Stories-A History of Appalachia, One Story at a Time

On a quiet Sunday morning in the spring of 1782, Pastor John Corbly and his family were headed for church when he realized he'd forgotten his Bible and turned back alone to get it. That action saved his life when his family was ambushed by Indians.In this episode of the Stories podcast, Steve and Rod tell the chilling true story of the Corbly family massacre near Garards Fort, Pennsylvania.Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app for more Stories of Appalachia!Thanks for listening.

On this episode of the Stories podcast, we tell the dramatic tale of Gus McCoig, a Jefferson County boy who became one of East Tennessee's most notorious Depression-era outlaws. McCoig's story starts with his chance encounter with outlaw Clarence Bunch in a jail cell, followed by their escape and his later capture and conviction for crimes he committed while in the Bunch gang.  After he escaped the Tennessee State Prison, he went on a crime spree across East Tennessee that ended with his capture and execution at just 25 years old.It's another one of the Stories of Appalachia.If you've not done so already, subscribe to the Stories podcast at Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, PlayerFM or on your favorite podcast app.Thanks for listening.

Step back in time to the golden era of Appalachian luxury as we explore the rise and fall of Tate Springs, a once-famous resort in Bean Station, Tennessee. Known for its healing mineral spring, lush golf course, and elite clientele, including the Rockefellers and Fords, Tate Springs was the South's hidden gem. Discover how this jewel of East Tennessee became a forgotten relic and what still remains today.Don't forget to subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app or on our YouTube channel to hear more Stories of Appalachia.Thanks for listening!

In the winter of 1779, a determined group of Appalachian settlers set out on a thousand-mile journey by river, led by Virginia surveyor John Donelson.Battling disease, starvation, ambushes, and the raw forces of nature, they pushed westward down the Holston River, into the Tennessee River, the Ohio and then up the Cumberland River, all through hostile and unknown lands.Their goal? A place called French Lick—later known as Nashville.In this episode, Steve and Rod trace the expedition that carried Appalachian grit to Middle Tennessee, laying the foundations for the city many call “The Athens of the South.”Be sure to subcribe to the Stories podcast if you haven't done so already.  You'll find us on your favorite podcast app and our YouTube channel.Thanks for listening!

Today we tell the story of the battle over the Tellico Dam, the last major project of the Tennessee Valley Authority. TVA's ambitious plans for the Tellico project included not only a dam and lake but also the development of a brand-new city to be called Timberlake.  However, the project faced fierce resistance from landowners who were being forced to sell their land, the Cherokee, whose most important Overhill towns were going to be flooded by the dam, and environmentalists trying to save the habitat of the endangered snail darter fish.   A lawsuit over the fish won a victory in the Supreme Court for those wanting to stop the Tellico Dam, but that wasn't the end of the story, as you'll find out in this episode.  If you like our stories, be sure to subscribe to the Stories of Appalachia podcast on your favorite podcast app or on our YouTube channel.  Thanks for listening!

Nearly twenty years before Tennessee was a state, William Bean built a cabin along the Watagua River and planted roots. In this episode, we tell the story of his journey from longhunter to settler, his friendship with Daniel Boone, and his wife Lydia's dramatic rescue from execution by Cherokee Beloved Woman Nancy Ward.It's the story of Tennessee's first settlement, the founding of Bean Station, and a life that helped shape the Appalachian frontier.Like what you hear? Subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app and on our YouTube channel so you never miss an episode.Thanks for listening!

This week, Steve and Rod bring you the remarkable story of Isaac Cline, a Tennessee-born son of Appalachia who rose to become one of America's most respected meteorologists. From his humble beginnings in a two-room log cabin near the Great Smoky Mountains to his fateful role during the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, Cline's life was marked by groundbreaking contributions, profound loss, and an enduring legacy.He defied standard protocol of the time to warn the people of Galveston and turned that tragedy into a mission to redefine storm forecasting.Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss any of our podcasts!  Thanks for listening.

In this episode of Stories of Appalachia, we tell the story of a shocking event in January 1927 in Jefferson County, Tennessee.That was when a prominent county businessman named W.B. Johnson turned from respected community member to notorious outlaw. This tale unfolds with a fateful meeting involving Johnson, two women, and a tragic dispute that escalated into a deadly confrontation.This is a story of tragedy, madness, and the dark side of the Appalachia. If you've not done so already, be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss any of our stories.Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we tell the harrowing story of the Jellico explosion, a catastrophic event that shook the town of Jellico, Tennessee, on September 21, 1906. What began as a normal morning quickly turned into chaos when a shipment of 11 tons of dynamite detonated, leveling the downtown area and leaving the community in ruins. Join Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins as they tell the story of Jellico's darkest day. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to catch all our stories.You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here:  https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/supportThanks for listening!

In this episode, we tell the inspiring story of the packhorse librarians, a group of determined women who brought literacy and hope to the remote hollers of Eastern Kentucky during the Great Depression. As families struggled to survive, these brave librarians on horses (and mules) navigated rugged terrain to deliver books and educational materials to isolated communities where access to the written word was scarce.Joining us for this story is our special guest Nicki Jacobsmeyer, author of "Kentucky's Packhorse Librarians," who shares her insights and research on this remarkable chapter of Appalachian history.Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to catch all our stories.You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here:  https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/supportThanks for listening!

In this episode, we tell the strange tale of Polly Feltner, a young woman from Hyden, Kentucky, who vanished in 1897 under mysterious circumstances.  What began as a search for a missing person quickly escalated into charges of murder, a frenzy of suspicion and mob justice, targeting an innocent man. As tensions rose and a near-lynching unfolded, the story took a dramatic twist that no one could have anticipated.  Join us as we tell Polly's unique Appalachian story.  Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to catch all our stories.  You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/supportThanks for listening!

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 River in Virginia, then finally to the Cheat River in what's now West Virginia, this family's story is one of faith, determination, and the harsh realities of frontier life.  Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to catch all our stories.  You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/supportThanks for listening!

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 stories, available on your favorite podcast app. You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/supportThanks for listening, and we'll see you next time!

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 app. You can also support our storytelling journey and gain access to exclusive content by becoming a patron here:  https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/supportThanks for listening!

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 journey and gain access to exclusive content by becoming a patron here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/supportThanks for listening!

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 to stay up to date on all our episodes.You can also support our storytelling journey and gain access to exclusive content by becoming a patron here:    https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next time!

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 stories, available on your favorite podcast app.  You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/supportThanks for listening, and we'll see you next time!

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 journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron of our audio podcast here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support   Thanks for listening and for sharing our stories with your friends!

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 migration of the Trail of Tears.  Today we tell his story, another one of the Stories of Appalachia.  Subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss any of our stories. You can also help support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron of our audio podcast here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support  Thanks for listening!

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 to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast platform or on our YouTube channel at Stories of Appalachia.Support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron of our audio podcast here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/supportThanks for listening!

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 Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app or on our YouTube channel at Stories of Appalachia. You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron of our audio podcast here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support Thanks for listening!

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 exclusive content by becoming a patron at Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support  Thanks for listening!

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 to the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts,, or on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss any of our stories.You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron of our audio podcast here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support  Thanks for listening!

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 escalated into a full-blown conflict, culminating in a battle that left several men dead and the saloon in flames.  Join us as we tell the story of the Quarter House saloon, another one of the Stories of Appalachia   Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss any of our stories. You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron of our audio podcast here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support Thanks for listening!

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.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support  Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next time!  

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 podcast app or visit our YouTube channel for more Stories of Appalachia. You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/supportThanks for listening!

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 miners were not only workers but also shareholders, creating a revolutionary model for coal mining communities in the early 1920s.  And after the end of the cooperative caused by an economic downturn, Himler himself went on to lead a most interesting life as an American espionage agent during World War II, leading to his being awarded one of the country's most prestigious honors.  Don't miss this episode of the Stories podcast!  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, iHeartRadio, or on your favorite podcast app to hear more tales from the heart of Appalachia.  You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support  Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next time!  

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 listening!

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 of Appalachia.Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, available on your favorite podcast app.   Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next time!  

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 also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support  Thanks for listening!

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 people in the face of overwhelming adversity.Don't miss this compelling episode of Stories of Appalachia. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, available on your favorite podcast app.Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next time!

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, and we'll see you next time!

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 recordings.    However, his story is not without its shadows, as you'll find out.    Don't forget to subscribe!  You'll find us on your favorite podcast app.Thank you for watching and for sharing our stories with your friends!

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 history. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any of our Stories of Appalachia. You'll find us on your favorite podcast app.Thanks for listening!

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, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app. Don't forget to subscribe for more Stories of Appalachia.  Thank you for listening and for sharing our stories with your friends!

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 Appalachia.   You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support Thank you for listening and for sharing our stories with your friends!

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 beyond.Listen to the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app. We're also on YouTube @StoriesOfAppalachia; be sure to like, comment and subscribe. You can help support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/supportThank you for listening and for sharing our stories with your friends!

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 alleged murderer known as Slewfoot. Listen to the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app. Don't forget to subscribe for more Stories of Appalachia.You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/supportThank you for listening and for sharing our stories with your friends!

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 Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast app. Don't forget to subscribe for more Stories of Appalachia.You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/supportThank you for listening and for sharing our stories with your friends!

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 Stories of Appalachia. You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support Thanks for listening and for sharing our stories with your friends!

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 miss out on this gripping tale of crime, punishment, and the search for justice.Listen to the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app. Don't forget to subscribe for more Stories of Appalachia.You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/supportThank you for listening and for sharing our stories with your friends!

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 exclusive content by becoming a patron here:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/supportThanks for listening!

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 stories! Subscribe to the Stories podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, Spotify or on your favorite podcast app.You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron on Spreaker here:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support  Thanks for listening!  

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. Don't forget to subscribe for more Stories of Appalachia.You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/supportThank you for listening and for sharing our stories with your friends!  

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 and Curry's desperate escape attempt.Listen to the Stories podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, Spotify, Player FM, or your favorite podcast app. You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron on Spreaker here:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support  Thanks for listening!  

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 on your own favorite podcast app.   Thanks for listening!

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 shocked the nation.  Listen to the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast app. Don't forget to subscribe for more Stories of Appalachia.  You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here:  https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support  Thank you for listening and for sharing our stories with your friends!

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, Apple Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast app. Don't forget to subscribe for more tales from the heart of Appalachia.You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/supportThank you for listening and for sharing our stories with your friends!

This week on the Stories podcast, we tell the story of two Appalachian towns, Royston 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 from the heart of Appalachia.You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron on Spreaker here:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/supportThanks for listening and for sharing our stories with your friends!

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 the heart of Appalachia.You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support  Thank you for listening and for sharing our stories with your friends!

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 enslaved men, faced not only the enemy but also prejudice and abuse from their own ranks. Despite these challenges, their courage during the battle earned them respect and admiration.  What happened to them and their commanders after the battle, however, was harrowing, in an event that's come to be known as the Saltville massacre.  Listen to the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Don't forget to subscribe for more tales from the heart of Appalachia.  You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support  Thank you for listening and for sharing our stories with your friends!