Big Stone Gap: Appalachia Coal Town Retooling For the Future

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Жыл бұрын

Join me as I explore the charming Southwest Virginia town of Big Stone Gap in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Movies and books have been written about this place, along the Trail of the Lonesome Pine. Come see for yourself how this once single source economy is retooling for the future!
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Пікірлер: 109

@MountainRoots Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! Let me know where I should explore next!! Help Me Preserve Appalachian History and its many amazing stories, people, & places by subscribing to this channel! JOIN: Support this channel and become an official member for Exclusive Member benefits FACEBOOK: facebook.com/mountainrootshomestead PATREON: Support my work by becoming a monthly Patron at www.patreon.com/MountainRootsProductions Business or Collaboration Inquiries: mountainrootsmail@gmail.com

@BillWhitworth Жыл бұрын

Hopefully you can start moving a little further north and start hitting towns like Pulaski, Buchanan and into the Shenandoah Valley. Or east to Damascus, Galax, Hillsville, Stuart. So many cool small towns!

@mr.wilson2127 Жыл бұрын

Pennington Gap. Get a hamburger at the 421 diner

@user-qt9uj5ih2s Ай бұрын

My grandfather started out pulling mule coal carts in and out of the mines. When he retired he was superintendent of westmorland coal co trystate division. His name was Felix Minor.

@dimbulb23 11 ай бұрын

I was born in Appalachia , VA . FYI It's eight state capitals closer to this area than Richmond. Raleigh NC, Columbia, SC, Atlanta, GA, Nashville, TN, Frankford, KY, Charleston, WV, Coumbus, OH and Indianapolis, IN. Whether it's as the crow fly or by Google maps and driving miles.

@jeannafields4483 9 ай бұрын

This is exactly where i was born and raised. My father is buried in the big cemetery that you can barely see from the lookout, where you were. This place has changed over just in the last 40 years ive been alive. Its a very tiny place with a ton of history no one even knows about. George Washington was even in this area and Rye Cove when he was 16. There are documents in the library of congress from his diary. Its pretty wild.

@markakira8988 Жыл бұрын

Please talk about "corn from a jar" in your Appalachia PBS show...and how hilly Appalachia is not ideal for outdoor basketball courts because one bounce off the rim and you're chasing the ball downhill for 1/8 mile.

@MountainRoots Жыл бұрын

🤣😜

@CharlesAtwell-or7bm 9 ай бұрын

That’s what fences are for, ha!

@EnvyonTHC 9 ай бұрын

We do just fine around here

@darwindurham2803 4 ай бұрын

Born and raised just outside of BSG. Wonderful memories of the area. Now living in Nashville but I always love seeing those mountains surrounding my little hometown!

@gregdelaney119 Жыл бұрын

"...our product is our own culture".... I think Bill accurately states the solution to the equation. From what I have learned from your videos, Josh, the people of Appalachia and their heritage bring to the proverbial "table" a genuineness, a strong emphasis on honesty and integrity, and an appreciation of the natural world that create resilience, self-sufficiency, and an ability to adapt to whatever is going on around them. Life need not be glamor and glitz. A good cup of coffee and a tasty sandwich created and offered up by good people willing to talk about life is far more attractive to me than what is considered "cosmopolitan".

@CharlesAtwell-or7bm 9 ай бұрын

@jamesratliff1803well said, amen!

@MWMPeddyKiller Ай бұрын

This is my daily route for fedex ground. I live in kingsport and have for 30 yrs but Big Stone feels like home everyday when im there. Have thought recently of moving there. Great atmosphere and people. Wouldnt mind raising my kids there. Thanks for the video. I love the overhead pics. I know the addresses for all of them. Love my route.

@davidabbott7673 Жыл бұрын

Went to First Grade at Appalachia Elementry School in 1960. Then we moved and lived in what was known as "The Southern" near the old Powel Valley H.S. and went to Elementary school 2nd-5th grade at "East Stone Gap" 1961-65 before moving to Indiana. Would like to see videos on Appalachia and East Stone Gap!

@_HHHolll 8 ай бұрын

WOOO MR SMITH IS MY FAVORITE SUBSTITUTE TEACHER GO MR SMITH

@stevelhamon2031 8 ай бұрын

My family lived there for a long time. Back to the 18s. A trailer park now sits where my great grandmother’s house once stood. Sad face. Moor was the name.

@user-qt9uj5ih2s Ай бұрын

I graduated from Powell valley highschool in 1968.

@dmitrytitenko1277 Жыл бұрын

Однозначно лайк привет из России спасибо за выпуск..слежу!

@Ginger2020 8 ай бұрын

My MIL’s home town! I miss The Mutual!

@meglange3595 Жыл бұрын

Well done Josh. Since you first started you've shown a continuous progression, moving forward in leaps and bounds. Glad I've been along for the ride 😊👍. The opening scene of the valley is indeed stunning. I so appreciate that the town seems to be emphasizing, in part, the musical heritage of the area. I've been watching some videos lately of the organizations that are spreading thru Appalachia to assist the young people in learning and carrying on the traditional music. Seems to me that the mountains are nurturing and caring for their own, more so than anywhere else. Truly a blessing. Take care and may the road be good to you. 🥰

@MountainRoots Жыл бұрын

Music is a major part of and arises from the life experiences of living in these mountains. Thanks so much for watching & sharing!

@louisfryzel4618 Жыл бұрын

Couple things: The present Visitor Center served as the set for the diner in the movie and some of the booths used in the film are still there (or were). The last time I visited Big Stone Gap was to go to Bullitt Park in late 1988 when I drove down more than 200 miles to see the state's No. 1 ranked and unbeaten Strasburg team lose 21-20 in overtime to the Jonesville Bulldogs, which had only a 5-5 regular season record. The next year Jonesville High was converted into a middle school as five high schools were consolidated into one school.

@BillWhitworth Жыл бұрын

I love to fish and kayak the Powell River, so I visit BSG several times a year. Watching it transform over the past 10 years or so has been amazing - especially as H said since Covid. I would make the 2 hour drive now just for the scenery and the dining experience at Curklins and 404.

@jcfc8197 9 ай бұрын

My family’s been in BSG since the late 1800’s.

@muhammadisdeadjesusisrisen4216 Жыл бұрын

I’m from Cumberland KENTUCKY (Harlan county) but was born in Big Stone Gap , Virginia !!

@MountainRoots Жыл бұрын

Nice hometown!

@debroahisaacs2452 9 ай бұрын

I love Big Stone Gap. My daughter was born there 47 years ago. My home is just down the road route 58 . Pennington Gap...our family cemetary goes back 7 generations and there are probably relatives i never met.thanx i enjoyed this😊😊

@kendeel7474 Жыл бұрын

That Bill from Montana strikes me as a bright, knowledgeable fellow who is a living compendium of local folklore and history; looking forward to the extended interview with him. Also, your videography just keeps improving! Kudos.

@kendeel7474 Жыл бұрын

I think Bill hit upon the key to the future; “Our culture is our product.”

@gregdelaney119 Жыл бұрын

I concur with your view of Josh's product as improving. This episode seems to me to be at another level altogether!

@dr.green. Жыл бұрын

H.William Smith was my substitute teacher a couple of times, probably one of the best individuals you could have interviewed. He has an infinite amount of stories

@MountainRoots Жыл бұрын

Indeed he does! Thanks for watching!!

@rosiemcnaughton9933 Жыл бұрын

Looks like the people of this town are figuring it out! Beautiful little town with interesting shops. Good that they are preserving their culture.

@MountainRoots Жыл бұрын

Indeed they are, and I could FEEL it while there!

@Vaxxedhole Жыл бұрын

It should be kept a little town. My hometown used to be a quiet small town. Now, outsiders keep pouring in by the endless hordes and changing everything and not for the better.

@MountainRoots Жыл бұрын

@@Vaxxedhole what town?

@rosiemcnaughton9933 Жыл бұрын

@@Vaxxedhole Understood!

@theflamingeagle572 5 ай бұрын

@@VaxxedholeBut you also don't want your town to start dying because everything will die with it you ding dong

@itsrosiegaming9071 11 ай бұрын

Bill is such an amazing man, he’s a teacher aswell at our high school, I love to sit and listen to him talk he teaches us a lot about this place, I’m so thankful to call this town home

@greatmusicfan57 Жыл бұрын

Packaging a rich and a very American culture is a great way to start. Looks like with the eateries, music, retail, and history Big Stone Gap is rollin along into the future.🇺🇸💕👍

@bothtap2663 10 ай бұрын

Mr. Smith was a substitute I had a couple of times, he's a really nice dude, he can sit and talk for hours and you'll never get bored

@UninterestingPerson 10 ай бұрын

It's too bad that UHS sucks though. At least he makes classes less boring.

@bothtap2663 10 ай бұрын

yea lol

@magnamanv45 Жыл бұрын

Please don't stop[ doing these videos.

@MountainRoots Жыл бұрын

Onward!

@CaffeinatedCatLady 11 ай бұрын

My family is from Exeter a little Holler just down the road from Big Stone Gap ❤ there's not a more beautiful place I've ever seen, my Dad is buried in East stone

@debroahisaacs2452 Жыл бұрын

I love Big Stone Gap....my daughter was born there. My home is just down hiway 58....Pennington Gap Virginia. All my ancestors are miners farmers and Cherokee and Scottish. I love who I am and where I come from.

@michaelhager2846 11 ай бұрын

Loved the pipestem school house 🏠 video, love and generosity of country folk 💓

@Tinaleann_ 11 ай бұрын

I live veryyyy close to BSG. They have a great restaurant called Curklins!

@BenjaminBaker29 10 ай бұрын

I sure love my town!

@willpatrick8706 Жыл бұрын

This is a very beautiful and clean looking area. Thanks for the view.

@MountainRoots Жыл бұрын

It truly is! Thanks for watching & sharing!!

@leonardh8269 Жыл бұрын

what a great guy....this is a good story and a place to visit...i just started planning my trip to Clarksburg WV weekend of 9th of june....cant wait to get my pepperoni rolls and pepper rings....Tomaro's Bakery is 1 of my first stop.....after seeing family

@carolgiglio263 Жыл бұрын

I'M FROM THE JERSEY SHORE. I LOVE YOUR AREA!!!!!!!! THAT'S ALL I HAVE SAY. GREAT AREA!!!!!!!!!!

@MountainRoots Жыл бұрын

Sure is, thanks for watching!

@letstalktruecrime01 Жыл бұрын

i love bsg. i visit there whenever i can. 404 cafe and creamery is fantastic and i love the coal fired pizza at good times as well. it is a lovely town and i love all of the powell valley. this is from a kentucky girl.

@averywells5104 11 ай бұрын

Mr. Smith 🙏🙏🙏🙏

@gregpajasons Жыл бұрын

So nice to hear that famous narrator’s voice again.

@arniegreenberg2719 Жыл бұрын

I love to hear about success stories such as in Big Stone Gap.

@MountainRoots Жыл бұрын

Me too!!

@kimking3466 Жыл бұрын

Just found your channel. My great grandmother was born in Big Stone Gap, and I have wanted to visit there for years. Thanks for your great video!

@MountainRoots Жыл бұрын

You're welcome, glad you found it!

@youngbull0010 9 ай бұрын

I eventually joined you on your KZfaq channel..👍🏿 Hantz Robert Dumoza

@BlueSpirit. Жыл бұрын

I feel a sense of excitement for Bluefield WV. (Little New York). A lot of new Businesses in town.

@Ol_Scrump 11 ай бұрын

Thank you for the great video. This is the town I've always lived in and it makes me happy to see you talk about it, you also taught me some things I didn't even know about it.

@redshorse Жыл бұрын

Excellent !

@MountainRoots Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@wbrianna27 Жыл бұрын

Loved it! Oohhh cannot wait for more. Josh you are amazing in how and what you do. keep em coming mate

@demoisellesdoggroomingparl76 Жыл бұрын

Well what a fascinating area, with a very interesting history and people!

@dalegooch4616 Жыл бұрын

Once again well done. Very interesting and informative with a personal touch and feel to it.

@sampadgett892 Жыл бұрын

My substitute teacher on this thing😂😂

@colleenford5398 Жыл бұрын

Hi Josh.....thank you for these videos. I'm originally from Northern Virginia, I have a deep deep love of my home state. I have always wanted to be able to just drive around to the southern part of the state. I hope you keep doing these! My sister lives in Norton, I had a nephew that lived in Pound and a niece in Saltville.

@CharlesAtwell-or7bm 9 ай бұрын

You really need to get out of northern Va. the state does not end at Roanoake! There’s a lot to see and do down here, I live in Ceres, Va. near Saltville. Come see us!

@lizmoderzinsky3661 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for my suggestion to do Big Stone Gap!!!!!!!!!!

@westvirginianlivin9871 Жыл бұрын

Can't wait to see Bills interview. Josh your videos have me wanting to get to some of these towns with our little rag tag youtube operation. Excellent work Sir.

@ironhorse7588 11 ай бұрын

Great video 👍🙏🇺🇸

@MountainRoots 11 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@getoutwithrockandsherri Жыл бұрын

Great information! Thanks for sharing!

@MountainRoots Жыл бұрын

You bet!

@lanacampbell-moore6686 Жыл бұрын

Thanks MR❤

@MountainRoots Жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@jameswadlow549 Жыл бұрын

Interesting place. I'm making it my business to visit sometime soon. I enjoy your videos quite a bit. Keep up the good work.

@sandydeel-xw4fn Жыл бұрын

Great Video! I really enjoyed it. It was very captivating. The quality, drone footage, landscapes and music are great in this video. This town has alot of great history and sounds like alot going for it. Almost like they heard what H Bill said. They should have him on some revitalizing committee. Loved hearing him talk. Seems like he has a heart for that area. I will definitely be looking forward to hearing him in your upcoming Storyteller channel. This is a town I would love to visit. The shops look interesting and especially the coffee shop. Well done. Keep these great videos coming!

@sandroglaser5047 11 ай бұрын

Really good bro!

@MountainRoots 11 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@krissy0894 11 ай бұрын

Born & raised in BSG.

@theflamingeagle572 5 ай бұрын

In my opinion Norton is better and is extremely underrated.

@codydeboard1991 Жыл бұрын

Hey love the videos! Huge fan! If your back in the Kentucky area you should look up Rockcastle Ky Where i was born and raised and still live here currently! there a lot Appalachian history were part of the Daniel Boone National Park and Boone trace! We also have Historic music venue Renfro Valley with a lot of history behind it! And next door to Renfro is The Kentucky Music Hall a Fame! Where all Kentucky Artists are honor and recognized! Thank you for all the amazing videos you do!!

@MountainRoots Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the suggestion! Appreciate you watching 😁

@oliverb.6332 Жыл бұрын

Nice videos man 🖤 can you show some coal mines in your next videos? Greetings from the coal pot "ruhr valley" in germany

@MountainRoots Жыл бұрын

Working on that 😉

@oliverb.6332 Жыл бұрын

@@MountainRoots deep or daylight mining

@jerryloradrifter Жыл бұрын

Beautifully made video sir! Your blend of music with crispy dialogue is so well blended with stunning visuals. Love the interview with H. Your main footage looks amazing sir! Are you shooting Canon or Sony?

@MountainRoots Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, glad you enjoyed it! Oh, and neither of those 😉

@colleenford5398 Жыл бұрын

Oops...I now live in Elizabethton TN