Two Continents, One Culture: The Scotch-Irish in Southern Appalachia

by Elizabeth Hirschman

This in-depth analysis examines how and why Southern culture was forever changed when Scotch-Irish immigrants flooded the Appalachian Mountains in the 1700s. Geographical similarities between Southern Appalachia and the Highlands of Scotland and Ireland are discussed, as well as the parallels and differences of the two cultures in four basic areas—music and dance, agricultural practices, fighting and hunting techniques, and technological innovativeness. More than 300 years of the communities' ideology is explored based on data culled from ethnographic observation, interviews at various heritage sites, historic accounts, archived letters, and other textual documentation.

104 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2006

Reviews

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent introduction in the Scottish roots of Appalachia. It was fascinating to learn that many Appalachians don’t know where their own culture originates. Their ancestors were hardworking and unbelievably tough. They took self sufficient to a new level.

It’s interesting to learn more about the cultural heritage of my own family from North Alabama and North Georgia. Although not considered Appalachia by someone from Kentucky or Virginia or East Tennessee, the culture is similar, and it was enlightening to read of its origins. The quick to fight, no nonsense, no frills, utilitarian traits of our Scottish ancestors live on in the South.

This book has inspired me to add the Ulster American Folk Park and the Museum of Appalachia to my list of places to visit. Maybe I’ll even go during the Appalachian Bluegrass Festival! 🎻

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book. It was more like a set of related academic papers or presentations on related themes. Making it a very short book, but interesting nonetheless.