Appalachian region Essay

The Appalachian Region

The Appalachian region is a geographical area in the Eastern United States that includes nine states: Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, Kentucky, Georgia, and North Carolina. It is made up of rural residents who still adhere to 19th-century customs. The term “Appalachians” refers to the inhabitants of the Appalachian area. Geographic isolation has kept the Appalachians apart from the rest of the United States, which explains why they are conservative. Their culture is largely traditional, including their language, music, and values, which emphasize individualism, devotion to loved ones, and respect for the family. The region, however, lacks physical boundaries, and the extent to which it stretches is a subject of a question (Williams, 2002). Despite being endowed with abundant natural resources like forests and coal deposits, the Appalachians are enslaved mainly in poverty, and several government efforts have been devised to liberate the region economically.

History

The history of the mountainous Appalachia region dates back to 800-1000 BC. Archeological evidence available points to the existence of the region 16000 years ago. It was indigenously inhabited by hunter-gatherer communities that dwelled in the forested region. European immigrants started arriving in this region in the 17th century majorly from Scotland and Ireland. Other European groups increased their presence in the 19th century, and these included the Germans and French. The influx of this population led to a lot of competition and increased exploitation of the available resources. Over the years, the region has been known for its violent feuds, assassinations and arson attacks. The region isolated itself from its lower land wealthier nations and presently is distinct in many ways (Williams, 2002). Today, it is an up-and-coming region.

The Real Appalachian Region; Similarity and Distinction from the Other States

The Appalachian region is a fascinating piece of history to look . It is a very inspiring story of grass to grace. The region had an ugly reputation in the past; poverty, ignorance, cultural conflicts, poor infrastructure and all manner of problems. It was looked down upon by its neighbors for its inability to sustain itself. The education in this region was of low standards and the few Appalachians who managed to gain access to higher education opted to study in other states where the level of education was better and improved regarding standards. Helen, for instance, won a National Science Foundation fellowship to study at Kentucky University which according to her was the best place to study a subject that had fascinated her.

Illiteracy levels were so high in the Appalachian region as compared to other neighboring states. Such can be owed to the fact that the region’s people were too conservative and did not welcome any form of civilization readily. The Appalachian people were often accustomed to cultural conflicts due to its multiracial complexion. The native hunter-gatherer communities that were the original inhabitants got an influx of immigrants from all places in the world including Europe, Asia, and Africa who carried along traits of their cultures (Williams, 2002). The mingling of people of various cultures in one locality yielded violent confrontations that were at times fatal.

The Appalachian region lagged behind regarding infrastructure such as roads. The area was least appealing and unviable economically due to the impassable roads. The mining activities that took place in the coal mines left open and ugly scenes that were not only unattractive but also fatal. The logging that took place in the region was also responsible for the nasty looks. The part seemed like an island in the expansive sea as it was o distinct from its surrounding neighbors. It became a subject of ridicule from other United States towns and cities.

Although the Appalachian region suffered in isolation, there were a few similarities it bore with the neighboring areas. For instance, the struggle for civil rights. Not all parts of the United States had realized public freedom and citizens all over were up in arms to fight for their freedoms. The Appalachians were not left behind in the struggle as they also took part in the liberation war. It is one point that brought them together to other regions and states in the country.

The Appalachians, apart from being up in arms for their civil rights, they also took part in the search for union democracy just like other states in the US. The ordinary people were too aware of the problems facing them. Their low economic empowerment and high illiteracy levels were the reasons for their marginalization. In fighting for their democratic space, the Appalachians were not alone as other states also joined them in the struggle. These two points at least made the region not to perpetually dwell in isolation and made them be part of the larger United States fraternity (Williams, 2002).

What It Means to Be Both Appalachian and Citizen of The United States in Today’s World

In today’s world, it means a lot to be both Appalachian and a citizen of the United States. An Appalachian, today, is the most optimistic US citizen. Such is because of the many developments that have taken place in the region which are worth being proud. The area is no longer an excluded, despised and poor void it was; thanks to the progressive authorities that took charge over the years.

Today, the region has highly developed, and urban centers keep coming up. Many solutions have been identified and are being solved for the good of the Appalachian dweller. For example, supermarkets have come up such as Walmart that are employing a lot of people as compared to the coal mines that employed a few people. Unemployment has been further reduced by training people to serve in the social amenities that have been set up such as hospitals, schools, and offices. Examples of the urban centers that have come up in the region include Jonesborough and Fayetteville. It is due to this focus on the factors that have historically been associated with Appalachia’s underdevelopment that has led to significant positive developments including Appalachia producing a US president; Jimmy Carter (Williams, 2002).

The Appalachian region has become a major economic hub. The infrastructure has been improved thanks to a special funding that the Federal government has allocated to the region. Particular attention has also been given to education and training of human resources, and currently, the area is experiencing a surge in the workforce capital, and some of it is being utilized in the neighboring states. The leaders that have been chosen played a key role in uplifting the standards of the region to make it a significant economic competitor it is right now. Tourism has also come up due to the indigenous complexion of Appalachia and its people. There has been growing interest in people of other states and others world over about the Appalachian culture. Tourists come to see the region and they learn its culture. Some significant areas of tourist interest are the Blue Ridge and the Allegheny Highlands (Williams, 2002). There has also been a stability in resource utilization, and the region no longer suffers the ugly scenery of mining activities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Appalachia region can be described as one on the move. Its story is a story of hope and inspiration. It has transformed from an economically marginalized locality to a significant economic powerhouse and competitor in the region and beyond. Lessons can be drawn from it to inspire many third world countries that with proper leadership and plans in place, there is no limitation as to how far a nation can go.

Reference

Williams, J. A. (2002). Appalachia: A history. University of North Carolina Press.