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Appalachia: A History
Interweaving social, political, environmental, economic, and popular history, John Alexander Williams chronicles four and a half centuries of the Appalachian past. Along the way, he explores Appalachia's long-contested boundaries and the numerous, often contradictory images that have shaped perceptions of the region as both the essence of America and a place apart.
Williams begins his story in the colonial era and describes the half-century of bloody warfare as migrants from Europe and their American-born offspring fought and eventually displaced Appalachia's Native American inhabitants. He depicts the evolution of a backwoods farm-and-forest society, its divided and unhappy fate during the Civil War, and the emergence of a new industrial order as railroads, towns, and extractive industries penetrated deeper and deeper into the mountains. Finally, he considers Appalachia's fate in the twentieth century, when it became the first American region to suffer widespread deindustrialization, and examines the partial renewal created by federal intervention and a small but significant wave of in-migration.
Throughout the book, a wide range of Appalachian voices enlivens the analysis and reminds us of the importance of storytelling in the ways the people of Appalachia define themselves and their region.
Williams begins his story in the colonial era and describes the half-century of bloody warfare as migrants from Europe and their American-born offspring fought and eventually displaced Appalachia's Native American inhabitants. He depicts the evolution of a backwoods farm-and-forest society, its divided and unhappy fate during the Civil War, and the emergence of a new industrial order as railroads, towns, and extractive industries penetrated deeper and deeper into the mountains. Finally, he considers Appalachia's fate in the twentieth century, when it became the first American region to suffer widespread deindustrialization, and examines the partial renewal created by federal intervention and a small but significant wave of in-migration.
Throughout the book, a wide range of Appalachian voices enlivens the analysis and reminds us of the importance of storytelling in the ways the people of Appalachia define themselves and their region.
496 pages, Paperback
First published April 29, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 30, 2019
Lots of good information, but Man! that was hard to get through. Not light reading.
A few facts I learned: The second "a" in Appalachia is pronounced the same as the first "a" by those who actually live there.
The borders are disputed, but the "official" government borders include the counties of Northern Alabama and North-Eastern Mississippi where my parents grew up. The term "hillbillies" initially referred to people in those hills, but was later applied to mountain folk.
The famous family feuds (such as Hatfield-McCoy) happened over a wider region in Kentucky, not centered in Appalachia, but national publications focused only on that region.
The KKK, at least in this region, attacked and intimidated Catholics as much as African-Americans.
Lots more good information on subjects such as Indian removal, the civil war, union organizing, folk songs and crafts, religion, demographics, mining, unions, etc., etc., but I won't try to summarize any of that. Published in 2002, so recent things like the Opioid crisis are not discussed.
A few facts I learned: The second "a" in Appalachia is pronounced the same as the first "a" by those who actually live there.
The borders are disputed, but the "official" government borders include the counties of Northern Alabama and North-Eastern Mississippi where my parents grew up. The term "hillbillies" initially referred to people in those hills, but was later applied to mountain folk.
The famous family feuds (such as Hatfield-McCoy) happened over a wider region in Kentucky, not centered in Appalachia, but national publications focused only on that region.
The KKK, at least in this region, attacked and intimidated Catholics as much as African-Americans.
Lots more good information on subjects such as Indian removal, the civil war, union organizing, folk songs and crafts, religion, demographics, mining, unions, etc., etc., but I won't try to summarize any of that. Published in 2002, so recent things like the Opioid crisis are not discussed.
December 11, 2010
Although basically a textbook, this presented enough interesting facts and accounts of colorful local personalities to keep me reading to the end. I find Appalachia to be fascinating for its actual, as well as mythical, history and culture. For many generations, the region has grappled with basic survival issues along with environmental and labor exploitation; its residents have been admired as self-sufficient small farmers and ridiculed as hillbillies. The poignant out-migration and involuntary displacement of so many still resonates in the region's music. Overlaid on all this is the spectacular physical beauty of the land itself, which I had a recent opportunity to experience when I visited Kentucky and Tennessee this past October at the peak of autumn color. Having spent years playing old-time banjo and singing Sacred Harp, and having married someone who grew up in the region, Appalachia feels like a second home.
October 20, 2015
2.5 stars.
Deeeeeeeeeennnnnnssse. This book is dense. Dense. This is not prose, it is a master's thesis spread over 400 pages of very small, narrow-margin text. I'm not one to bitch about length - I'm a masochist who enjoys reading Dostoevsky - but there is no fat in this book. This means that even an interested reader can get through 20-40 pages before they have to close the book and digest. Understand that this is a warning, not a complaint. Ken Burns will paint a picture with sweeps over still photographs and Ashokan Farewell [sp], with letters home, etc. This is an A, B, C, D, E book:
"In 1780, the [] family moved from Tidewater to Pigeon Forge, taking with them their three children, ages 5, 7, and 9, but leaving behind their 16-year-old, who remained to work on the docks and later became captain of his own ship. Once in Pigeon Forge, the wife passed away and the father remarried Anne [], whose family originally had come from Pittsburgh, of the same [] family that had earlier started the First Pittsburgh Baptist Church. By 1785, the church had expanded to include 120 members, 20 of whom had moved into Pigeon Forge county, starting a new congregation there, under the leadership of John [], brother to Anne, himself a landowner with 400 acres, and who occasionally rented slaves from coastal Virginia as laborers in his salt mining operations, which represented 40% of the family income until 1809, when John died and the family sold the farm to..."
That's a made up passage, but it gives you an idea of the density of the book. Now make that 400 pages long in 6-point type, and you get an idea of what a challenge this book is. The notes and bibliography alone are as long as a medium-length novel (80 pages, 6-pt narrow-margin text). This is a reference book masquerading as historical reading.
When Mr. Williams referred to this as "A History," he meant from the ancient geological activity that formed the area (this is honestly where the book starts), through the flora and fauna that came into be, through the native peoples that inhabited the area, on through to mid-20th century.
The most interesting parts of the book to this reader were the interactions between native and European populations, and learning about how the land in WV was given out as payment to soldiers and to settle war debts, ultimately leaving a very large portion of the state in the hands of people who didn't live there, making squatters out of an entire state's population, and ensuring timber and mining interests would easily be able to lease or purchase said land and kick people off. It also explained why house trailers are so common there and go along with the "hillbilly" or "redneck" stereotypes (hint: if you don't own the land, you can't built a house or get traditional financing, and you have little tie to the land).
Interesting, but dense.
Deeeeeeeeeennnnnnssse. This book is dense. Dense. This is not prose, it is a master's thesis spread over 400 pages of very small, narrow-margin text. I'm not one to bitch about length - I'm a masochist who enjoys reading Dostoevsky - but there is no fat in this book. This means that even an interested reader can get through 20-40 pages before they have to close the book and digest. Understand that this is a warning, not a complaint. Ken Burns will paint a picture with sweeps over still photographs and Ashokan Farewell [sp], with letters home, etc. This is an A, B, C, D, E book:
"In 1780, the [] family moved from Tidewater to Pigeon Forge, taking with them their three children, ages 5, 7, and 9, but leaving behind their 16-year-old, who remained to work on the docks and later became captain of his own ship. Once in Pigeon Forge, the wife passed away and the father remarried Anne [], whose family originally had come from Pittsburgh, of the same [] family that had earlier started the First Pittsburgh Baptist Church. By 1785, the church had expanded to include 120 members, 20 of whom had moved into Pigeon Forge county, starting a new congregation there, under the leadership of John [], brother to Anne, himself a landowner with 400 acres, and who occasionally rented slaves from coastal Virginia as laborers in his salt mining operations, which represented 40% of the family income until 1809, when John died and the family sold the farm to..."
That's a made up passage, but it gives you an idea of the density of the book. Now make that 400 pages long in 6-point type, and you get an idea of what a challenge this book is. The notes and bibliography alone are as long as a medium-length novel (80 pages, 6-pt narrow-margin text). This is a reference book masquerading as historical reading.
When Mr. Williams referred to this as "A History," he meant from the ancient geological activity that formed the area (this is honestly where the book starts), through the flora and fauna that came into be, through the native peoples that inhabited the area, on through to mid-20th century.
The most interesting parts of the book to this reader were the interactions between native and European populations, and learning about how the land in WV was given out as payment to soldiers and to settle war debts, ultimately leaving a very large portion of the state in the hands of people who didn't live there, making squatters out of an entire state's population, and ensuring timber and mining interests would easily be able to lease or purchase said land and kick people off. It also explained why house trailers are so common there and go along with the "hillbilly" or "redneck" stereotypes (hint: if you don't own the land, you can't built a house or get traditional financing, and you have little tie to the land).
Interesting, but dense.
March 16, 2008
Appalachia: A History
An expansive work that contains many insightful views into one of the most studied, but misunderstood American regions. While the book is titled "A history", it is as much a history of "how" Appalachia is studied as it is a straight history of the area.
The author's central theory is that Appalachia was, and is, an internal colony of the United States, with its natural resources of coal and timber shipped out, and almost all finished goods shipped in. Few of the factories and industry that use Appalachia's coal and timber are within its borders. As a result its economic system closely resembles a colony, with northern interests reaping the benefits of Appalachia's riches.
The author claims that Appalachia's identity was largely constructed by outsiders who wanted to either exploit or save its people. While the book is extensively researched, most of the analysis and history are the author's thoughts or those of other academics. The voice of the Appalachian people is strangely absent. In addition, the history of the area post-1970 is pretty thin and is more about the people who study Appalachia, than the regions itself. The 1980s-present is barely covered at all.
Be aware, the author has little good to say about private corporations, free markets, or the wealthy. The U.S. Government, the TVA, and the Park Service are also painted in a poor light. Everything that is wrong with Appalachia appears to be somebody else's fault. Once I realized his views, I was able to dive into the books theories and constructs, which were well worth the effort.
Despite a few quirks, I learned much about a region of America that I realized I knew little about, and what I knew was wrong and invented by outsiders. The author's love for the region is evident.
An expansive work that contains many insightful views into one of the most studied, but misunderstood American regions. While the book is titled "A history", it is as much a history of "how" Appalachia is studied as it is a straight history of the area.
The author's central theory is that Appalachia was, and is, an internal colony of the United States, with its natural resources of coal and timber shipped out, and almost all finished goods shipped in. Few of the factories and industry that use Appalachia's coal and timber are within its borders. As a result its economic system closely resembles a colony, with northern interests reaping the benefits of Appalachia's riches.
The author claims that Appalachia's identity was largely constructed by outsiders who wanted to either exploit or save its people. While the book is extensively researched, most of the analysis and history are the author's thoughts or those of other academics. The voice of the Appalachian people is strangely absent. In addition, the history of the area post-1970 is pretty thin and is more about the people who study Appalachia, than the regions itself. The 1980s-present is barely covered at all.
Be aware, the author has little good to say about private corporations, free markets, or the wealthy. The U.S. Government, the TVA, and the Park Service are also painted in a poor light. Everything that is wrong with Appalachia appears to be somebody else's fault. Once I realized his views, I was able to dive into the books theories and constructs, which were well worth the effort.
Despite a few quirks, I learned much about a region of America that I realized I knew little about, and what I knew was wrong and invented by outsiders. The author's love for the region is evident.
February 1, 2015
I learned a great deal and enjoyed this book. Parts of the book which were less relevant to my personal experience of growing up in northwest North Carolina were less interesting to me as were some of the time periods. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a through understanding of the region.
The book is well researched and written a very accessible manner. One aspect of the book I found very interesting was the how the sociological models of the early 20th century had been applied to the people of the region. In some cases these models tried to apply a context of the United States in general without taking in consideration the unique nature of the region's people.
The book is well researched and written a very accessible manner. One aspect of the book I found very interesting was the how the sociological models of the early 20th century had been applied to the people of the region. In some cases these models tried to apply a context of the United States in general without taking in consideration the unique nature of the region's people.
June 18, 2012
There is a lot here. This is more of an academic-style piece (think textbook) than a popular history. There is a lot here about the history of the region, but you have to come to it with quite a bit of knowledge as well.
There is a crying need for maps in this book (many of the illustrations that are included seemed to be especially odd choices) especially for those of us who do not live in the region, but wish to learn more about the conditions for ancestors who did.
There is a crying need for maps in this book (many of the illustrations that are included seemed to be especially odd choices) especially for those of us who do not live in the region, but wish to learn more about the conditions for ancestors who did.
March 13, 2010
A fabulous writer of history. His love for the region and its people comes through on every page.
December 16, 2025
The reviews saying that this book is very information-dense are correct. I'm not convinced this book would be fascinating to you unless you have very particular interest in Appalachian history, culture, economics, and geography. But I can tick all those boxes, so I did get a lot out of this book. I also think it's written well considering it's filled to the brim with dry facts. I would find myself reading several dozen pages, then putting the book down for days at a time because I found it so intimidating, but whenever I exercised self-discipline and picked up the book again, I always got something enjoyable or thoughtful from it.
May 19, 2025
Certainly a good book, but I would defer readers to other histories of Appalachia. There are a plurality of flaws -- such as a very weak first two chapters of early American Appalachian history, a lack of explanation for why the coal industry was established, and way too many tangents.
This doesn't mean that it wasn't an interesting read. Definitely a good introduction for readers seeking to begin their study of Appalachia, not for the specialist.
This doesn't mean that it wasn't an interesting read. Definitely a good introduction for readers seeking to begin their study of Appalachia, not for the specialist.
June 26, 2019
Not a perfect book, but an important one. I am left wanting a better review of the spirit and resourceful grit and humor—and other distinct attributes—which characterize mountaineers. I hate to hear about mountain top removal and a renewal of strip mining, that’s got to stop!
January 24, 2017
This is a dense textbook style book, but very informative and useful as I try to understand the culture and area
Read
October 2, 2021Only read parts for research
November 8, 2023
Would be so much better with subheadings for sections and also if we ever talked about the reading in class
September 23, 2017
A fantastic history of Appalachia! A "must read" for anyone sincerely interested in the history of Appalachia or the United States. Not an "easy read" because it's chock full of too much real and relevant information; but, a very rewarding book.
July 5, 2015
The first chapter of this book spends time discussing the difficulty of even finding a consistent definition of the land boundaries of Appalachia, though as the book progresses, one wonders if there is an equal difficulty in grasping Appalachia as a conceptual entity. Early chapters feel a bit like incarnations of the elephant metaphor of religion, where each chapter grasps at a different part of the whole, yet understanding of the whole feels elusive. In later chapters, as larger themes emerge, and as documentary evidence becomes more available, a bigger picture starts to form, though by that point it starts to feel too little, too late. While I was reading this book, a friend asked me to summarize what I had learned about Appalachia. Though I had learned a lot of interesting anecdotes, the best summary I could come up with was, "Appalachia has had a rough go of it." This isn't necessarily the fault of the author - he clearly is very knowledgeable, well-read, and passionate about the topic of Appalachia. It just may be that the task was too large.
Side note: for a book that is so much about a given geographical area, this book contained far too few maps. Perhaps part of my difficulty in seeing the big picture was due to my inability to follow the stories geographically.
Side note: for a book that is so much about a given geographical area, this book contained far too few maps. Perhaps part of my difficulty in seeing the big picture was due to my inability to follow the stories geographically.
December 30, 2009
Okay it took FOREVER to finish due to the whole...being distracted by an infant..but it was very interesting and overall an easy read. John Williams was one of my history professors at Appalachian State and I didn't make the connection of that same John Williams being the author until after I started reading the book. I particularly enjoyed it because of my family history research. If you have ancestors who were living in Appalachia (or who still do) it's a great insight to the culture and history of the region (or place...depending on which theory you subscribe to).
July 9, 2010
My family is an Appalachian family, especially on my Dad's side (mostly eastern Kentucky folks), with some Ohioans from my Mom's. Therefore this book was very interesting in seeing how European-Americans settled into this area, and how Appalachia developed into what it is today. A well-written book that I'd recommend if you have interest in Appalachia or if you're interested from a geneological perspective.
December 28, 2012
I dug this history. It's thoughtful and never condescending to the people of the region. My favorite aspects of this particular book -- the narratives about female settlers in the area, Over Mountain Men, bushwhackers, and the Cherokee. He does a great job of distinguishing different states and cultures in the region. Also some very good maps here to show shifts in boundaries of Appalachia.
August 30, 2013
Interesting (although somewhat dry) read. Good coverage of the movement into the 'region' from the north and coastal areas. Much said on the (continuing) impact of the extractive industries. Was prompted to read after finishing "Night Comes to the Cumberlands" by Harry Caudill (another worthwhile read).
June 24, 2008
A bit of a dry read, but this book is very informative on the history of the Appalachians.
Want to read
September 12, 2012Definitely a history text, but appealing to me because people and places seem familiar.
June 8, 2010
dry but necessary... a few interesting stories here. Certainly doesn't romanticize or stereotype!
August 12, 2010
A scholarly work on the history of the Appalachian region. Well-researched, could be considered a bit dry by those not already interested in the topic. Important book.
February 12, 2013
Scattered at times, and I argue with his definitions of Appalachia, but not bad.
February 27, 2013
This book does a good job of summarizing the history, culture, and people of an often ignored region. This is worth reading if you have ever have the time.
September 22, 2013
Makes one wonder what the mountain communities would be like today if the "civilized" northeast would've left them alone.
March 14, 2015
The total introduction into the social history of Appalachia. Some parts a bit lengthy, but overall a very good read.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews