the upper south

Upper South

Southern states located north of the Lower or Deep South.

Appalachian Mountains

The oldest mountains in North America, formed 1.2 billion to 300 million years ago.

Mt. Mitchell

The highest peak in the Appalachian Mountains, measuring 6,684 ft (2,037 m).

Appalachian Regional Commission

An official body that defines the Appalachian region, encompassing 423 counties across 13 states.

Plantation economy

An economic system that relies heavily on large-scale farming and enslaved labor, less prevalent in Upper South except for tobacco and cotton.

Cumberland Gap

An important migration path used by early settlers for westward expansion.

Affrilachia

Term referring to the cultural contributions of African-American artists, writers, and musicians in the Appalachian region.

Coal mining

The extraction of coal, which significantly transformed the Appalachian Plateau and led to industrial growth.

Labor unions

Organizations formed by workers to improve working conditions and wages; significant in coal mining regions.

Red bandanas

A physical symbol of workers' solidarity during labor uprisings in the early 20th century.

Appalachian folk music

Genre that blends English, Scottish, and Irish ballads with African-derived styles.

Bluegrass music

Type of music created in the 1940s, rooted in old-time music and influenced by jazz and blues.

New Deal policies

Initiatives introduced by Franklin D. Roosevelt aimed at improving living conditions during the Great Depression.

Appalachian Development Highway System

A network of highways developed to improve accessibility and stimulate growth in Appalachia.

Mountaintop removal

A type of surface coal mining that involves blasting off the tops of mountains; it severely impacts the environment.

Fracking

Technique for extracting shale gas and oil, promising jobs but delivering few.

Eastern Band of Cherokee

A federally recognized tribe based in North Carolina.

Hillbilly

A term for rural, mountainous people in the US, used both proudly by locals and derogatorily by outsiders.

Back-to-the-land movements

Agrarian movements promoting rural life and self-sufficiency, often critical of industrial society.

Coal field

Region rich in coal deposits; significant in meeting US industrial needs.

Company towns

Communities built by companies to house workers, often with poor living conditions.

Child labor

The practice of employing children in dangerous or exploitative work; common in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

United Mine Workers Union

Labor union that began organizing coal miners in the early 1900s.

Tennessee Valley Authority

A New Deal agency that built dams for hydroelectric power and stimulated industry in the region.

Environmental justice issues

Concerns regarding the environmental and health impacts of industrial activities on communities, especially in Appalachia.

Poverty in Appalachia

Economic hardship worsened by the arrival of coal mining and industrialization in the 20th century.

Urban growth

Expansion of cities, marked by Nashville and Louisville as key industrial centers in the Upper South.

Ozarks

Highland region characterized by deep river valleys and culturally similar to Appalachia.

Lead and zinc mining

Mining activities that peaked during World Wars I and II, leaving contaminated Superfund sites.

Cherokee Nation

A Native American tribe with a jurisdictional area in Oklahoma and parts of the Ozarks.

Sardis Lake

A freshwater reservoir built by the US Army Corps of Engineers that affected Choctaw agricultural lands.

Coal ash heaps

Piles of waste from coal power plants containing toxic heavy metals that pose environmental hazards.

Nashville Sound

A smoother style of country music that emerged in the 1950s, distinct from earlier hillbilly music.

Appalachian cultural traits

Characteristics associated with the Appalachian region, including self-sufficiency and community resilience.

Mountaintop removal consequences

Environmental destruction and health risks associated with this mining practice.

Highlands of the Ozarks

A region featuring unique geological formations and cultural traits similar to Appalachia.

Superfund sites

Locations designated for cleanup due to hazardous substance contamination, often related to mining activities.

Decline of coal production

The reduction in coal extraction that has occurred in the Appalachian region over recent decades.

African-derived banjo styles

Musical influences in Appalachian music brought by African-American cultures.

Cultural stereotypes of Appalachians

Common misconceptions that oversimplify the complexities and diversity of Appalachian communities.

Indigenous tribes in the Ozarks

Tribal groups residing in the Ozarks, including the Choctaw Nation and Cherokee Nation.

Urban centers in the Upper South

Key cities such as Nashville and Louisville that serve as economic hubs.

Coal mining impact

Transformation of the Appalachian economy and environment due to increased coal extraction.

Natural vegetation of the Interior Low Plateaus

Dominance of temperate forests, woodlands, and agricultural land.

Iron and steel industry in Appalachia

Industrial sector that grew in cities like Birmingham and Chattanooga during the late 19th century.

Cultural heritage of Appalachia

The shared traditions, customs, and histories of the Appalachian communities, influenced by Native American, European, and African cultures.

Appalachian natural resources

Valuable materials and resources found in the region, including coal, timber, and natural gas.

Economic diversity in Appalachia

The varied economic activities in the region, including agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.

Appalachian dialects

Distinctive speech patterns and vocabulary found in different areas of Appalachia.

Tourism in Appalachia

The travel and recreation activities that promote the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Environmental conservation efforts

Initiatives aimed at protecting natural resources and habitats in the Appalachian region.

Cultural festivals in Appalachia

Events celebrating the traditions, music, and crafts of the Appalachian communities.

Agritourism

Economic activity that promotes local farms and agricultural experiences as tourist attractions.

Appalachian heritage sites

Locations that preserve and interpret the history and culture of the Appalachian people.

Traditional crafts in Appalachia

Handmade goods such as quilting, pottery, and woodworking that reflect the region's cultural legacy.

Sustainable forestry practices

Methods of managing forest resources to maintain ecological balance and promote wood production.

Historic preservation

Efforts to maintain and protect historical buildings and landscapes in the Appalachian region.

Rural healthcare challenges

Issues related to access and quality of medical care in remote areas of Appalachia.

Community-supported agriculture (CSA)

A farming model

Cultural identity in Appalachia

The unique characteristics and shared beliefs of the Appalachian people influenced by their history, geography, and cultural interactions.

Appalachian storytelling traditions

Narratives passed down through generations that reflect the values, beliefs, and experiences of Appalachian communities.

Herbal medicine in Appalachia

Traditional practices using local plants for healing, rooted in Native American and immigrant influences.

Appalachian quilting

A craft tradition characterized by the creation of quilts, often featuring intricate patterns and community collaboration.

Regional dialect diversity

Variations in language and pronunciation within the Appalachian region, influenced by geography and settlement patterns.

Traditional music festivals in Appalachia

Events celebrating Appalachian music, drawing participants and audiences to showcase local talent and heritage.

Economic challenges in Appalachia

Struggles related to poverty, job scarcity, and reliance on declining industries like coal mining.

Rural education access

Challenges faced by communities in Appalachia in obtaining quality education amidst geographical and economic barriers.

Cultural landscape of Appalachia

The visible imprint of human activity and culture on the Appalachian region, shaped by history, economics, and environment.

Appalachian community resilience

The ability of Appalachian communities to adapt and recover from economic and environmental challenges.

Natural disasters in Appalachia

Events such as floods and landslides that have historically affected the region due to its topography and climate.

Renewable energy initiatives in Appalachia

Projects aimed at promoting sustainable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, in the region.

Food sovereignty in Appalachia

The right of local communities to control their own food systems, including production, distribution, and consumption.

Local sourcing and markets

Efforts to promote the sale and consumption of locally produced goods and food items in Appalachian communities.

Environmental activism in Appalachia

Grassroots movements focused on protecting natural resources and advocating for environmental justice.

Impact of tourism on local culture

Both positive and negative effects that tourism has on the traditions and lifestyle of Appalachian communities.

Historical influences on Appalachian society

The impact of various cultural, economic, and political factors that have shaped the development of Appalachian communities.

Climate change effects in Appalachia

The ways in which climate change is impacting weather patterns, agriculture, and natural resources in the region.

Appalachian women in leadership

The roles and contributions of women in strengthening and leading community initiatives in Appalachia.