A History of Appalachia - Hardcover

Drake, Richard B.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0813121698 ISBN 13: 9780813121697

Publisher: Univ Pr of Kentucky, 2001

Synopsis

The Appalachian region, extending from Alabama in the South up to the Allegheny highlands of Pennsylvania, has historically been characterized by its largely rural populations, rich natural resources that have fueled industry in other parts of the country, and the strong and wild, undeveloped land.

This land has always profoundly influenced the development of its people. The rugged geography of the region allowed Native American societies, especially the Cherokee, to flourish. Early white settlers tended to favor a self-sufficient approach to farming, contrary to the land grabbing and plantation building going on elsewhere in the South.

The growth of a market economy and competition from other agricultural areas of the country sparked an economic decline of the region’s rural population at least as early as 1830. The Civil War and the sometimes hostile legislation of Reconstruction made life even more difficult for rural Appalachians.

Recent history of the region is marked by the corporate exploitation of fossil fuel resources. Regional oil, gas, and coal had attracted some industry even before the Civil War, but the postwar years saw an immense expansion of American industry, nearly all of which relied heavily on Appalachian fossil fuels, particularly coal. What was initially a boon to the region eventually brought financial disaster to many mountain people as unsafe working conditions and strip mining ravaged the land and its inhabitants.

A History of Appalachia also examines pockets of urbanization in Appalachia. Chemical, textile, and other industries have encouraged the development of urban areas. At the same time, radio, television, and the internet provide residents direct links to cultures from all over the world. The author looks at the process of urbanization as it belies commonly held notions about the region’s rural character.

For more than twenty years historians have expressed the critical need for a single-volume history of Appalachia. Richard Drake has skillfully woven together the various strands of the Appalachian experience into a sweeping whole. Touching upon folk traditions, health care, the environment, higher education, the role of blacks and women, and much more, Drake offers a compelling social history of a unique American region.

About this title

About the Author:

Richard B. Drake, professor emeritus of history at Berea College, was one of the founding members of the Appalachian Studies Association.

Review:

"...a remarkably comprehensive single-volume account of Appalachia..." -- Lexington Herald-Leader, March 11, 2001

"Fills in a lot of gaps in the history of the unique region." -- WTBF Radio

"The unique and worthwhile contribution to the literature which Drake intended." -- Filson History Quarterly

Outstanding Academic Title for 2002 -- Choice

“A thoroughly researched and carefully crafted narrative that is equal parts history, geography and sociology.” -- Raleigh-Durham News-Observer

“An introduction to Appalachia’s long and rich history, this book should interest all those concerned with the region’s past—and future.” -- James C. Klotter, State Historian of Kentucky and Professor of History, Georgetown College

“Generously illustrated, lucid, and important.” -- Cleveland Plain Dealer

About this edition

• Publisher: Univ Pr of Kentucky
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0813121698
• ISBN 13: 9780813121697
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 292