By Rea Needler from MIAR’s
Around 26 million people live in Appalachia as of recent census reports in 2023, and at least 10 million of those residences are from outside of the Appalachian region and have migrated here, one being myself. However, there has been a decline in population in the region for the last few years, and I have a difficult time believing it is because of the culture and the sense of belonging that Appalachia can have for its people.
Despite the region’s reputation, Appalachia is not one place or one kind of community, it is made up across 13 states and among a multitude of different and diverse cultures ranging from Indigenous, African American, Scots Irish, and Latin American. Although living in Appalachia includes those bigger suburban cities like Nashville, Tennessee; Lexington, Kentucky; and even Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, I have learned after living here for two full years now that the Mountains make an Appalachian.
Home isn’t where you start, but it is where you finally feel like you belong. Belonging is often about connection to one’s place, people, and culture.
A Brief History on Appalachian Migration
The Appalachian region itself has always been shaped by migration. Indigenous people who were forced away, followed by a wave of European settlers who established a more colonized community, particularly Scots Irish folk, and many generations of labor workers who joined industries like coal, timber, and railroad production. The history of Appalachia reminds and reflects today that people have always searched for a place to belong to and to make a living for themselves.
What I have found as an outsider to Appalachia is that you’ll get a better view from on top of the mountain, by being at the bottom of the valley, in the hollers and homes,
One thing I have always seemed to notice when I cross the Ohio River into Kentucky is that the grass happens to be greener here, or maybe it appears to be more blue. Possibly nothing really does change at the state line, but for me it is my sense of belonging.
Your Typical Hillbilly
The typical narrative that is presented by popular media will often focus on is poverty, pollution, the debates between pro and anti-coal members, and other political differences. While these all happen to be issues in the Appalachian region, they are far from the whole picture. These types of stereotyping can end up putting limits on how the Appalachian region is viewed and undermine the resilience, creativity, and generosity of the people who live here. The “Hillbilly” becomes a negative identity and is often displayed as violent or backwards, unintelligent.
Southern Hospitality
The demeanor from this region can be summed up to, but not limited to, one phrase; “Southern Hospitality” and if you’re from here or not, you’ve likely heard of it too. Southern Hospitality can be described as helping others when they are in need and being able to make conversation with anyone from anywhere.
People move here for many different reasons, some are looking to move to Appalachia for a solidarity and simple kind of lifestyle, while others move here for specialized work or their education in the more suburban area and better opportunities. I believe what people don’t expect to move into Appalachia for is the welcoming and of the sense of community.
Appalachia is Home to…
From busted driveways and winding back roads to underappreciated accents, the Appalachian region has felt more like home to me than most places ever will. Appalachia is home to coal miners, outsiders, people who were born here, and people who were searching for something new. It is home to those who stayed, those who returned, and to those who unexpectedly found themselves surrounded by mountains.
Works Cited
Pressley, Tipper. “Talking About Sense of Place in Appalachia.” Blind Pig and The Acorn, 26 Apr. 2021, https://blindpigandtheacorn.com/talking-about-sense-of-place-in-appalachia/.