Since the 1700s, Scotch-Irish, Britishers, and German people discovered North Carolina and Virginia, where they eventually moved in with the Indians, who were identified as “Indianized white people.” These individuals moved to West Virginia and the Ohio hills after the Revolutionary war. At the same time, few moved to Indiana, Ozark, and East Texas, now known as Greater Appalachia.
Living in North Georgia and North Carolina can help you observe the culture of people and places. With its enticing history and captivating nature soaked with majestic waterfalls and mountains, the towns of Appalachia are remarkable places to stay.
But how much do you know about the Appalachian culture?
Stretching from Southern New York to North Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, Appalachia is a vast country with over 400 counties and 13 states. It is home to 25 million people and enriched with arts and crafts, tremendous folklore and music, flavorsome savories, diverse ethnic influences, and mind-boggling stereotypes and myths.
People of Appalachia
People of Appalachia belong to different regions, cultures, and places. The diverse ethnicity makes the area more alluring. The good thing about this place is that despite a combination of cultural diversity, people still live harmoniously.
The majority of Scots-Irish, also known as Hillbillies, remain in Appalachia. Most of them migrated from Scottish Lowlands to Northern Ireland and are known to be supporters of King Billy. While New England was full of British Settlers, Hillbillies settled in the wilderness of the Appalachian Mountains.
Hillbillies are humble yet fiercely self-reliant. After decades of fighting the English and Catholics, it encourages Appalachian cultural stereotypes of hillbillies as wild mountainous men. Apart from them, the Blue Ridge mountains also consist of Germans and African Americans.
Germans, the British Colonists look alike, significantly impact the culture of Appalachia with their delicious German delicacies, such as apple butter and sauerkraut. Besides this, the chinked-corner German cabins, churches, and schools also portray a strong cultural identity for Germans.
While most Scots-Irish and African Americans were treated as enslaved, Germans underwent less discrimination.
Appalachian Culture
With the variety of entertainment, Appalachian arts and crafts are known worldwide. Due to humongous amounts of poverty since 1940, arts and crafts originally came out of necessity. Most items were made by hand. Beautifully carved and embroidered handmade quilts, pottery from fresh clay, coverlets, wood carvings, and woven baskets are utilized in different seasons and displayed for decorations.
Natural dyes and materials are made with rare colors. With a rise in technology and innovation, the market demand and process have evolved over the last century.
The Appalachian Mural Trail portrays the mesmerizing beauty of Appalachian Culture. Visitors can visit Appalachian Craft Centers in Asheville and Folk Art Center near the Blue Ridge Parkways to learn more about the history of Appalachian art.
Appalachian Delicacies
Full of natural nutrients like fiber, protein, and carbohydrates, the traditional Appalachian food primarily consists of local crops, wild plants, and hunted animals.
Some everyday Appalachian foods include freshly baked cornbread, apples, fresh vegetables, flour, grits, and chicken or rabbit stews, giving you tons of energy.
Besides this, preserved foods like canned fruits and vegetables are heavily used in Appalachia. Corns, beans, and squash are the origin of Appalachia and are called “The Three Sisters.” The three foods are grown closer to each other.
African Americans are well known for bringing sorghum cane, sweet potatoes, red peppers, okra, black-eyed peas, watermelon, and peanuts. A mixture of diverse and natural ingredients makes some delicious dishes to die for. Dishes like Chow Chow, Skillet cornbread, dumplings, and ham with special red eye gravy are famous in Appalachia.
Appalachian Literature
No matter which part of the area you visit in Appalachia, the culture is full of informative and exciting literature passed down through the generations. Early literature includes observations on the wilderness of Appalachia by celebrities like Thomas Jefferson and Davy Crockett.
After the 19th and late 20th centuries, more Appalachian authors started sharing their observations and perspectives on the cultural traditions of Appalachia.
Foxfire books were considered the most influential literature for promoting American appreciation of Appalachian culture, history, and traditions.
Appalachia’s rich history and cultural diversity attract tourists to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Big Canoe, and other parts of Appalachia. With red, orange, and yellow dragon leaves spread everywhere, the captivating sunset with scenic waterfalls makes for a mesmerizing sight. Are you looking for a stay near Big Canoe? Appalachian Sky Vacation Rentals are just the place to make your visit an unforgettable experience.
Visit Appalachia now and enjoy the beauty that lies in wait for you!