For over a hundred years, the states of Tennessee and Virginia tried to figure out their common border. It took a United States Supreme Court decision and a near war between Bristol, Tennessee, and Goodson, Virginia, over water pipes in the middle of present-day State Street to get that line drawn on a map. On […]

Oct 1, 2016 • 12:48

The Mysterious Lights of Holston Mountain

Holston Mountain is the tallest peak in East Tennessee, and the location of several television and radio towers. It’s also near the Tri City Airport, the air hub for the East Tennessee/Southwest Virginia region. And the mountain is the site of several plane crashes, but one crash in particular, over 50 years ago, sparked a […]

Sep 27, 2016 • 6:37

Crime Stories

Today, Steve and Rod have not one story, not two stories, but THREE stories, along with a short story! This week is crime week, and on this podcast we tell the stories of two Scott County, Virginia, prisoners who managed to escape and were later caught by chance, one in the 1850’s and the other […]

Sep 17, 2016 • 17:19

The Night They Almost Nuked Big Savage Mountain.

In January, 1964, a crippled B-52 was on its way home from Massachusetts to an airbase in Georgia, when it ran into a heavy snowstorm. The plane’s vertical stabilizer (the tail) was ripped off, and it went into a spin, crashing on Big Savage Mountain in Western Maryland. Two of the five crewmen survived the […]

Sep 10, 2016 • 10:03

The Shootout in Clintwood, Virginia

In 1926, Prohibition was in full force, and the Commonwealth of Virginia had prohibition enforcement agents employed across the state, looking for illegal liquor. In Dickenson County, Virginia, that man was James Sherman Mullins, who was on the trail of the Dickenson County Sheriff, Pridemore Fleming, on suspicions that he was helping local moonshiners and […]

Sep 3, 2016 • 9:51

The French-Eversole Feud

In the last part of the nineteenth century, newspapers across America were obsessed with tales of blood feuds in Appalachia, the best known of which is the Hatfield-McCoy feud. At the time, however, no other feud got more coverage than that between the French and Eversole families of Hazard, Kentucky. Private armies battling each other, […]

Aug 27, 2016 • 15:55

The 1982 Knoxville Worlds Fair and the Butcher Brothers

In 1982, Knoxville, Tennessee, hosted a Worlds Fair. The fair was a success, breaking even, but it led to the downfall of the Butcher banking empire in East Tennessee. On this episode of the podcast, Steve and Rod tell the story of Jake and C.H. Butcher and the Knoxville World’s Fair. We’re on Facebook @facebook.com/storiesofappalachia. […]

Aug 20, 2016 • 11:15

The Escape

The people who settled Appalachia were tough. They’d have to be to carve a home out of the forests and mountainsides of the area. In 1777, two girls, Polly Alley and Jane Whittaker, proved how tough they were when they escaped Indian captivity in Ohio and made their way back home to Scott County in […]

Aug 13, 2016 • 8:02

George Went Hensley, Snake Handling Preacher

In the early 20th century, there was an awakening across Appalachia, with Pentecostal churches coming into being across the area. One of the odder branches of Pentecostalism involved the handling of deadly snakes to prove your devotion to the Lord. Snake handling flourished during the Depression, but after World War II it was banned across […]

Aug 6, 2016 • 14:15

The Swinging Bridge Collapse

Every year the Tri State Singing Convention would come to Big Stone Gap, Virginia, bringing together the most popular southern gospel groups in the world to play for a packed audience. At the Convention in 1959, tragedy struck in the form of a bridge collapse. On this episode, we tell the story of the collapse […]

Aug 2, 2016 • 6:27

Eric Robert Rudolph

On July 27th, 1996, the Atlanta Summer Olympic Games were rocked with an explosion which killed one person outright and led to a heart attack that killed another, as well as wounding many more. The man who set off that bomb, as well as three others at abortion clinics and a gay nightclub, led authorities […]

Jul 30, 2016 • 12:28

Ezekiel Pyles and the Confederados

On this episode of Stories, Steve and Rod tell the story of Civil War soldier and unrepentant Confederate Ezekial Pyles, who joined 20,000 other men and women in founding a colony in Brazil after the war. You can subscribe to the podcast at iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for […]

Jul 26, 2016 • 9:04

The Integration of Clinton High School

After the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education ruling by the Supreme Court, schools began preparing to integrate across the South, with the first school scheduled to be Clinton High School in the East Tennessee town of Clinton. The end of segregation brought protests, threats, beatings, and a bombing that destroyed the high school. On […]

Jul 23, 2016 • 12:15

Baseball in Clintwood, Virginia in the 1940’s

Starting in the early part of the 20th century, coal operators discovered that forming baseball teams in each coal camp was a great way to promote unity among their workers, as well as give the men something to do in their free time. From this tradition sprang minor league teams around Appalachia and a love […]

Jul 19, 2016 • 10:17

The Hellfire of Centralia

Appalachia is a land of natural beauty combined with one of the largest deposits of coal on the planet. What happens when a large deposit of that coal catches fire? You get carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulphur fumes, unbearable heat beneath your feet, quite literally hell on earth. And that’s what happened to the town […]

Jul 16, 2016 • 14:06

The Letter

The 19th Amendment, guaranteeing women the right to vote, was passed by Congress in 1919. In order to become part of the Constitution, 36 states had to ratify it, and on August 18, 1920, Tennessee became that 36th state. On this episode of Stories, Steve and Rod tell the story of how the right of […]

Jul 12, 2016 • 9:27

The Franklin County Moonshine Trial

During the Depression Franklin County, Virginia, was known as the moonshine capital of the United States. Federal officials noted that the small county consumed more sugar per month than the entire city of New York, with it being used in distilling whiskey. And all of this moonshine production was not only being done under the […]

Jul 9, 2016 • 12:14

The Southwest Virginia State Mental Hospital

On this episode of Stories, Rod and Steve tell the story of the Southwest Virginia State Mental Hospital in Marion, Virginia. You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or Stitcher or on your favorite podcast app. We’re on Facebook at facebook.com/storiesofappalachia. We’re also on Twitter @storyappalachia. Thanks for listening!

Jul 4, 2016 • 9:43

The Year Without a Summer

In 1815, there was a tremendous volcanic explosion in Indonesia, with millions of tons of dust, ash, and gas spewed into the upper atmosphere. The next year, all that debris blocked the sun’s energy on the other side of the world to such an extent that the people of Appalachia called 1816 “eighteen hundred and […]

Jul 2, 2016 • 9:58

Tarzan of Appalachia

During the Great Depression, a man lived in West Virginia much as he imagined his literary hero Tarzan would have lived, had Tarzan been in the wilds of Appalachia instead of the jungles of Africa. Today, Rod and Steve tell the story of the original “hippie,” Orval Elijah Brown of Clay County, long hair, beard, […]

Jun 28, 2016 • 8:19

The Birth of West Virginia

On this episode of the podcast, we tell the story of the formation and admission during the Civil War of the only state that lies completely within Appalachia. You can subscribe to the podcast at iTunes or Google Play or on your favorite podcast app. We’re also on Twitter @storyappalachia. Thanks for your ears!

Jun 25, 2016 • 16:22

Christopher Gist

On this episode of Stories, Steve and Rod tell the story of 18th century explorer, surveyor, guide and Indian agent Christopher Gist. Thanks for listening!

Jun 21, 2016 • 9:33

Nu-No-Du-Na-Tlo-Hi-Lu (The Trail Where They Cried)

In the early part of the 19th century, gold fever struck the North Georgia mountains. Before that fever went elsewhere, a great Indian nation was literally picked up and forced west of the Mississippi River at the command of President Andrew Jackson. This week, Steve and Rod tell the story of Nu-No-Du-Na-Tlo-Hi-Lu, or the Trail […]

Jun 18, 2016 • 11:47

The Wytheville Polio Epidemic

Before the release of the Salk polio vaccine, polio epidemics were commonplace in the United States. In 1950 one such epidemic hit the Commonwealth of Virginia, with the Appalachian town of Wytheville being so badly hit that it made national news. On this episode of Stories, Rod and Steve tell the story of the 1950 […]

Jun 11, 2016 • 13:38

The Wilderness Road

In 1775, Appalachia WAS the West, and people were pouring into the region and beyond. With the purchase of millions of acres of Kentucky land by the Transylvania Company, a way was needed to get settlers over the mountains to that land. And that’s where Daniel Boone came in. Boone and a company of ax-men […]

Jun 4, 2016 • 10:46

The Flood of ’89

There is little else worse than a flood in the Appalachian Mountains, due to the water being funneled down deep river valleys straight into towns and cities. What is worse is when that flood could have been prevented. On this episode of Stories, Rod and Steve tell the story of the Johnstown Flood of 1889, […]

May 31, 2016 • 9:53

Bloody Harlan

By Source (WP:NFCC#4), Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42629998 The 1930s saw the Great Depression come over America, and probably no place was harder hit than the coalfields of Eastern Kentucky. During that decade, Harlan County was the epicenter of a great struggle to establish the union, and it was a bloody one. Today, we tell the story […]

May 28, 2016 • 12:03

Giants in the Earth

There are tales of strange creatures seen in the mines and caves of Appalachia. On this episode, Rod and Steve tell the story of the giants in the earth, on Stories. You can subscribe at iTunes, the iPhone podcast app, Google Play or on your favorite Android or Windows phone podcast app. We’re on Facebook […]

May 24, 2016 • 9:50

Popcorn

Moonshining has long been associated with Appalachia. Probably the most well-known and well-marketed moonshiner was Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton of Cocke County, Tennessee. Popcorn dressed the part, at least the way he believed everybody outside the area thought a moonshiner should look like. And he made sure everybody knew who he was, appearing on television, in […]

May 21, 2016 • 16:17

Clark Dyer’s Flying Machine

In the hills of North Georgia in the 19th century lived a farmer named Micajah Clark Dyer. Dyer wasn’t just a Georgia farmer, though. He was a self-taught inventor and tinkerer whose passion was flight. Clark Dyer devised a very detailed flying machine that not only received a patent from the U.S. Patent office, but […]

May 17, 2016 • 9:28

The Battle of Kings Mountain

In 1780, the Patriot cause was suffering from losses across the colonies. Then, a British commander threatened to cross the Appalachians and lay waste to the settlements established in what is now East Tennessee, and that changed everything. Around 1400 militia were mustered from Southwest Virginia, present-day East Tennessee and Western North Carolina and set […]

May 14, 2016 • 13:49

Buried Alive!

In the spring of 1891, wealthy Pikeville, Kentucky, businessman James Hatcher buried his young wife, Octavia, after she apparently died while giving birth to their baby boy, who also died. Unfortunately, there was a bout of African sleeping sickness going around the coalfields at about this same time, with the symptoms mimicking death. On this […]

May 10, 2016 • 12:37

The Death of Edward Wentz

In 1903, the Wentz family of Philadelphia was in control of the Virginia Coal and Iron Company and Stonega Coal and Coke. In that year, young Edward Wentz came to the coalfields of Wise County, Virginia, to help manage the corporate property. In fact, Edward took a personal hand in patrolling the property, throwing out […]

May 7, 2016 • 17:02

The Melungeon Trials

Starting in the mid-19th century, just before the Civil War, there were several Tennessee court cases that helped define the role of the mysterious people known as “Melungeons” in Appalachian society. On this episode, Rod and Steve tell the story of those cases as well as the history, as best it can be determined, of […]

May 3, 2016 • 16:55

The Moon-Eyed People

There is a Cherokee legend about a war with a fair-skinned people with blue eyes and beards, who were extremely sensitive to light. One version of this legend has them responsible for pre-Columbian stone fortifications located in Georgia, pictured above. This week on Stories, Rod and Steve tell the story of the Moon-eyed people of […]

Apr 30, 2016 • 13:49

The Duke of Asheville

In the fall of 1902, a sickly Englishman arrived in Asheville, North Carolina, from parts unknown. He passed away shortly thereafter and, over the next seven years, became a part of the fabric of the mountain town, until he left just as mysteriously as he came. It’s the story of the Duke of Asheville, on […]

Apr 26, 2016 • 10:38

The Deadly Harpes

On this week’s episode of Stories, Rod and Steve tell you the story of the Harpes, two men who, at the turn of the 19th century, led authorities on a horrific crime spree from North Carolina to Illinois and back again, leaving numerous murder victims in their wake.

Apr 23, 2016 • 10:41

The Strikes of ’29

In 1929 a series of textile mill strikes hit the southeastern United States, starting in Elizabethton, Tennessee. On this episode, Rod and Steve tell the story of what happened in Elizabethton when workers went on strike against the rayon plants there. Thanks for listening to the podcast!

Apr 19, 2016 • 10:17

The Bluebeard of Quiet Dell

Sometimes love just isn’t enough. At least it wasn’t for Harry Powers of Quiet Dell, West Virginia. On today’s episode, we tell a story of murder in the singles ads in 1920’s West Virginia. You can subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app. We’re also on Facebook, where we have even more stories […]

Apr 16, 2016 • 10:57

The Great Cholera Outbreak

In 1873, there was a world-wide cholera epidemic. One of the worst hit places in the Appalachian region was the East Tennessee town of Greeneville, which saw 90 percent of its population either die or flee in absolute terror. The illness even struck a retired American president who lived in the town. On this episode […]

Apr 12, 2016 • 11:39

The Greenbrier Ghost

In 1896, Elva Zona Heaster met and married Edward Shue, a drifter who had just arrived in Elva’s hometown of Greenbrier, West Virginia, to work as a blacksmith. In less than a year, she would be dead and buried and her killer undiscovered but for her appearance as an apparition to her mother, who led […]

Apr 9, 2016 • 12:04

The Last Public Hanging in West Virginia

When there is a public execution, one expects a somber affair. That wasn’t the case with John Morgan of Ripley, whose hanging on December 16, 1897, for a grisly triple murder had more of a carnival atmosphere, which led the state of West Virginia to outlaw public hangings the next year. On this episode of […]

Apr 5, 2016 • 14:19

John Brown

In the summer of 1859, as the country was rapidly coming apart over the issue of slavery, a man slipped into the Appalachian town of Harper’s Ferry, Virginia under an assumed name and began preparing to spark a massive slave revolt. In the end, what was waiting for John Brown was not a revolution but […]

Mar 29, 2016 • 14:25

The Hermit of Big Bald Mountain

On today’s episode of Stories, Steve tells the story of David Grier, who spent his adult life atop Big Bald Mountain, just above Flag Pond, Tennessee on the North Carolina border. You might call him the Appalachian Thoreau, but Grier had an odd streak about him, which landed him in a trial for murder and, […]

Mar 26, 2016 • 10:11

The English Doctor

Up until the end of the nineteenth century, most “doctoring” in the rural parts of Appalachia was done by folk healers or “granny-women,” who used old time roots and herbs and traditional treatments. One of the first true doctors to settle in the mountains of Southwest Virginia was an Englishman named Lawrence Haddon, who came […]

Mar 22, 2016 • 11:49

The Dictator

In the mid-19th century, American “filibusters” descended on Latin America with an eye on extending the United States’ influence over the area. The most notorious of these men was William Walker of Tennessee, who led his band of Tennessee and Kentucky mercenaries into Nicaragua, where he made himself dictator. To this day, Walker’s name is […]

Mar 19, 2016 • 15:53

The Appalachian Trump

At one time, Buchanan County, Virginia, was the home of the largest number of millionaires in the Commonwealth of Virginia, due to the money to be made mining coal. Probably the best known of these “one percenters” was Arthur M. Ratliff, also known as “Smiley.” Smiley Ratliff was a World War II vet, the first […]

Mar 12, 2016 • 19:05

The Greenbrier Bunker

In the hills of West Virginia, at White Sulphur Springs, is a fine resort, the Greenbrier. There you can enjoy fine living and also take a tour of a Cold War relic: the underground nuclear bunker designed to protect the elite of Washington politics in the event of a nuclear war with the Russians. On […]

Mar 8, 2016 • 13:54

Hang Down Your Head, Tom Dooley

On this episode of Stories we have a tale of love and sex and murder in the mountains of North Carolina. Steve and Rod tell you the story of Tom Dula of Wilkes County, North Carolina, whose life has been immortalized in the song “Tom Dooley.” Thanks for your ears!

Mar 5, 2016 • 13:13

The POW From Cracker’s Neck

Corporal Edward Dickenson from the Cracker’s Neck section of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, was captured by the Chinese during the Korean War and was one of a handful of Americans who initially refused to return to America after the war. On this episode of Stories, Steve and Rod tell you the story of Corporal Dickenson’s […]

Mar 1, 2016 • 11:55

The Day The Eastman Exploded

On October 4, 1960, the lives of the residents of Kingsport, Tennessee, changed forever. It was on that date that a massive explosion occurred at the Tennessee Eastman Chemical Plant in the city, causing 15 deaths and more than 200 injuries. On this episode of Stories, Rod and Steve tell the story of that horrible […]

Feb 27, 2016 • 14:07

Francis Gary Powers

The world was in the middle of the Cold War on May 1, 1960, when a young Pound, Virginia, man set off on a U-2 flight from Pakistan which ended up making him part of the history of not only Appalachia, but the world. On this episode of Stories, Steve and Rod tell you the […]

Feb 23, 2016 • 19:42

Hank’s Last Ride

On New Years Eve, 1952, 17 year old Charlie Carr was on a mission to deliver country music star Hank Williams to a concert in Canton, Ohio, and ended up driving into Appalachian history. Despite Charlie’s efforts, Hank didn’t make it to Canton, having died somewhere between Bristol, Virginia and Oak Hill, West Virginia. On […]

Feb 20, 2016 • 14:28

The President’s Wife

On December 18th, 1915, widower and President, Woodrow Wilson, married Edith Galt, from Wytheville, Virginia. The new First Lady went on to help her husband through a stroke and, some say, actually run the country during the last year of his presidency. On today’s episode, Rod and Steve tell her story. You can subscribe to […]

Feb 16, 2016 • 11:49

The Carroll County Courthouse Shootout

In 1912, Hillsville, Virginia, was the site of a deadly shootout in the Carroll County circuit courtroom that left the judge, a prosecutor, the sheriff and a witness dead, all because one man was intent on never seeing the inside of a jail cell. This week, it’s the story of the Carroll County Courthouse shootout, […]

Feb 13, 2016 • 20:22

The Story of Shifty Powers

On this episode of Stories, Rod tells the story of Dickenson County native Shifty Powers, World War II vet who was one of several men whose lives were portrayed in the HBO series, “Band of Brothers.” You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or on your iPhone podcast app. If you have an Android […]

Feb 9, 2016 • 13:05

Blair Mountain

This week we bring you the story of what happened after the massacre at Matewan, West Virginia, when striking coal miners set off the largest and bloodiest labor revolt in American history. It’s the story of the Battle of Blair Mountain, part of the history of Appalachia. Thanks for listening!

Feb 6, 2016 • 16:50

The Great Appalachian Storm of 1950

On this episode of the podcast, we tell you about one of the worst winter storms to ever hit the Appalachian region. Over Thanksgiving weekend of 1950, Pennsylvania and New York saw record flooding, parts of West Virginia saw five feet of snow, there were tornadoes and heavy rain on the eastern side of the […]

Feb 2, 2016 • 10:01

The State of Franklin

On this episode of Stories, Steve tells the story of the state that might have been, the State of Franklin. Consisting of the current East Tennessee counties of Washington, Sullivan, Greene, Unicoi, Carter, Johnson, Hawkins, Hancock, Cocke and Sevier, the state was one of two mountain areas that declared their independence, the other being Vermont. […]

Jan 30, 2016 • 12:56

The Bristol Sessions

On this episode of Stories, Steve and Rod tell you the story of the birth of country music in what has been called “The Big Bang of country music.” It’s the story of how a New York record engineer and producer found his way to Bristol, Virginia-Tennessee and discovered the sound of gold in the […]

Jan 23, 2016 • 15:32

The Ghost of the Tavern Tart

On this episode of Stories, Rod tells a ghost story, about a “haint” at the Tavern in Abingdon, Virginia, who just might pinch your behind! Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @storyappalachia. Thanks for listening…

Jan 19, 2016 • 8:51

The Rye Cove Cyclone

In 1929 there was an outbreak of deadly tornadoes in the eastern U.S., including Appalachia. One of the worst hit places was in Rye Cove, Virginia, where the twister destroyed a school. On this episode, we tell the story of that tornado and its aftermath. You can subscribe to the podcast at iTunes or Stitcher […]

Jan 16, 2016 • 10:56

The Walton War

On this episode of the podcast, Steve tells the story of how a 12 mile wide strip of land led to a war between North Carolina and Georgia in the early 19th century. You can subscribe to the podcast at iTunes or Stitcher or on your favorite Android or Windows phone podcast app. You can […]

Jan 12, 2016 • 8:50

The Red Jacket Mine Explosion

On this episode of Stories, Steve and Rod tell the story of what is possibly the worst mining disaster in the history of Virginia. Forty-five men lost their lives in 1938 when an explosion tore through the Red Jacket Coal Company’s mine at Keen Mountain, near Grundy, at shift change time. You can subscribe to […]

Jan 9, 2016 • 13:38

Lloyd Ford’s Will

On this episode, we tell the story of a will left by Lloyd Ford, of Washington County, Tennessee. This will was the subject of a pre-Civil War court battle in Jonesborough between Mr. Ford’s children and his slaves, and it went all the way up to the Tennessee Supreme Court, leading to a landmark decision. […]

Jan 5, 2016 • 13:51

Matewan

In 1920, UMWA organizing was in full swing, with the union successfully gaining pay raises and better working conditions in mines across the country. In that year, John L. Lewis set his sights on the coal fields of West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky and Southwest Virginia, and the mine owners responded with force. On this episode, […]

Jan 2, 2016 • 14:04

The Travels of Gabriel Arthur

Today Steve tells the story of Gabriel Arthur, 17th century fur trader and explorer who was adopted into the Cherokee tribe and who was the first English colonist to travel through the Cumberland Gap, 80 years before Dr. Thomas Walker traveled to the area. You can subscribe to the podcast at iTunes or on your […]

Dec 29, 2015 • 7:07

Witchy Woman?

This is the story of a witch. Not a real witch, but an elderly lady by the name of Jane Dutton who was accused of being a witch by her neighbor. Aunt Jane, as she was known, didn’t take that insult lightly; she promptly sued her neighbor and we’ll tell you what happened on this […]

Dec 26, 2015 • 12:04

Christmas Stories

It’s only three days til Christmas…or is it fifteen? This week, Steve lets you know which when he tells the story of Old Christmas in the mountains. Then Rod tells you about the Santa Train, which runs from Kentucky, through Virginia, and into Tennessee every year, passing out food, candy, toys and clothing to the needy in the area.

Dec 22, 2015 • 17:56

The Story of Condy Dabney

In this week’s podcast Steve tells the story of Condy Dabney of Harlan County, Kentucky, who, in 1925, was convicted of murdering a young girl. But…did he do it? You can subscribe to Stories on iTunes or on Stitcher, or on your favorite Android or Windows podcast app. We also have a Facebook page, and […]

Dec 15, 2015 • 8:16

The Petticoat Government in Clintwood, Virginia

In this episode, Rod tells the story of the election of an all-woman town council and mayor in the town of Clintwood, Virginia, in the late 1940’s. This was so unusual, it made national and international news, and was used as propaganda by the Voice of America in its broadcasts to the USSR! Thanks for […]

Dec 12, 2015 • 10:24

William Dudley Pelley, Asheville Fascist

Prior to gaining power in Europe, both Hitler with his brownshirts and Mussolini with his blackshirts set the stage for gaining power as fascists in Germany and Italy. Other fascist movements arose at that same time in different parts of the world, such as under Franco in Spain and Oswald Mosley in Britain. But did […]

Dec 8, 2015 • 9:54

The Pound Gap Massacre

“Doc” Marshall Benton Taylor On this episode of the podcast, Steve and Rod tell a story of violence, murder, revenge and justice in Wise County, Virginia, in the 1890’s. It’s the story of Doc Taylor and Ira Mullins and how their hatred for each other led to a massacre in the Pound Gap between Virginia […]

Dec 5, 2015 • 16:32

The Battle of Athens, Tennessee

Listen as Steve and Rod tell you the story of an armed uprising against the political machine running McMinn County, Tennessee, in the late 1940’s, led by returning World War II GIs. You can subscribe to the podcast at iTunes, Stitcher, the podcast app on your iPhone or on your favorite Android or Windows phone […]

Dec 1, 2015 • 14:50

The Day The Circus Came To Kingsport

This week’s story is a well-known story about the Sparks’ World-Famous Circus and its visit to Kingsport, Tennessee, 99 years ago. The day’s festivities turned deadly, and the rest is, as they say, history… You can subscribe to the podcast at iTunes or Stitcher, or on your favorite iPhone, Android or Windows phone app. Thanks […]

Nov 23, 2015 • 17:57

Swift’s Lost Silver Mine

On this week’s podcast, Rod Mullins tells us the story of the legend of Swift’s Lost Silver Mine, supposedly located somewhere in the hills of Southwest Virginia. Rod also shares a personal connection to this legend, as well as trying to pin down the general location of the mine. If you like the podcast, please […]

Nov 18, 2015 • 18:07

John Randolph Neal, Jr., East Tennessee Advocate

Today, I’m sharing the story of John Randolph Neal, Jr., whose life revolved around the law. Neal was a rather eccentric law professor at the University of Tennessee College of Law in the 1920’s who went on to defend both famous clients (in Dayton, Tennessee) and not so famous clients (in Elizabethton, Tennessee, Harlan, Kentucky, […]

Nov 14, 2015 • 11:36

Mickey Ray Hendricks, All American Redhead

We have a sports-related podcast this week as Steve and Rod tell you the story of a woman from Scott County, Virginia, who traveled the country playing professional women’s basketball in the 1960’s, on the All-American Redheads team. You can subscribe to the podcast at iTunes, Stitcher or on your favorite Android podcast app. Thanks […]

Nov 10, 2015 • 7:48

Chief Benge’s Last Raid

This week on the podcast, Steve and Rod go back to the 1790’s to tell you the story of the last raid of the Cherokee warrior Bob Benge against the settlers of Scott, Lee and Wise Counties in Southwest Virginia. You can subscribe to the podcast on your iPhone or Android phone by clicking the […]

Nov 5, 2015 • 10:31

The Norton Braves

This week, Steve and Rod tell you the story of one of Southwest Virginia’s minor league baseball teams, the Norton Braves. Thanks for listening! View image | gettyimages.com

Oct 31, 2015 • 10:13

Andrew Jackson, East Tennessee Lawyer

In 1788, a brash 21 year-old came over the mountains from North Carolina to the frontier,seeking fame and fortune as a lawyer. Andrew Jackson began a long and illustrious career in what’s now Jonesborough, Tennessee, when he was sworn in as an attorney there that spring. Find out what else he was up to in […]

Oct 31, 2015 • 6:41

Alfred Dean Slack, Kingsport Spy

Welcome to our new podcast, Stories, A History of East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Each week we’ll take a look at the history of the area, one story at a time. This week, it’s the story of the Holston Defense employee who passed plant secrets to the Russians during World War II, leading to the […]

Oct 31, 2015 • 6:11