Colonizing the Coalfields: Beckley West Virginia

[@MountainRoots]

Love hearing from you in the comments! What did y'all think about Beckley West Virginia? ***Editorial Note- I misspoke when stating the area has anthracite coal, rather, I should have said bituminous.

[@WVABONES]

Correct it's Bituminous Coal ; I Live in Man In Logan County, Go To Beckley Almost every Week as A Retired Coal Miner to Occasionally Shop

[@alantruman4858]

Yes. That bumped me but an excellent video.

[@michelleconliffe6150]

Thanks for these videos. Beckley is where I grew up & I love it. I always show support for anyone & anything from there

[@normaepperson9657]

I lived in West Virginia during the fifties and sixties.I grew up there. I lived Wharton and Nellis and Allenjuction. We moved to Chicago in Dec. 1966 and talk about culture shock!!! I miss West Virginia and would love to go back there and live.

[@InvisibleCitizen]

We lived in Bland Virginia just south of the tunnel from Beckly WV. My wife is a retired RN she worked at the hospital in Beckley. We love the area and the people and the mountains!

[@HamburgerRabbit]

As someone who lives in Beckley, good job!

[@larrybuckner8619]

These are not videos these are mini documentaries. Narrated and visually stunning. Absolutely LOVE your talent.!!

[@MountainRoots]

@@larrybuckner8619 wow, thank you! 🙏

[@mcbutterfly09]

My family is from Beckley. My Papa was a coal miner. This is beautifully done.

[@ADHski]

Beckley is a beautiful place in West VA with a haunting history. Looking forward to getting back down there this winter to Ski at Winterplace in WV. Cheers!

[@MountainRoots]

It really is! Thanks for watching 😊

[@RickFurnival]

Your narrative text is so sublime. Well done, Josh.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

I've been to Beckley. The coal mine tour is outstanding! It is a nice place to visit, and I believe it is a nice place to live.

[@whatsupchris]

Born and raised in Beckley . It is worth your time .

[@BurntBillyofWV]

Mountaineers are always free. Love this state. Most underrated state in the country. It’s my home. It’s in my blood. The people here are hard working, loving family people with good morals and values. Please come visit. But please. Don’t try and change us. We may seem a little different to people from populated areas. But that’s what makes this state so special and refreshing. Long live Wild Wonderful West Virginia.

[@victoriasfire]

We went to the museum and mine this summer. I was impressed when the tour guide told us that the man had to fill up the carts with coal they dug out by hand and blasting. If one piece in their 10 tons wasn't real bituminous coal, the foreman could reduce, and often did reduce the miners pay that day to next to nothing. Heart breaking, back breaking work.

[@michelleconliffe6150]

Beckley is my hometown and I love it. Its wearvI plan to spend the end of my days

[@DaughteroftheMostHighGod-h6c]

WV is stunningly beautiful.

[@TexasMan1]

Seeing my town on this video makes me so proud. Fantastic video

[@truckinpoppop6777]

Been to the exhibition mine and the new river gorge national park. I highly recommend a visit. Also, if you’re in beckley, I also highly recommend eating at the Char restaurant! 👌🏼 Oh, and Fayetteville is a cool little town nearby too!

[@bretparker8533]

My entire family is from this area, my dad from Mullens, my mom from Amigo. I spent my childhood learning to fish, shoot and hunt this area. Most have all left my grandparents passed. Last time I was there was bout 5 years ago when my uncle passed. Is sad how this area has decayed I miss it often.

[@mikefannon6994]

Such a beautiful area! I had several customers in Beckley over the years. All were honorable, friendly people, always friendly, generous, happy to talk about family, exchange jokes, and give me some of their business. Since retirement, I miss them and I miss traveling that lovely state. Thanks for your video.

[@oscarcrouch1341]

I had a delivery in Beckley many years ago. The area stole my heart, and have longed for an extended visit...

[@gina5827]

Beckley looks like a place worth visiting. 😊

[@MountainRoots]

Do it!

[@gregdelaney119]

"It's alive, it's breathing - just underneath the surface". What an exceptional way to convey the ambience of this location and to tie the community's identity to the natural resource that literally produced it! The way that you seamlessly transition from historical background to modern day circumstances and attractions is really laudable, as far as I am concerned. As always, there is superb video, reflecting the natural beauty of the region. I loved the Tamarack Marketplace description (I'm guessing at the spelling since the close captioning spelling seemed weak to me) and I'd likely spend a day at least just wandering! Thanks for the background on Native American presence in the region.

[@michaelschooler-f5x]

Your videos are so well done. Thank you Josh for all the hard work.

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

What a beautiful area! Beckley looks like a nice, clean town with a lot of great old buildings preserved and still in use. The coal mine exhibition and museum look fascinating. Good for those people who live there. Nicely done video.

[@audittroadtrip]

I love this channel so much. Thank you for sharing much of the forgotten history of Appalachia.

[@MountainRoots]

@@audittroadtrip thank you for watching! 😊

[@Susan-wz7mb]

We were just on a visit to West Virginia in July and august. Wow, what beautiful state. We went white water rafting down the gorge. While visiting, we saw the exhibition coal mine. We LOVED IT!!!! We saw the pioneer village. Listened to the blacksmith and the school teacher. But, the coal mine experience was priceless. Hearing the information coming from a lifelong coal miner was unforgettable. The museum upstairs is perfect to see before the visit into the mine. It really helped bring the experience to life. Also, I want to mention your gift shop. I bought peach, pumpkin, cherry and apple butters. We also bought some jams and jelly. Love the butters with my cottage cheese in the morning. I will cry when it’s gone!!! Thank you for a wonderful time!!!!

[@alphonzamartin4200]

Born in Beckley and proud that I'm from there.

[@dalegooch4616]

All I have to say is another fantastic episode Josh keep em' coming.

[@billkeys6929]

Thanks for a great story about my birthplace

[@maxxspicer2440]

You should really visit Marlinton west va. Great little town

[@SpringScapes]

I love your knowledge in the history of the Appalachian. Thanks for sharing.

[@MountainRoots]

You're welcome, I appreciate you watching!

[@ricklove8588]

Grew up near war. Beckley and Bluefield was our big cities. I'm grew up in Newhall

[@truckinpoppop6777]

Been through there. My mom was from English.

[@djt8518]

I was in welch today

[@coalminerssoninnc]

Grew up in Coalwood

[@ricklove8588]

@coalminerssoninnc been to and through coalwood many many times. Played baseball for Berwind and dad worked for McDowell County water company. They would hire me to work some during the summers. And use to go there looking for ginseng

[@JacobRiley1999]

Another amazing episode as always Josh! Keep up the good work!

[@ninarice5279]

I have family there. Beckley is beautiful & so are the people there. Hi Hester!

[@alysonrdiaz]

I love all of your latest videos! They feel like I’m watching interesting history lessons. I also really like how you start out with the history of a town and then go into how it is today. You’re seriously such a talent! 👏🏼🤎

[@jerryfraley5904]

As a Knight of the Golden Horseshoe, I applaude you for this excellent presentation. Beckley was my home town. Sometimes we forget things from our childhood--like going to the Exhibition Mine. Very surprised to see continued growth in the area. Definitely going to share this with folks back home! (Oh, and I have not heard the phrase "Clean Coal" since I left--it was a big marketing phrase from the mines to the engineering schools.)

[@MountainRoots]

It was used to describe the cleaner, nearly smokeless coal mined in the region.

[@andrewmeador2953]

I am also a knight of the golden horseshoe from Raleigh county. I agree 100%!

[@michaelhager2846]

Thank you,great video, narration,music 😊

[@marilyncausey9348]

FYI for RVers- the Tamarack Center is not only home to the beautiful cultural center shown in this video, but also offers free amenities to RVers, including free tank dumping, water fill up, wash station, bathrooms, showers, parking, ice and a gas station with pull-through lanes for trucks with RVs. It's a great stop!

[@LaurenceDay-d2p]

WVA is a beautiful state, especially in autumn. I just finished bike riding the beautiful Greenbriar Trail.

[@drummersagainstitk]

Still the best commentary voice in the internet business. Production and script are excellent. YOUR MAKING MOVIES JOSH!

[@MountainRoots]

@@drummersagainstitk I REALLY appreciate that, friend!

[@drummersagainstitk]

@@MountainRoots Send this video to the WV State Dept of Commerce. They'll respond.

[@ak2nda695]

I spent a little time on the outskirts of Beckley in my teenage years. My high school sweetheart had family in the area. I wish I had seen more of it, though. The prettiest little blond I've ever met lived there, her name was Bobbie. In our 50s, now I wonder how her life turned out.

[@_sav_age]

Born and raised in Beckley. Was there last weekend for family. It's beautiful. So grateful to have grown up in such a beautiful state. My mum's place is just a few streets over from the town being driven through. It's a great place for ghost tours too. I did a few of them when I was younger with the guide because I loved them so much. Across the street from Alfred Beckleys house, (which is also on the tour) he is buried in a cemetery. In that cemetery a witch is buried. She is buried in the corner of the cemetery, her gravestone black and facing opposite of everyone elses. She was born on Halloween and her date of death was Oct. 30. The town shunned her for being a witch. I think she just made herbal medicine.. Her name was Kiskus. Anyway. Really cool place. Beautiful buildings, nature, and people.

[@marilyncausey9348]

Searching on Find-A-Grave, I found a man named Kiskis in Wildwood Cemetery in Beckley. His headstone is a cross, now discolored and broken. Maybe her grave isn't cataloged on Find-A-Grave? Editing to add: This man's grave is the grave attributed to a witch. He was Lithuanian and Catholic. He was a miner in WV, sustained terrible burns and lived five days in agony before he died. From what I've read, ghost tours in Beckley now tell the urban legend first, but then add the correct information about the actual man buried there. Have you seen for yourself that the grave is turned the opposite way? In Christian cemeteries, graves are situated so that the person would rise facing east. Next time I'm in WV, I hope to get by for a visit to Wildwood. Thanks for sharing; I love this kind of stuff.

[@_sav_age]

@@marilyncausey9348 hi I have seen the grave in person and that it is opposite facing. It's quite intriguing. Thanks for the extra history!!! And the name may have a bit of different spelling. There is also an above burial area where a man's head was stolen once.

[@williamsanford8267]

I’m proud to be a Greenbrier County native and have 13 years experience underground. Presently living in Bluefield. Very familiar area. Great coverage man

[@MountainRoots]

Thank you very much for watching!

[@RetaButler-dg2tl]

Grew up in Hot Coal and Beckley was our big town.

[@michaelhager2846]

Great presentation 😊

[@davidpate6095]

My hometown :)

[@nathanstewart2168]

Same.. get chills watching documentaries on it 😅 ❤WV

[@_sav_age]

Same!

[@junebryant5159]

Thank you again for sharing the history of this beautiful place!! Being from Lewisburg, we visit about once a month.

[@MountainRoots]

You're welcome! Have you seen my Lewisburg episode?

[@junebryant5159]

@@MountainRoots Yes I have, I learned so much, I was born in the area, but didn’t grow up here! Thank you for sharing!

[@abney416]

Home sweet home. Though not related at all, the Beatles last song, "Now and Then" kind of speaks of my feelings toward WV.

[@michaelbragg6903]

The open space on the left as the vehicle went into downtown was a strip of stores and a movie theater.

[@zenseed75]

Depresses me to go home. Thanks for doing a vid on it.

[@lewiswetzel8617]

Depressing is leaving WV and not being able to go back

[@samuelc.hazzardjr.8428]

Correction, all Anthracite coal is found in north eastern Pennsylvania. Scranton and north east of there. West Virginia has bituminous coal, not Anthracite coal.

[@MountainRoots]

Thank you, that was a definite error on my part!

[@staceyswelding]

This is where my family is from right there in beaver

[@AnnaBrown-h4e]

Dirty Secret?? What a way to start a story!?! Coal is "dirty"!!

[@MountainRoots]

Yes, but it has powered wars and the industrial revolution, and still provides a large percentage of electricity today.

[@dennislilly2818]

West Virginia is where I want my bunker and cat sanctuary to be.

[@CarylonBowe]

Blackfoot was another tripe that was in Raleigh county

[@GribbleD]

Nothing to be ashamed of, the Amerindians lost same as the folk they took it from. We today also had nothing to do with it the past and have no reason to feel bad about it.

[@MountainRoots]

@GribbleD I think we could certainly feel empathy and compassion for what happened, and learn valuable insights. True, no one today was alive then and therefore not responsible, but I also don't think an attitude of indifference about the past is one to harbor. Thanks for watching!

[@nobody-vo7ei]

did you get approval to use a drone over the town?

[@mrsmith8436]

This is nice but I thought it would be a lot more in depth and educational rather than just a short film metaphorically describing the City and people.

[@MountainRoots]

Oh, well, perhaps you can tell me more about what you expected so I can take those expectations into consideration. Many have commented and messaged me already thanking me for the information and history in the episode. You see, to produce something like this- which may appear as a simple 10 minute video- takes tremendous resources. I'd love to do much longer, documentary style pieces that do deep dives. But until that time, this is where I find myself. Thanks for watching.

[@jugg1492]

❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉

[@sbennettyt]

Why do people keep saying Beckley was named after Alfred's father? Is there any documentation to prove that? Or is this just an attempt to distance the town from Confederate General Alfred E, Beckley? Source?

[@MountainRoots]

@@sbennettyt the records I dug up indicated that.

[@michaelbragg6903]

Beckley was named after the first clerk of the US House of Representatives and first librarian of Congress

[@corneliuswowbagger]

You lost me with Anthracite. The New River and Pocahontas Coal Fields except the weathered outcrops produced low and mid volatile BITUMINOUS coal for coking and ultimately steel making. Anthracite will not coke and is only good for thermal applications. Anthracite is only found in mineable seams in eastern Pennsylvania. And I have spent many days underground in the region collecting coal samples.

[@MountainRoots]

@@corneliuswowbagger you are correct I misspoke and can't change it now.. the KZbin platform doesn't provide an editor within its video player. I wish I could. Thanks for watching!

[@OldMiner-wj6rr]

Coal made this country! It still powers 20% we will need for our future!

[@becca9554]

I lived the first 18 years of my life in Beckley, we moved to Virginia in 1972. I hated Beckley, backwards, uneducated and lazy. When I went back in 2018 downtown deserted, very poor. You saw a lot of expensive vehicles but the houses were falling down, parts of appliances in the yard. Oh yeah I wanna go back.

[@panatypical]

Some people here say it's a beautiful town some people say it's a dump. Things like this just point out the flaws of human nature. I can't care.

[@crc23457]

went to beckley years back to watch jumpin off bridge...fun....figuring out where to park ,stopped in chamber of commerce, such a nice lady, said you could park anywhere...so we park at what we thought was the far extent of their parking lot...enjoyed the jumps, returned , no car...went to restaurant that was close, turns out they had it towed because we were not a customer..cabbed to place of car location, talked to Bill,who had less than traditional number of teeth and eyes, ...said it would be$100.....my guess the restaurant and Bill were enjoying the visitors.....have not been back..🇺🇸