I never thought of that as an explanation of “wild men” - soldiers during the Civil War that had PTSD, got lost, were left behind as dead or deserted. Having survived years of some of the most horrible warfare, where our ability to hurt and kill each other was not matched by the science to heal and repair (one fifth of Mississippi’s state outlay in the years immediately after the war was for artificial limbs), I could see a vulnerable young man going quite mad after what they had seen and experienced. Some of them were 12, 13 years old. I can well imagine them wanting nothing to do with any other human being again, and just going further and further away from civilization. The poor souls.....

Donnie, my cousin is an old country boy who won a lot of bow shooting trophies. He’s a quiet and shy big man who don’t talk much. Told me he saw a Bigfoot or whatever you call it while coming up on a fishing spot under a big bridge down in Texas. The thing saw him, stood up and walked up the hill. My cousin said he ran and left his fishing gear behind. I believe him.

I still remember when Dennis Martin disappeared , I was 11 years old at the time. One day at school two men came , gave a talk,when they finished they introduced them selves.it was Dennis father and grandfather.I will never forget the erie feeling that filled that school auditorium.

I have never seen a wild man, but I have a family member and friends over the years that have had encounters with the bigfoot creatures. .That is just one thing of the many legends and beliefs of The Appalachian folks .There have been many very strange and supernatural occurances in these mountains recorded by the first settlers up till modern times..Scary creatures, ghost and forbidden areas..Even the Natives had many hair raising stories and beliefs of dead men getting up and walking at night .These mountains and ridges are some of the most inaccessible and dangerous places in the world..

You have the perfect voice for narrating. It reminds me of the old narrations in shows like grizzly Adams. Great story. Thanks for sharing.

I believe they are there. I was backpacking in Cumberland Gap with my dogs. Laying in my tent, I heard a squall like no other I have ever heard. It was just like a siren right outside my tent, but sounded just like the Bigfoot calls I've heard on videos. My dogs didn't even bark, just looked at me in fear. I believe wild men could be there too!

Thank-you, Mr. Laws for all your videos regarding a part of America so very overlooked. I am from the Midwest and was never taught anything about the Appalachians other than their geographical existence. You have provided much insight into the culture of those who live there, both past and present. With this video youi have also provided insight into a creature I did not know might even exist: feral man, and at least one reason for why and how he came to being. Thank-you for your thoughtful illumination into this and all cutural issues of the people of Appalchia.

Hey Donnie. I've lived in East Tennessee my entire life and LOVE my mountains. As a child, I adored listening to stories told by my grandmother who grew up in a Kentucky mining town. I no longer have her around to share with me her wisdom, but your videos are a welcomed substitute. Thanks so much for sharing!

My dad is a old hunter. He knows his animals. He has seen black panthers in the Appalachian Mts. More than once.

Thank you Donnie , grew up in western north carolina and my family is in east tenn. I have followed the missing all my adult life and know that their are feral humans along with the guardians of the woods . My grand mother always said be careful I those mountains . Thank you so much for your videos they are great 👍

A family story of my great grandpa encountering a wildman back in the 1890s as he crossed Black Mountain from one of the lumber camps heading home. That story has been passed down unchanged since it happened.

My grandparents were almost takin by a WILDMAN in East Tennessee in the early to late 50’s! She said if it hadn’t been for him stepping on a twig none of my family probably would’ve been here! She said he stunk was a huge man and was carrying what looked like to be a big tree limb as a club. She said weee sitting in a log and they were “neck in”, for all you youngsters out there, that’s making out (lol), and he walked up behind my grandfather and she heard the twig snap and that’s when she saw him! She said they both ran and got the hell outta dodge! But was absolutely terrified! She would tell me that story when I was young (70’s-80’s) and hadn’t heard anything about it til this video!

LOL...loved the way you inserted Ernest T, Bass into this narrative about Wildmen.

Fascinating story!!! You pointed out some great possibilities. If the Green Beret was called on and the Cherokee had a name for them there must be something to it. Thanks for your hard work.

I’ve always said that if the Indians named them they must be real!

I saw a small man covered in hair from head to toe in the woods of NJ. His arms were longer than normal. His skin was almost black, black like coal. I still get goosebumps when I think about that day. I was with a buddy, and when we saw that creature we both got startled and ran away. I feel like we say a baby bigfoot or something like it. Who knows, maybe we both were hallucinating at the same time.

I've seen some unexplained things in the woods, in one case witnessed by 42 others on a training bivouac. Long story but was not our imagination or a case of mass hysteria. We will never know but the only explanation was it simply was precisely what we all described. It was 250 to 300 meters off in a bayhead on and around the highest tree there, it looked like a 8 ft humanoid with bat like wings and went out and around that tree, until night came. Yes we still talk about this today when my now retired officers and I get together. This happened in the mid 1970s.

If only our woods could talk. The story’s would be right down scary

You said for people to use common sense ,that is something that seems to be lost on present day people's!

Very interesting. Be alert and careful when your out there.

A heart breaking story of this young child. So sad to know. 😢 Thanks Mr Donnie... hope youre feeling better soon.

Brother, I was born and bred in East Tennessee and my daddy always taught us to never venture out in the woods unarmed. Whether a rifle, shotgun or pistol we always traveled armed when off trail in the Cherokee National Forest, where I grew up. There’s a lot we know and a whole lot we don’t. There’s secrets in the hollers and places men have always feared.

Donnie, I grew up in the mountains of Appalachia...and I'm about your age, maybe a bit older. As a kid, I saw two different 'beings', maybe 2-years apart from the first to the second event. Both were 'male', both were HUGE, and neither one was any kind of 'human' or 'Neanderthal'...they were what people call 'bigfoot'. I saw both during deer season, at sunset...and I am convinced they 'follow the deer season' so as to raid the gut piles and 'lost deer' (shot but not found). It's 'an easy lunch' for them. They are smart, they are curious, and like a sow-bear with cubs, they can be DANGEROUS. When I grew up, I joined the Marine Corps and spent 21 years there...and I'm here to tell you, the military has a strong interest (or maybe it's better to say, a small segment of military has a dedicated assignment) to 'deal with ill-tempered creatures'...those that attack, frighten or abduct people. The reason the government will NEVER, EVER admit they exist doesn't have to do with 'park making profits' or 'scaring citizens'...it has to do with how they can 'just disappear', how 'they never find bodies'...how they seem to 'not be there, then they're there, then they are gone again'...they aren't ghosts, they are 'flesh-and-blood'...it all has to do with what they call 'portals' and 'keys'...they aren't concerned with 'why dead bigfoot are never found'...they are terrified about 'where they go, when they're shot-and-dying'...they don't 'leave their fallen behind'...the problem for the military (and government), is simply 'where do they take their dying, so we never find them...and HOW do they do it?' There aren't just 'creatures' in the woods...there are easily-overlooked doorways, too...but that's about all I can say on the topic.

Hi Mr Donnie, such a fascinating video. I lived in Asheville, North Carolina and saw a portion of the beautiful Great Smokey Mountains. That area along with the beautiful Appalachian mountains are breath taking. If those trees could talk about what they've seen and heard, we would be surprised. Thank you Mr Donnie for bringing the mountains and it's history to us. Sure do appreciate it.

Wild men everywhere now due to the drug situation. Great video!!

Just found your channel... I’m from north al “Tennessee valley” so you’re speaking my language sir ! Great content, you got another sub ! Salute

I will only listen to this because you are found to be truthful and you have a calm voice, keep on going!

Appreciate the stories Mr. Laws. In your own way, you Sir Keep the Smokies alive !

I'm new to middle Tennessee from up north and I love your story telling! Story telling is definitely an art and I love to learn the history of each place I move to!!! Thank you 😁❤️

Interesting video. As a boy and a young man, I spent lots of time in the woods of E. TN. At age12 was at a summer camp in mountains near Newport, TN. With a few friends one day we got lost on a remote mountainside. Didn't panic, just went downhill, found a creek, followed it to a road. Boys back then were taught survival skills. Don't remember ever feeling scared or threatened, though did have eerie feelings in certain places. Maybe there was someone watching? Thanks Charlie.

To this day You hear stories of people being attacked and robbed while traveling the Appalachian trail.This was a good presentation. Thanks for the heads up , Donnie. your friend, Louise

I live on the mountain in N.E. Alabama and have had several encounters with the Guardian's and it is Strange to say the least, good stories keep'em comin

Thank you, I really enjoyed your tale.I've lived here in my little part of the big woods of Tennessee for over 6yrs now. It took me 6yrs to actually see a bobcat with my own eyes. I knew they were here, but animals can hide. Whenever I walk I have my 2 older dogs with me and I walk the same back road several times a week. Funny things will show up in my path from time to time. My husband says I'm crazy but I think one of these creatures puts them there, tools, knives, large geodes. I saw a gray haired one that looked small. It caught my eye as I was watching my 3 boys jump in the trailer we were in for a hay ride. I was really scared at first but didn't want to ruin anyone's fun. It dissapeared as soon as I put my eyes on it. Later when I told my husband he brushed it off. I figured we've lived here for over a year and it hasn't bothered us. Mountain Lion and black bear pass through here. I have pics of tracks. Haven't seen them and I don't want to see them. Well as I do see odd things I take my dogs and head home. Definitely should be more careful out here.

I appreciate you covering some of wild people, Sasquatch, etc. It's beautiful country but it's scary too. You said it stay together, never travel alone, etc. Donnie thank you so much

I believe the mountains holds alot of mysteries and secrets.. As beautiful as it is.. there's also mystery to it. Thanks for sharing Donnie.

Absolutely a beautiful area, thank you for your time and dedication.....ATB

Sir I thoroughly enjoyed listening to you and the stories. I am from Canada. God bless you Sir. Much Love Health & Happiness ❤️🇨🇦

When you speak of dark woods, it really gets me. I live in Washington State and there are many dark, dark woods. Very spooky. Also, thanks for reminding me of carrying a weapon in our state parks. Love your stories as these are some my mother shared to us children when we were young

I remember seeing a tv show that had video of a young girl that was found in Europe that was feral. Had been for years. She would walk around on the ground on all fours like a dog. She barked like a dog and even ate food from the ground like a dog would. She was adopted into a family but she continued to behave that way for a long time. It was fascinating because I had never seen anything like that before. Knowing that it's not a stretch to believe in the wild men. Native people in the US and Canada have known about them for a very long time. I believe it when the Native tribes believe it. Best advice to never go out into the woods and mountains alone. 👍

Hello, Mr. Laws I came upon your channel about 4 months ago. I live in Cumberland County, TN. I love your stories and the history of the coal mines and the appalachia. Thank you so very much for sharing.

Thank you Donnie, From Gloucestershire, England, missing 411 Could be explained for me after 12 yrs following...

I love to listen to your stories - you sound like me!! lol Maybe these wild men around the time of the Civil War were actually suffering from PTSD. No way I would be in those woods, or any other woods without my gun!!!

Nice shot of Leconte. I have hiked all but 5 trails in the Smokies. Seen some wild stuff. Been scared a few times. A bear tried to dig under the fence at Derrick's knob on us over 30 years ago. On Forney creek something made my hair stand when I was alone. I hiked in the dark to the CCC camp hoping someone was there. Anyway great videos, love um.

Really enjoyed this story.

I have heard stories of the wildman and bigfoot and didn't realize they were not the same until I heard yours. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you for this! Appreciate the calm presentation combined with separation of the proven versus unproven statements supplimented with newspaper clippings. Next to teaching them about Jesus, the next most important thing to teach our children is how to survive, and mine learned that in the Smokies. Yes, we are blessed, indeed! Some of the shots you got in the deep woods looked just like where I live! I will send this to my grandchild, born in East Tennessee, but living in Texas, so he can watch this when he is missing it. Thank you!! Well done!

Thank you for blessing us with your knowledge. My husband and I spent both of our honeymoons in a cabin on the edge of the National Park in TN. We never seen any bigfoot or wildmen thankfully

Awesome stuff man. I'm from 🇨🇦 but enjoy history of anywhere or anyone. I'm really enjoying your story videos. Cheers my friend ✌

Love your channel. Appalachia is a unique place full of mystery and intrigue, a story in need of telling. Keep up the great work.

5:47.....that is astonishing. Great point! Love these videos, already watched about 4 in an hour. Thanks!

Thank you, Donnie Laws! I love all of your videos so much. You are an excellent storyteller!

Thank you, Donnie. I don't want to see anything unexplained, but a Wildman anywhere would probably mean trouble. Take care. God 🙏 🙏 🙏 bless

I'm 75 lived in E Tennessee all my life. Love listening to you. It takes me home to my nanny's house my pawpaw Blazier sounded like you. So do I and proud of it

Reminds me of my grandfather. Though he was from the North, PA. He hunted the allganny mountains. I'm from the uk. My mum was born in yellow dog park PA. My grandfather was a GI. WW2. took my nan back to USA after the war. Nan got home sick. So they came back. He was my best friend. Never been to my mums home. I would love to

Howdy Donnie- there’s a lot of things that can’t be explained out there. Take care and God bless

I'm from Phoenix Arizona. However no novice here in Tennessee. My grandparents were around Bristol and Castlewood, have family all around here. Ide come and spend summers in the woods, in my city punk/ Gothic attire and with shot gun out in the sticks. I haven't seen anything around my land. I'm pretty deep woods, but I have seen peculiar thing's, found old houses in ruin , deep in the forest. I can go off in forest and live off the land, don't get lost, but I can see novice explorers getting doomed lost forever, you are not joking about this. I have had experiences where I thought I was being watched 👀, not certain by what. Of course I pack, I for sure am not going on a 'walk about' out there without my firearm( I don't even go to Walmart without it anymore lol) not only are there yeti or Wildman out in them sticks...bears and wild ferel dogs be out there too and they don't like you being there. I've encountered bear and I didn't stick around to do a documentary about it.. bears can be misconstrued as wild humans or big foots, there also are wild large cats, one hike I was on, I thought I seen a panther. Yes, they are out there too, not sure if they are native or transplanted However they got here. I wouldn't attempt giving it any catnip, you maybe wise to get the fork out if the area, they like roaches, if you see one you can bet there are a bunch more not far away.

I love listening to your stories!

Howdy Donnie! I did not realize u had a channel! I've saw u in the comments on other channels, I didnt realize.I remember my dad telling stories of our mountains and running shine as he called it. He saw some interesting things up in them. He always said they were places that people had yet to see. They are so beautiful but one needs to respect them.I look forward to checking out your channel. Thanks for sharing!

I hiked almost 500 miles of the Smoky Mountain trails, all I ever worried about was Bear and wild Hogs. Never saw either while hiking, but heard a couple of Bear scattering.

Mr. Donnie, I just discovered your channel and I can't believe the gem I've been missing out on. Currently, I'm playing catch up on all your videos but I just had to tell you how much I thoroughly enjoy them! I was born, raised and still reside in west TN, near the middle TN line. I have always loved our trips to the Great Smokey Mtns! The beaches of the world got nothing on the peaceful, serene mountains and forest of East TN! I absolutely love a good story and storyteller. Mr. Donnie, you are one great storyteller! Please continue to tell the stories of those who dared to live in the wild wilderness of the Appalachian Mtns.

that really is a mystery with so many gone missing. That's pretty scary. I wonder if some just wanted out and just left the area. i guess we will never know. Thanks for sharing, your friend, Louise

Just love love love your stories!! Being from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, I heard so many scary stories through the years simular to yours. Scary stuff..Makes you very aware of your surroundings when out & about..anywhere!

Fascinating information. Did not know about the guns. That was a big surprise. Not sure I will be back as she has crept up on me, but I have some wonderful memories of the Smokies. I am enjoying your videos. Thank you.

Love your stories. I was up in Bryson City NC on The Road to Nowhere. It's part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was my 2nd trip up there, first I went alone. My friend and I had just stepped out of the tunnel going back to the parking area, no one else was in sight. All of a sudden this powerful wood knock came out of the thick woods where there is no trails. We both believe in Bigfoot. I looked at her and said don't you dare knock back, they hate that crap. We hollered Hey and kept walking. Goosebumps ran up my spine. That was no woodpecker nor a human man.

I carry my rifle only for wild man and a A1trench or bear attack I would never hurt a animal unless I was starving. Love the woods love you're stories!!!!

Thank you for sharing this story! Hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas! God bless you❤

It’s official you’re my favorite show to watch buddy! Thank you

This was such a haunting yet beautiful video. You've given me quite the case of goosebumps sir. From the stories of the wildmen to beautiful video of the mountains and forest.

Thank you so much for your time for your format and story telling. You make it outmost enjoyable to take us back in time . Don’t change your style and hope you can make more of the untold stories.

Thank you again for the Appalachian story.❤

I love these kind of stories.

Blue Ridge mountain boy here, heard stories about the dark woods when young, sometimes "bars", sometimes catamounts, sometimes shiners, sometimes people who just liked their privacy but no "wild men". Nowadays there are more worries about serial killers along the trail.

Yes agree my Ancestors had to many stories about them from coast to coast for it not to be true. There are many mysteries that are meant to stay a mystery. Thank you for another great video. ❤️🍀

I live in the brushy mtns, and have seen things in the woods that I can't explain. Thanks for your stories.

Thanks Donnie, I came of age in Appalachia during the 70’s and frequently had run ins with starnge characters. Once I was venturing through the woods and came on an old shack which had a family of three wild people in it. I looked at them and then they began to chase me through the woods carrying large wooden clubs. I was able to make it out and never came back to the woods alone

Interesting story enjoyed it

Thanks for the story Thanks for sharing

😀thank you so much for sharing your videos are wonderful and you put them together so beautifully. All these things to think about and be fascinated with, add so much to the experience of being in Appalachia🌿🌿🌿

That's interesting about the war deserters.I was just having a conversation about the Civil War and what happened to deserters a few days ago with the Mrs..Keep the videos coming,really enjoy them.👍

Thanks for another fascinating video and awesome advice about 2 & 4 legged predators. Sending you more positive prayer energy. God bless you Donnie🙏🙏🙏

Like your music you used, and yes they do go in to eradicate the wild men, I have been reading up a lot on it. So freaky, omg I wouldnt go in there now, when younger I probably would of, I'd of had my kids tied to me.

I believe it!!! I've lived in Cherokee, Ky and Tn! Love your stories💖💖💖

I haven't seen neither wildmen nor bigfoot and would rather not run into any of them. Thank you for sharing this history.

Today is the first time I've listened to your program and let me tell you I enjoyed it totally! Your voice is so very calming and nice and brings back happy memories of my Tennessee stepfather and my Kentucky mother. Thank you I look forward to hearing from you again. God bless

Just discovered your channel today ❤️love your voice sooo calm and soothing I could listen to you all day. Stay safe love from Scotland ❤️🥃🥃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Donnie your videos are great! I live in North East Alabama . Thank you for sharing

As a boy I lived close to the Cumberland river on Stone Road in Donelson ,Tennessee.They was a cave called Demumbrys Cave that a trapper accessed off the river with his canoe theat went under ground 200 yards,with a exit hole.He would stay in the cave and run traplines,hunt,and store his pelts in the cave.Us kids crawled thru that cave many times.For the life of me the way we stomped around those woods and fields,and not get bit by a copperhead or cottonmouth snake mystify's me to this day.Appreciate you Donnie Law.

good

Another great video. I'm so glad that I found this channel.

In my opinion, You Sir, have the best voice for this type of storytelling... so much so that I had to hit that "like" button and I subscribed! Cheers!

I live in the Cumberland gap area of east Tn .. lived here most all my life .. you speak the truth Donnie !!!

I love all your videos. Thank you

You have done the best job of telling this legend.

Was such a good story. Thank you

I'm leaving for my Smokey Mountain vacation in a few weeks. So glad I found your channel. Thankfully I'll be traveling with my friend who has a great sense of direction because I get lost in the town I lived in for the past 20 years or so🤣. Thanks for the video and I'm also a new subscriber!

We enjoy, you, telling your stories.

Interesting video Donnie.

Fascinating lovely story ❤thanks for sharing 👏👏

I shared this one ón facebook. It will probably get a lot of likes. I like the point u made about people or children getting lost in the woods or hiding out & became ferrel. This happens & is not brought to the attention of mainstream information!

Very nice video, Donnie. You mentioned the half million acres of GSMNP. Also add in Cherokee National Forrest, Pisgah, and many other State owned Management areas and large tracts of timber company land it would easily be 1.5 million acres of wilderness. I think most people don't realize the vastness of it. Do you remember Charlie Mountain from Tellico Plains? He was a tracker and I think Park Ranger or worked for TWRA at one time. He was Cherokee, but I know not to what extent. He worked many of these missing people cases. All that knew Charlie said he was the best. Maybe talk about the mountain lions that are here now but long denied until finally a Park Service employee saw one in Cades Cove. My personal opinion is that they were never extinct. The exploding numbers of deer I think have helped the mountain lions repopulate. And you are right that the mountains hold many secrets. Great stories. Brings back many childhood memories of camp fires and scary stories!