Historical background

The first Europeans and Africans reached the Southern Appalachians in the 1500's. Their arrival disrupted American Indian societies with new forms of trade, warfare, and disease. By the late 1700's, only the Cherokee remained in the southern mountains. Many immigrants came to the area before the Civil War. The largest groups to immigrate at this time were the Irish, German, and Chinese. This is largely due to crop failures and political revolts within their own countries. A relatively large proportion of the early backcountry immigrants were Ulster Scots—later known as "Scotch-Irish", a group mostly originating from southern Scotland and northern England, many of whom had settled in Ulster Ireland prior to migrating to America—who were seeking cheaper land and freedom from prejudice.

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The Appalachian Mountain range played an important role in the history and economic development of the United States. It formed a barrier that held the early settlers near the Atlantic coast until the colonies could develop the unity and strength to fight for independence and form a nation.
•    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appalachia
•    https://www.thecollector.com/what-is-appalachian-culture/
•    http://npshistory.com/publications/usfs/region/8/history/intro.htm

 

What is Appalachian Culture?

There are many traditions that have come from Appalachia that started from the need for self-sufficiency in the mountains. The region is known for handmade quilts, pottery, wood carvings, poetry, writing, and music.
•    https://uacvoice.org/2015/07/what-is-appalachian-culture/

 

Appalachian Folk Songs

Appalachian music originated in the 18th century in Appalachia, the United States, from a blend of musical influences from various European and African countries. The two primary groups of influences are Anglo-Celtic immigrants and African Americans.
•    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Appalachian_folk_songs

 

Appalachian Dancing

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Traditional dancing in Appalachia includes several types: step dancing, set dancing, and couple dancing. Step dance traditions include clogging, buckdancing, flatfooting, and the Charleston.
•    Clogging, which is also called "Hillbilly Tap Dancing", is an authentic form of American folk dance. It began in the Appalachian Mountains in the mid 1700's by the Irish, Scottish, English, and Dutch-Germans. 
•    Watch Clog Dancing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nU54oas9Lk

 

Appalachian Artisans (Crafters)

Appalachian Arts: The traditional arts and crafts of the southern mountain region that include basketry, weaving, spinning, carving, quilting, pottery, toy making, and blacksmithing.
•    [Locke, can we put the link to Appalachian Craft organizations HERE.]  HERE is a list of Appalachian Artisan groups and places where you can buy art HANDMADE IN AMERICA. There are also “schools” where you can visit and learn to create art, music, and dance steps that have its origins in Appalachia. 

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