Stories-a History Of Appalachia, One Story At A Time

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, Loyston 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

In this week’s episode of Stories of Appalachia, we tell the captivating tale of the Beale Treasure—a story that has fascinated treasure hunters and cryptographers for well over a century. Join Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins as they share the story of the mystery surrounding a massive cache of gold, silver, and jewels allegedly buried in Bedford County, Virginia, worth over $63 million today. Listen to the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Don't forget to subscribe for more stories 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 for sharing our stories with your friends!  

In this episode of the Stories podcast, we tell a crime story involving a wealthy heir from Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia, whose life ended tragically in New Orleans. James Mahoney, a man of many talents and pursuits, found himself entangled in a web of mystery and murder that has intrigued many for decades.  Join Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins as they tell the story of the bizarre case of Mahoney's murder in a French Quarter hotel room.  This is a tale you won't want to miss.  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  Thanks for listening and for sharing our stories with your friends.    

In this episode of Stories of Appalachia, we tell the story of the prelude to the infamous Trail of Tears—the murder that inflamed Cherokee tensions and provided the legal framework for the tragic forced relocation of the tribe from the southeast to what’s now Oklahoma.   Join Rod Mullins and Steve Gilly as they unravel the complex tale of Jack Walker Jr., a Cherokee man caught in the crossfire of a nation's strife and the murky politics that led to a pivotal moment in American history. Listen to the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Don't forget to subscribe for more captivating 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.

In this episode of Stories of Appalachia, we tell the story of one of the most devastating natural disasters to strike southwest Virginia: the Rye Cove cyclone of 1929. A day that began like any other would end in tragedy as a powerful tornado tore across the community of Rye Cove, leaving death and destruction in its wake.  Listen as Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins recount the terrifying moments when a monstrous F2 tornado descended upon the small community of Rye Cove, Virginia, demolishing the school and claiming the lives of 12 children and one of their teachers.  Be sure to listen to this episode of Stories of Appalachia on your favorite podcast app.  We invite you to make Spreaker your app of choice, and also invite you to go there and become a supporter of Stories to gain access to unreleased podcasts and other extras.  You can find out more here:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support  Catch us on YouTube @StoriesOfAppalachia as well.   Thanks for listening!  

Today we tell the remarkable story of James Smith, a frontiersman and longhunter whose fight for survival in the Appalachian wilderness in 1767 after a hunting expedition tested his knowledge, ingenuity and determination to live.   Listen to our podcast on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, or on your favorite podcast app, and consider supporting us on Spreaker to keep these extraordinary tales coming.  https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support  

In this episode of Stories of Appalachia, we tell the remarkable tale of Talmadge Judd, a backyard innovator from Kingsport, Tennessee, whose vision and mechanical abilities led to the creation in 1945 of the Humming Bird, an automobile far ahead of its time.  With no blueprints, Judd built the Humming Bird in just four months—a subcompact marvel that boasted impressive fuel efficiency and a sleek design decades ahead of its time.  Join Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins as they tell another one of the Stories of Appalachia!  Listen now on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, or wherever you get your podcasts. Be sure to share the wonder of our Stories of Appalachia with your friends, and consider becoming a supporter on Spreaker to keep these tales alive.  https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support  

Today we tell a story with echoes of the Wild West…along with a twist! We unravel the mysterious life of Jack Vermillion of Mendota, Virginia, a man who many say once walked the dusty streets of Tombstone, Arizona, alongside the legendary Earp brothers.  Join hosts Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins as they journey through the tangled tales of a figure many believed to be the notorious Texas Jack Vermillion!  Was the Jack Vermillion laid to rest in Mendota the same man who earned his fame in the deserts of Arizona?  Subscribe and listen to the Stories of Appalachia podcast on your favorite podcast app to join us on this fascinating exploration of the history of this place we call home, Appalachia.  Thanks for tuning in, and don't forget to share these stories of Appalachia with your friends.