Appalachia

Appalachia is a partly rural, partly urbanized and industrialized region in and around the Appalachian Mountains in the Eastern United States.

Culture

Prior to the 20th century the people of Appalachia were geographically isolated from the rest of the country. As a result, they preserved the culture of their ancestors (most of them English, Scottish, and Ulstermen) who settled the region in the 18th century, a culture of a strong oral tradition (including music and song), self-sufficiency, and strong religious faith. Coal deposits in the region were tapped in the latter half of the 19th century and drew a new wave of immigrants, from Ireland and Central Europe. With this industrialization came increased urbanization.

Related Topics:
20th century - English - Scottish - Ulstermen - 18th century - Music - Coal - 19th century - Ireland - Central Europe - Industrialization - Urbanization

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Long characterized as economically underdeveloped, Appalachia has received more sympathetic treatment by historians and anthropologists in recent decades. The Foxfire project appealed to the counterculture and gave the region new visibility in academia. The opening of the Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Georgia into Canada, in 1936 also helped open the area to hikers and outdoorsmen from all over the world.

Related Topics:
Foxfire project - Appalachian Trail

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A long-running series of documentary films by Appalshop take a historical and critical view of the region, including especially such endemic and pervasive problems as those associated with coal mining (shaft mining & strip mining), poverty, and related social issues.

Related Topics:
Appalshop - Coal mining - Shaft mining - Strip mining - Poverty

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See also: Appalachian folk music, Appalachian English

Related Topics:
Appalachian folk music - Appalachian English

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