Harlan, Kentucky - In the Deep Dark Hills of Eastern Kentucky..."Bloody Harlan"

[@lancemiller1725]

If u live in a small town buy locally.. Screw Wal-Mart and corporate america

[@JohnDavis-yz9nq]

Where I live 2 grocery stores and a hardware store closed with the news of Walmart opening. They didn’t give us a chance to buy local.

[@debbiepotter7335]

If would have happened anyway. People will go where it’s cheaper. I e seen it many times.

[@brucebarton2837]

I agree with Lance Miller 1000 percent. Big corporate America is destroying this country. Small business was the backbone of this country. Unfortunately I live in an area that is one big corporate center. But when I eat out I always go to a small local joint where I get to know the employees and even the owners. So called progress isn't always progress. Keep to your mindset and God bless

[@brucebarton2837]

I forgot to mention John Davis also

[@JohnDavis-yz9nq]

@@brucebarton2837 amen brother I will pray for you. Be cool.

[@jimm8246]

My mom's from Harlan County born and raised up in those hills with my grandma and grandpa and all her brothers and sisters. They're almost all gone now but I have great memories growing up with them. Never been there myself though. Still got some kind up in them parts.

[@markcopland5738]

I use to live there,have family in Lee County Va.but Harlan was a wonderful town and the people,what destroyed that area was the unwarranted war against coal,the government at that time didnt help the wonderful people there with other forms of work,so the people ended up doing things that they normally would never do because if their background and how they were raised.

[@YardsalesDreams]

I’m in Northern Kentucky but me and my family love to visit Eastern and Southern Kentucky in our camper 😊

[@donnahughes8409]

Hi there I have seen you on the Nurse Flipper KZbin channel. 👋👋

[@YardsalesDreams]

@@donnahughes8409 Hi 🙋‍♀️ How ya doing

[@donnahughes8409]

@@YardsalesDreamsHi there 👋 I am doing great. I love watching this guys videos of the Appalachian Mountains my family come from West Virginia originally although I never grew up in West Virginia my great grandfather came from there. So I like to watch and see different scenery from that area. I’ve never visited there but someday I hope to go there.

[@YardsalesDreams]

@@donnahughes8409 I hope you get to go visit some day too! I’ve been to West Virginia before...we visited the Blenko glass shop there❤️ Gorgeous scenery in Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia 😀

[@donnahughes8409]

@@YardsalesDreams How exciting I bet you that was really cool all of my family live in Monroe County West Virginia and some in Hollywood West Virginia

[@woodysgarage4541]

i was born an raised in harlan live there my entire life until 6 years ago moved to east tn

[@briantheminer]

I’m a coal miner here in South Wales, U.K., a particularly militant area, but the Harlan County name is legendary here, I remember it from way back in the early 1980s Good people, yet hard people Maybe I will get to visit one day

[@realappalachia]

best wishes to you in the UK. I hope you get the opportunity to visit.

[@mountainfolk2000]

Thanks Shane for another Great video, sure glad your over that ole covid.

[@realappalachia]

thank you so much, Jane!

[@Jimbo-pm1dp]

These fine patiots will keep their guns...God help anyone who tries to take them...!!!

[@reginaldmccall5794]

Apparently that's all you guys got is your guns and creating reasons to use them ok so here's the real shit people who live in cities don't want your guns we have our own we don't want your beer drinking at 8 am women who have some sick fantasy that black men want them or any other man of color for that matter lmao gfy

[@johndouglas5712]

Yes Sir

[@snaker9er]

@@reginaldmccall5794 what an unhinged moronic statement if you could even call it that

[@markcopland5738]

Must be a socialist gun grabber,they are the ones that will cry in hunger asking a gun loving person to hunt up some food trust the East Ky people they will stay out of your violent intolerant cities and you stay out of the last place on earth that has the most exceptional place to live.

[@thomassmith9731]

Stop equating gun worship with "patriotism".

[@valentinconstantin8070]

I was born in Europe-Transylvania,and late ‘80’s I came in the States.Present time I live in Arizona,but my and my wife we are fascinated by Kentucky State.We like to move to Kentucky,and buy a small rural property.My question its .... stupid,but ...is a question.How are the locals regarding about “strangers” moving to their neighborhood ?Thank you.Nice vid,and it make move to Harlem area.

[@wsearp]

My Dad was from there, he was in the coal mine wars, and was Union..... also made boot leg whiskey..... My grandpa died in one of those mines... My Dad carried lead in him til the day he died in 1977.... One of the last of his kind .... a real man's man, he also left a lot of lead in some other folks as well....Tough as nails but gentle as a lamb until you crossed him or spoke evil of one of his kids....

[@realappalachia]

sounds like your grandpa led a fascinating life

[@wsearp]

@@realappalachia it was my Dad who had the interesting life.... Would make a great movie.... His Dad (my grandpa)died in tje mines in 1906...

[@willmcqueen7247]

Iam from harlan and love my home

[@pamelapostma8890]

Love the scenery ... with that said, I would like to see the people that live there and what they do..

[@wayneasiam65]

I enjoy your videos. Thanks

[@realappalachia]

Glad you like them!

[@sueking4227]

My family is from London, East Bernstein Ky.

[@darkangel7820]

East Bernstadt KY. I live here so HAD to correct

[@doveleboeuf6625]

I grew up not to far from harlan. You didn't travel through Harlan at night unless you were a resident of Harlan!! The coal mining business is long gone!! My daddy hauled coal out of Manchester, KY and Hazard I think. His father owned 6 coal trucks. Hazard has one of the highest unsolved murders in the US!! Harlan probably runs close to it.

[@offroadrider2357]

Im from tazewell county a nd harlan county makes us look big and modern

[@johnreynolds151]

just found you my grand paw was in that coal war. a place you could go for a video old red hill cemetery in norris anderson county tenn lot of history there thanks

[@realappalachia]

I will have to check that out, thank you

[@joebagodonuts4039]

Those are a subset of American’s that the living families should get RETRIBUTION to the tube of millions!!!

[@DetroitHomeInspector]

Mark my words, Appalachia will be one of the last good places to live in America.

[@gunnarfireheart1859]

Yeah here you there, howdy from little pulaski out near Monticello.

[@fredgervinm.p.3315]

Nothing wrong with old ways.

[@lanardfletcher1422]

Lmao no.

[@jamievickers3443]

Im from Harlan it's a nice place to visit but I'll never move back there.

[@jamievickers3443]

No it's not a good place to live unless your on drugs. It horrible. That's why everyone leaves for Lexington.

[@kailuaaliakanehele6567]

My ex was from Harlan, he passed yrs ago, family were miners and sadly all passed on as well.. Wonderful family, they loved me and accepted me (Hawaiian) with open arms and I loved all of tbem right back... Tragedy blew us apart, the suicide of his young son,,, ironically all have now passed on, but they all live in my heart with love and respect.. RIP CONLEY FAMILY... Aloha'oe.💕❣

[@grey.7828]

Whole family gone... sad story

[@kailuaaliakanehele6567]

@@grey.7828 yes but their love and memories are as alive in my heart as if just yesterday.. Terry Wayne Conley Robert & Peggy Conley, Gary Conley Agnes Marie Conley She was Mom.. and loved me as My Mom.. Little Agnes, and Phoenix Shane Conley whose life was cut short because he wanted to be in heaven with me and I'm still here... Hope heaven time is a blink for them, hope to see them all again.. Aloha'oe Conley family.. Mahalo Nui Loa for their love..

[@askledhead]

I hope you have some Beautiful memories, thank you for sharing your experiences, ✌

[@kailuaaliakanehele6567]

@@askledhead yes... my memories sing the same songs of the most beautiful areas around Harlan Ky to my Hawaiian homeland

[@charlottewhite1277]

Idsb, You have been through quite a alot of loss,grief and I have also.I lost so many in my life. But We keep our loved ones in our hearts. I'm sorry for your losses. ❤️ Sincerely, Renee'in Maryland

[@libertygiveme1987]

I'm in Kentucky. Can trace my Roots here over 400 years. Kentuckians are a PROUD people. Thank-You for showing that in this video. Oh, "GO BIG BLUE"!!!!

[@markwilliams5606]

My Great Great Grandfather was Rodger Williams. Came here in 1620. Got lots of family in Harlan, Dixie town. We've been here a long time now! Take it easy! Live in the Ozarks Missouri. Adios 🤠🇺🇸🐎

[@jefferykeeton804]

From Morehead Kentucky with love 💕

[@johndaugherty4127]

Owen County now, Mercer County originally.

[@karenreichenbaugh856]

Thankyou.

[@jimgraves665]

what are they proud of?

[@ms.beautifulgorgeousbeasle4110]

Thank you for such a thoughtful presentation of Harlan. It’s a beautiful place. I wish more young people would utilize the older buildings and reawaken the town. It has such character and charm. Keep up the great work. I look forward to more.

[@milascave2]

Ms. People fled to the cities because that's where the jobs were. But now with more people tele-communities, people have more options of where to live, that might happen. The town does not look run down at all to me. It looks like. any small town and the houses look very nice.

[@craigchenery1182]

Town screams live here would love to open a nice cafe with good food..

[@Ms.Andrist]

All I can say to people of Eastern KY is GET OUT AND SAVE YOURSELVES. Go move to a bigger city and make a decent living.

[@Jencifer13]

Tourism, from both a historical/genealogical perspective and a nature exploration standpoint, is the future of this area. Coal mining is a dead industry, and should be. It would be a boon for the area if locals were trained in guiding tours, entrepreneurship, history, and other skills related to the tourism industry. This is one of the most beautiful and historically rich areas in the US.

[@noway5347]

Nice trees...streetscape...hills in background...peaceful....thankyou for vid.

[@markolszewski7600]

I am in harlan at least 3 days a week. I love the people of harlan and the surrounding area. They are the best of the best. God bless Harlan!!

[@xsidx232]

God bless you and Harlan🇺🇸

[@fortunate14t48]

My parents were married in Harlan in 1948. They both were raised in Lynch. They left Kentucky in 1956 for Dallas, Texas because the mine had shut down temporarily but never moved back. My grandparents lived there until the 1970’s. Kentucky will always have a special place in my heart. ♥️

[@markcopland5738]

I remember going to that court house to get my drivers license at that court house,she ask me to smile,told her no because it makes me look like there was something wrong with me,so she said please,so I did then two seconds later she said" Honey can we do another and don't smile"

[@ryanvelez6762]

😂😂😂😂

[@ileanatrujeque2651]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mordechaijones4669]

That's like the guy having sex with his goat, don't believe I'd a told that.

[@fireside9503]

Little unneeded but appreciated little gem of a comment.

[@hotelvasthorizon]

You tried to warn her 😂

[@josephrz6230]

Walmart and other big box stores have destroyed small towns for the most part. If not for walmart, Harlan would look like it did 50 years ago. Greed destroyed it.

[@crystallynne7507]

Dude, while I agree greed destroyed harlan, it wasn't done in any major part by the Walton family. Walmart didn't resort to giving citizens black lung, or firing people en masse before blasting and strip mining the mountains and poisoning the water table. Walmart isn't the reason nearly every shower I'd ever taken in Pathfork burnt my skin and left me smelling of eggs for an hour.

[@josephrz6230]

@@crystallynne7507 M'am, Walmart did it to all of the USA. I'm not talking only about Harlan KY.

[@crystallynne7507]

And I Quote, "If not for walmart, Harlan would look like it did 50 years ago" Oddly enough there's a doc from roughly 50 years ago available right here on youtube "harlan county usa" it does a good job of showing just how awful the coal companies have always treated the people in the hollers. Walmart has shady business practices I fully agree with that.

[@packingten]

@@crystallynne7507 I married a girl from Bell County in 1968 We got married in Simses Fork near Arjay,He uncle's worked in mines and fought them.I wanted to move there her uncles said stay in Indiana buddy there "Ain't no money here",Some of them came to Indiana&Died here.

[@jeffscott8323]

Greed destroys everything.

[@rebeccajones9735]

I love Patti Loveless's version of "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive."

[@realappalachia]

It’s a great one

[@cordyg4306]

Perry County Ky here. Subsistence life is a good life. If you don't raise, fish, hunt, grow what you eat then your just relying on everyone else to live. It's a hard life but the only way to truly live. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@chuckinhouston9952]

I’m guessin you’re a great American!

[@Henry.58]

@@wisegeorge365 And most of your inner big City's are also. So what's your point !?

[@vickiepainter306]

No they ARE NOT.

[@Henry.58]

@@vickiepainter306 😂

[@iamruseriousnow516]

@@wisegeorge365 ya it's probably because they cant spell about!

[@brucekotter182]

I grew up in Kentucky. I love this video. Makes me homesick. Great work guys.

[@robertmcculloch9443]

Worked with an older guy in the eaerly 80s that was a security guard. He was well into his 60s. He had been in some on the bloodiest Naval battles in the Pacific during WWII. He was also on the ground during the Japanese occupation. He told me the scardest he had ever been in his life was working a night shift guarding mining equipment during a United Mine Workers strike in KY. He knew the union guys were just waiting for him up on the hill for him to show himself. He knew they wouldn't hesitate shooting him. He said he used the equipment like a tank trying to avoid snipers. May have been in Harlan. Don't know.

[@VintageRose75]

Wow!!!! 😳

[@bourbontrail565]

Sorry about your Town ... But without Unions there would never have been a middle class!!! Union fights for people with just a high school education to make a real life wage...Thanks for Sharing....

[@jeffsmith2022]

Amen to that...I remember the documentary from the early 70s which showed how the pig coal mine owners hired thugs to crush the folks who wanted to organize themselves in a union...

[@sheilajohnson6478]

Now a day, Unions aren’t what they were intended on being. They don’t fight for the people anymore. I think the big companies pay the rep’s off. It’s really sad. The dues are high and for nothing. Just like the government.

[@grey.7828]

Unions are ruining the education system

[@grey.7828]

I think that abiotic the middle class is factually incorrect

[@dancarlton7973]

Unions are useless these days.

[@davidjessee7701]

Life time residence of Russell County ky.. Ive done a lot of work in Harlan , Hazard, Cumberland, Jackson, London. Manchester....good people

[@markdabney9080]

Both my parents, and their parents, are from Russell Springs, Ky. I spent a lot of time there with my grandparents growing up; I love the town.

[@tundrawomansays5067]

I miss the place and the people of Kentucky and West Virginia. Good people, beautiful areas.

[@davidjessee7701]

@@markdabney9080 Russell Springs is a pretty small town.. I live in Russell Springs most of my life ... I probably will know your family... I graduated Russell County high in 84

[@laylalayla-jl4ik]

Most Beautiful Part Of The U.S is found here and in Virginia and West Virginia, so Beautiful the Beauty will almost take your breath away in the Fall.

[@dougrobinson5830]

I want to go so bad! I probably wouldn't come home.

[@mc-lp4zl]

It is! I won't name drop, but some of my maternal great-great-great grandparents were from W.Va/Ky before moving to Texas. My g-g-grandmother was b.1852 in Ky d.1960 in Tx. 11 wks after my birth.

[@laylalayla-jl4ik]

@@mc-lp4zl oh wow!

[@Muertes-tf2oj]

"We dug coal together!" ~ Boyd Crowder

[@3blinds]

Idk wtf it is but something about that show and boyd in particular that strikes my soul

[@rickdougherty8058]

Justified baby , Raylen givens

[@mrs.shellylawhorn814]

I love justified🙌

[@Muertes-tf2oj]

@@mrs.shellylawhorn814 It was a really fantastic tv show!

[@mrs.shellylawhorn814]

@@Muertes-tf2oj yes , I watched all seasons 3 times

[@bmw318ti24]

Holy crap, they have a RAX??? That's worth the drive right there. I miss their roast beef deluxe and chocolate chip shakes

[@marifromky]

it's the ONLY one!!

[@cward1954]

We had one in WV when I lived there. I haven't been back for over 20 years, I don't know if it's still there. They put Arby's to shame.

[@larkhigginbotham5374]

@@cward1954 All the ones in WV are gone now. There are several in Ohio and one in Illinois.

[@larkhigginbotham5374]

@@marifromky There are several in Ohio.

[@marifromky]

@@larkhigginbotham5374 i recently found that out. i could have sworn the one in harlan was the only one. i was glad to know i was wrong ;)

[@DougForce]

Interesting to see how beautiful the area is.

[@springersedawn]

This doesn’t begin to show the beauty.

[@slm3913]

If ya treat people right, there wouldnt have ever been the need for a union. Too much greed from the top of all big industry.

[@worldonfire1539]

Amen to that!

[@BlackMan614]

Trying to compare the mining industry of the 1920's to the 1990's is disingenuous at best. The Pittston strike of 90s was the result of the UMW /BCOA and their farcical agreements of the prior 20 years which assured the destruction of the mining industry in the east.

[@drinkingpoolwater]

profits over people and profit over good american lives.

[@snaker9er]

Ive payed thousands into a union and never got treated right by them

[@slm3913]

This is one area we could learn so much from the Japanese folks. When Bridgestone bought Firestone the tire company, they raised wages, in most places built new areas for people to work and enforced safety for all. It was so unfortunate that the company was in debt so much but Bridgestone was able to pull the company out of debt and tried to keep as many working as they could. Safety trumps all and keeps people alive. Coal miners never got that. Their lives didnt matter. The horror still exists today. I bet we all know someone who worked in the mines a few years back and now has black lung disease. :(

[@BelindaTN]

My favorite version of Never Leave Harlan Alive is Patti Lovelace. Her voice just has the sound of pure Appalachia Mountain music. Probably because she is from Eastern KY and her daddy was a coal miner. He eventually died from black lung disease.

[@realappalachia]

I cant argue with that

[@thomasgibbons353]

My daddy died from the lung too. Was 55 yrs. when he passed.

[@jeffscott8323]

And dont forget Kathy Mattia. She too was from that area. Both great great versions.

[@lenisbennett3062]

And she looks good singing it.

[@jeffscott8323]

@@lenisbennett3062 yeah she does. I've always loved her singing.

[@generalnguyenngocloan1700]

I lived in the very most northern Appalachian mountains for 20 years in NY, on the border of Ulster and Delaware counties. Harlan looks like a big city compared to where I lived. Snow covered for 6 months, brutally cold, and cleaved wood to heat my log home. I loved the old timers. I learned the hard way to shut my trap, but they finally accepted the “flatlander”. I miss that life.

[@ermacasey7228]

The real stories are in the Branches. The old coal camps and the people that live up in the hills. You need someone from there to guide you. So much more to this place.

[@frankienoe4815]

The branches....? LolYou can't forget the creeks and the forks there buddy. The story is in the mountains

[@kathieponder7708]

Oh yeah. My people lived in Big Branch, Irishman Creek, all before they put that Buckhorn Lake in. What wonderfully humble hardworking folk. The youngins have all moved off. They are too into earthly things. God bless you Erma. Do you know of Casey's Grocery Store near Hazard or Vicco, maybe it is in Amburgey, used to always go there as a child. I am over six decades old, my dear.

[@i-vlog1994]

@@kathieponder7708 there are no hard working people living in Harlan. They’re lazy and all on welfare. Yet they have the audacity to commit hate crimes and call African Americans lazy. They’re also all Trump supporters

[@noraturner4773]

Amen, Sister!

[@BLINC606]

Come over into Leslie County. Less here than Harlan. I’ll take you on a guide 😂

[@Nadeshiroo]

Ima ole Tennessee girl but I’ve been through Harlen several times. It is beautiful there but there is no jobs. The people are very nice. I can remember when a lot of cities looked like this until the malls and things came in.Kentucky has give us slot of musical people that are awsome. Loretta Lynn is world famous and she’s from Kentucky. If you’ve not been through there and you get a chance it won’t be a waste of time and West Virginia is also a beautiful place when you go into the country. Loved your video thank you for some good memories. God bless.

[@thomasgibbons353]

I am 80 yrs now. Lord I miss those days, get a lump in my throat. Lord, please bless all these good people Remember us when we come to stand before you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

[@michaelgardner1081]

Justified is our most favorite show of all time :)

[@imtheitchyouneedtoscratch]

Amen 🙏

[@dianebourne6297]

And it's coming back :)

[@sueking4227]

It is and always be BEAUTIFUL down there. And Friendly people

[@angelajohnston7332]

I love your channel so facinating . I'm from Scotland UK but I'm obsessed with this part of the states and the amazing history. I'm dying to visit Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia, I often think I must have lived there in a previous life

[@realappalachia]

Thank you so much, Melody and I both have Scottish heritage so we love hearing from you. Hope you get the chance to visit someday.

[@darkglass1]

Don’t leave West Virginia off your list. It’s the only State located completely in Appalachia.

[@neildickson5394]

Almost every negative stereotype that labels KY nationwide comes from a small hill town like Harlan, which is geographic, not state wide. Some deserved, most pure ignorance. When there were TV specials showing the worst of the worst in 60's, there was the very incorrect impression that was all of KY, which KY is still living down. As can clearly be seen Harlan is a run of the mill small town that just happens to be located in a very pretty mountainous area. In Colorado, it would be viewed very differently. In truth, Harlan is a pretty sophisticated town.

[@PrettyToez07]

True

[@lancemiller1725]

Thank you for clarifying the truth on KY! Veteran Retired Ky resident

[@JUSAGUYNKY]

👍🏼

[@nigellee9824]

Love these videos, have always loved small towns USA, have watched videos about locals who speak pure, or well old English, being English that’s interesting

[@pb4life435]

They Do the same thing to us over here in WV the sameway!! I've seen way more Stupid people from the City! Than us Good Ol Country People who can make it Work!!

[@pistolannie6500]

In the words of Patty Loveless... " you'll never leave Harlan alive"

[@kentuckysquirrel1365]

You said you hadn't seen anything in regards to coal. At 1:23 in the video, you were passing a sign directing you to the Kentucky Coal Academy.

[@Bobm-kz5gp]

My Grandparents came from Eastern Ky and Western Va. worked at the mining town of Pardee, Va. I flew a medivac helicopter out of Manchester, Ky, my first night mission was into Harlan then to Hazard an back. Love those mountain folks, lots of drug issues though thanks to government killing jobs an no incentive welfare.

[@thomastolbert6184]

Bobm, drilled for coal around Benham, Lynch,Harlan and several places on Black Mountain. Found five seams at one place and drilled four thousand sixteen feet to get the last one. The people were all friendly and helpful.This was in the late fifties.Got a feeling Biden’s crew will shut everything down including oil wells.

[@kathieponder7708]

Thank you for what you provided. My grandpa, Papaw we called him lived in Harlan and around Hazard. Catron and Maddens. God bless you all.

[@armyvets.7365]

@@kathieponder7708 God Bless You All

[@paulc1665]

It was a genuine pleasure to watch this video. The beauty of the setting, contrasted with the economic decline, is so very much like where I am from (Thunder Bay, Canada). We all really need to realize just how very much we have in common. I pray that the current vogue for remote work or some insurgent new industries will allow Harlan to thrive once more. Until then, may its history continue to be honoured.

[@mell682]

I listened to Paisley version of the song and loved it, sad song though but that's how life goes sometimes. Let's not forget those who came before us :-)

[@patsygrace2561]

Breaks my heart to see these dried up towns....just sad.

[@papablista627]

Only dried up if you don't visit. Go there it is one of America's most beautiful places. And travel through the rest of Kentucky while your at it.....

[@patsygrace2561]

@@papablista627 I live in Kentucky, I do travel as much as possible, but I’ve seen some sad towns and it makes me very sad.

[@papablista627]

@@patsygrace2561 I live here to hunny, I have lived in California , Florida, Arizona always came home to KY. EDIT: Don't be sad just have faith and pray...

[@patsygrace2561]

@@papablista627 sounds like a plan. 👍🏻♥️

[@ElishaPercival]

@@papablista627 really.. I been in KY 2 years and hate it.. Colorado native trying really hard to find a reason to like it.. covid hasn't helped trying to meet people. The drug use here is terrible and the school systems need serious help.. I feel bad for the folks here

[@armyvets.7365]

Visited Harlan many times, my ex-wife was from Hazard. The most down to earth people in Kentucky than anywhere in the country, A complete stranger would welcome us in for ham and grits, absolutely love this State. Still vacation in Kentucky.Her dad brother in law and 1 brother worked in the coal mines.We lived in Lexington and Finally Winchester.Got to meet Dwight Yocum in person at a little country bar, before he became really famous, sat at our table with us.

[@scottthomas3792]

My grandparents were lifelong residents of Clay county...Harlan is typical of a lot of the towns in Eastern Kentucky. Really nice people, and a beautiful part of the state.

[@roberthensley8653]

My Grandpa was born in Onida. Grandma was from Madison.

[@cryptomongoose8799]

Lifelong resident of Clay myself

[@cryptomongoose8799]

@@roberthensley8653 I spent a lot of time in Oneida when I was younger. I actually know some Hensleys from there if that’s what your relations surnames are in Oneida

[@roberthensley8653]

@@cryptomongoose8799 My Great Great grandpa put 50 dollars down on the first schoolhouse.

[@bl8680]

Thank you for showing us Harlan. My mother was born and raised there. My grandpa, her daddy, was killed in the coal mines and one of the men who fought for union rights.

[@3360274]

I worked on locomotives for the coal companies up there in Ky back in the 1980's. Corbin became like a second home to me during that time. Being from Alabama, these people welcomed me and were very helpful and friendly. Beautiful country, beautiful people.

[@randa4382]

I graduated from whitley co in 2002. Grew up in corbin my whole life.

[@randa4382]

They got legal booze now too btw lol

[@BUGMAN-22]

My 101yr old granny grew up there. I took her back a few years ago. I figure it will be her last time.

[@realappalachia]

I bet that was a really special time for her, that is awesome

[@debbiepotter7335]

Oh she must have loved that

[@jonnykaykorn3060]

Wow 101, the changes she has seen, probably more than anyone else in history. I am proud of her, though she is rightfully not proud of us(US).

[@lindamaemullins5151]

🙏❤️

[@nancywhitney1156]

My grandmother was born & raised in Harlan Ky. Her Dad was town Marshall...last name Rose. She put herself thru college then served during WWII. Settled in Paducah & was Director of Nursing at Riverside Hospital. I was able to visit my great grandparents "Mammy & Pappy Rose" in the 1960s . I'd love to go back once more while my parents are living..my Dad spent his summers there with his grandparents. We all have roots somewhere. ❤

[@iworkout6912]

I was in the army with two guys from Harlan. I lost track of them after we left the army. I always wondered what ever happened to them, the were both good friends and I heard a lot about this city from them. We were at Fort Knox and weekends they would come back from leave with a mason jar of moonshine, the real stuff.

[@thusundi1963]

I’ve found you can find nearly anybody of Facebook these days. Have used it to look up many an old friend. Hope you get back in touch with your army buddies.

[@i-vlog1994]

If they moved back to Harlan, then they’re probably hooked on OxyContin, using their va checks to pay rent on a trailer. Where they live with their obese wives and 6 kids

[@marifromky]

@Chill Will some people think they're being smart when they're just being crude

[@davidritzell3242]

I was stationed in Fort Knox for basic training

[@mikekennedy5470]

Not hard to find people in harlan

[@mirandafarmer7417]

I'm born and raised in Harlan Kentucky,Good ppl but bout forgotten..

[@DetroitHomeInspector]

It will come back. Appalachia will be one of the last good places to live in America.

[@papablista627]

Not forgotten just neglected. 😥

[@TheAnita1965]

My father grew up there. Born in 1934. Died when I was 10. I remember he liked green dragons. I never new why, now I do. Lol Thank you.

[@majorgeneral4710]

My moms side is from Jackson and Dads side is from Monticello. Heading to Monticello and Lake Cumberland for vacation as soon as I get off work!!!

[@tarzanjane9592]

From Burnside. Grandfather was a coal miner. My mom was born there.

[@shonarosemarybaker9211]

Fascinating! Can't wait to watch the rest of the series. Hi from Melbourne, Australia. Beautiful little town. Gorgeous houses!! I can't believe how dead it is, though; an equivalent small town in Australia would have lots of people out and about, shops open, cafes with sidewalk dining...

[@realappalachia]

Welcome aboard, thanks for watching and for your input

[@craftylady8430]

When our mines closed people had no work. We are talking about multiple generations in the family as coal miners & knew no other work.

[@smellysock4260]

It's hard to imagine Harlan and other Appalachian towns as being on the great Colonial frontier. During the time of Silas Harlan, Kentucky was the frontier and must have felt cosmopçolitan, like a true Melting Pot. It had immigrants from England, Ireland, Scotland, and all over Europe. Also it had residents from the Indian native not India american indigenous autochthonous aboringinal tribal people with absolutely foreign customs and language and who were often at war with the English. Truly an international place with many languages spoken to make the point. I respect that mining was the major economic contributor for generations. At the same time, some minding practices were destructive and should never have been done. Destructive methods were used to save a few dollars--mountain top removal was probably the worst. Entire mountains and the skyline ruined for all time for some rotten 8 inch coal seam that means nothing in the overall scheme of things. Methods like mountain top removal gave all of coal a bad name. All it did was boost quarterly profits for one quarter and in the long run helped kill mining and as a result, the regional economy has died.

[@DavidSmith-sb2ix]

When you see these old downtown areas you can imagine the sidewalks filled with people, the department stores, five and dimes, movie theaters and neon signs. It was still like that in the 50s when I was a child. When I describe the downtown where I live to young people they are amazed and most wish it was still there.

[@jman1957]

I’m 63 and I sure mis those days!

[@lindamaemullins5151]

Seems like something is missing nowadays.

[@jman1957]

@@lindamaemullins5151 People with good ole family values!

[@8a41jt]

I noticed that ... the sidewalks were empty!

[@marifromky]

@@8a41jt can't shop when you don't have any money. plus a lot of downtown harlan is empty.

[@72cut87]

Family is originally from Evarts, just up the road.great grandfather is buried in those hills, he was shot and killed in 1936 in Draper, tried to find his grave once, impossible. He is buried in an abandoned cemetery on top of a mountain, can’t even drive all the way up to it. My dream is to give him a proper marker, he got a raw deal

[@i-vlog1994]

Probably shot over a OxyContin deal gone side ways

[@sundancer7381]

Great to see rural Kentucky! Love the country views! Harlan, the city, looks surprisingly industrial.

[@danahoward4525]

My family is one of the founding families. I was born in harlan moved to New Orleans but as soon as I was old enough I went back home.. we're good people. Love our families help our neighbors but we dont take any crap. We remember the old ways, we know what the mountains provide us to eat. Theres no place better in the world.

[@vickiepainter306]

Dana you are so right. I Love KY.

[@i-vlog1994]

Harlan is so poor there is people living in houses in the trees. It’s like a town or just crack houses and decay. The rich people in Harlan live in trailers lmao

[@i-vlog1994]

@@sidebite2533 because the rich people of Harlan live in trailers. That shows you the level of poverty

[@i-vlog1994]

@@vickiepainter306 it is a little bit

[@Robert-ye3cq]

@Harris Biden he wouldn't dare, guarantee that!

[@juliaamber3483]

Was that a Rax restaurant you passed? I am originally from Louisville and haven't seen one of those for probably 35 years or so... lol

[@lukemccardle2379]

Yeah really the last time I saw a Rax was back in 87 in Florida.

[@coalhawg7654]

Yes our Rax is still kicking out uncle al kids meals....... nothing like a bacon beef and cheddar

[@stantheman9072]

Harlan, Joliet Illinois, and a couple in Ohio. That’s all the Rax that are left in the world.

[@juliaamber3483]

@@coalhawg7654 Girllllll, you making my stomach growl.

[@ellenstewartbowman3898]

I noticed that Rax sign too.

[@bluessky1475]

These are the people that are going to save our country. The people that still have morals.

[@TheBabyPatch]

Gary Lee Moore, obviously your mother failed you. To boil it down to the simple minded, It’s respect for yourself and others.

[@veniceviolet16]

these people will kick out their kid for being gay but keep the family rapist a secret

[@Ash-ms]

This county is riddled with drugs, crime, and is dependent on welfare. Not quite sure how they are going to save the country, when they struggle to survive and do good themselves.

[@lenisbennett3062]

They can't save themselves from drugs, how they going to save America?

[@bettyandrews9571]

Dream on. It's full of drugs now

[@Bobm-kz5gp]

My Dads family was from Eastern, Ky and worked for a coal mining company in Pardy, Va. I flew a medivac helicopter for Air Evac Lifeteam out of Manchester, Ky. Have flown into the hospital at Harlan an carried the patient to the hospital at Hazard. It was my 2nd or 3rd patient flight and at night with the company. One good thing about the strip mining for us was it opened up some emergency landing areas for us as there are not too many flat places to land. I did leave Harlan alive though, but still get a bit touched by that song.

[@loreeann3271]

That is so true. My brother got in a accident in the mines there and he was life flighted to Holston Valley. They could not drive him, it was too far away, but I heard that it was really hard for a helicopter to land around before the Virginia mountain.

[@wallyhobbs4017]

Years Ago I Took A Load Of Potato’s To Harlan Hackney. Town Had Been Without. 1974.

[@janicechandler1950]

Daddy walked those picket lines in Harlan in the 30's. We thanked God and John L Lewis in the same breath.

[@alliematt1016]

I was born here and so were my parents.

[@realappalachia]

A really cool place to call home

[@michaelwhitakersmith457]

Nice City. Have you been listening to my songs. [e-mail]

[@heyokaempath5802]

Tina Seward, do you know any Brocks down there? My good friend from school has family in Harlan.

[@alliematt1016]

Nope. I haven’t lived in Harlan since I was four. :-( Sorry.

[@Raellives]

Lived 6 months in Hazard KY while working at WYMT in the mid 80’s loved our time there!

[@Cutter-jx3xj]

My mom's family were all coal miners for generations in and around Floyd County Kentucky, McDowell to be exact. They are nearly all gone now. I'm a cowboy here in Texas and I am very proud of my family roots in KY. Best people you can meet, feels like home every time I am there.

[@clydemills8816]

I love Harlen, everyone is so down to earth..we used to go 4 wheeling on Blck mountain yearly, its so brethtaking but u have to respect the dangers of the mountain also..i would love to still b able to ride up that mountain just 1 more time

[@Rayvane55]

My family is from beattyville in lee county. Some things have changed for the better and some things remain the same for many years now.

[@heyokaempath5802]

@Robin Branson...My great grandfather, George "Dock" Harris lived in Beattyville. He was gone before I was born. He's buried there.

[@ironmaiden4396]

"In the deep, dark hills of Eastern Kentucky...That's the place where I traced my bloodlines...And it's there that I read on a hillside gravestone, "You'll never leave Harlan alive..." PATTI LOVELESS MOUNTAIN SOUL I and II" This woman is Kentucky Bluegrass, Country music and vocals at it's finest.... I just love her. I can't help it.

[@karenjones3836]

Did you ever trade knives with the men who sat on the wall around the court house. Or run through Newberry's and come out on a different street. Or catch candy thrown from a Christmas parade float. Eat at Howard drugstore at lunch. Or get a tooth pulled at Doc Jones'.

[@kyblueeyes1217]

No!! But I WISH I COULD HAVE. and NOW I WANT TO GIVEY BABIES THAT LIKE. YALL HELP ME GET THESE BABIES OUT OF BOWLINGGREEN. ughhh!!! ITS JUST AWFUL!!

[@deirdre108]

"Harlan County USA" was one of the greatest American documentaries.

[@DaveSmithmarketingconsultant]

My dad was born and raised here. I agree with the people who said that the true stories of Harlan are up in those hills and hollers. My family worked the coal mines - Yancey. As a boy I remember my dad taking me to see the mines in the early 70's. A union worker pulled a shotgun on us. Had to run for our lives. As you climbed up the hills, you would find wild berries and occasionally gravestones. Sometimes tiny ones. That just sticks in my mind. My dad said there was a different law up in the hills. He told a story of a man who had stolen a chicken. The owner chased him down the hills towards the train tracks. Shot him dead in front of my dad. Spit on him and went back home. But no one tells the other side of the story though. Good people. Good neighbors. They help each other. Anyone who climbs those hills or watches the lightning bugs on a hot, humid summer night, will never forget that place or those people.

[@mikelund57]

As I also a fan of the show .. idk how much they filmed there , I can say they filmed majority in parts of California. Not sure or remember where exactly.. and how much they filmed it there in Harlan.. must be a tax thing as to why they didn't film most of it there. Just like "northern exposure" they filmed it in roslyn Washington state.. it's graphical location resembled the town of Sicily alaska.. idk for sure if there's a Sicily or its fictional

[@boo1der393]

Wow. Crazy. Interesting information. I've never been there but I have a lot of family in Harlan. Hundreds of cousins, my papaw lives there too.

[@wendellrunyon2139]

My great grandmother was a Smith from Harlan, Mary Belle daughter of Granville Smith & Elizabeth Lee Smith

[@jacobconley3583]

Amen..

[@jh76103]

Did the man get his chicken back?

[@jamievickers3443]

You should have went to Lynch to the Coal mine museum.

[@Cgh432]

Great museum 👍

[@shanecarmechanik2893]

I live 15 minutes from the town of Harlan. Nothing like mountains. This use to be the place to be but it's slowly drying up to nothing. love to see it booming again.

[@loreeann3271]

Just found this. My daddy was from kildav, 1-2 miles from Evarts, and my momma is from Louellen, about 25 min on 38 from Harlan. This brought back memories when we would come home on vacation to visit my papa, and granny. ❤

[@iprainwater6411]

I used to live in Kildav and knew everyone there. Probably knew your Dad and family. Also lived in v Verda and Lejunior.

[@williamwwjd12345]

I lived in Harlan County for 10 years I'm thinking about moving back there very soon from Chicago

[@jonathanlawson4667]

Why in the hell would you leave opportunity for a drug ridden town??? These places are shitholes and you're either wealthy or poor and that sums up these towns

[@K4lt]

I grew up there and I recommend you only move there if you can work remotely or are retired.

[@teresasmith2161]

When my grandpa came to Ellis island from italy he then went to lynch Kentucky in Harlan county because his dad was a stone Mason and they were building the town for u.s. steel coal mines. I really want to go there and see the old stone buildings that my people made. 😄

[@realappalachia]

you will be amazed to see them in person, they are fantastic

[@noraturner4773]

I hope you find them sweetie, my mommas daddy helped to build high rise buildings in Cincinnati Ohio (the tallest one) and was a stone mason as well. He finally retired in South Eastern Clay County, Kentucky. In the very small town of Manchester, where he helped build our Courthouse. I’ve been away for many years as we are a military family, and I had heard that both grandpas buildings had been torn down. 😥 All in the interest of progress? Again I wish you well 🙏🏻 I hope you find them.🤞🏻

[@williammarshall468]

I'm from Lynch. There is a massive company store that is still standing that is all stone. I always thought about how it would have looked back in the day.

[@fortunate14t48]

My parents grew up in Lynch. My paternal grandparents came from Hungary. My grandfather and later my Dad were coal miners. My Dad always talked about how magical it was growing up in Lynch in the 30’s and 40’s. My parents and the older kids left in ‘56 for Dallas, Texas. ♥️ Kentucky

[@ARTll-zy1cp]

"We dug coal together." Raylan Givens....

[@kathieponder7708]

My papaw worked for Blue Diamond and for Perry County Coal mines. They lived in Vicco and Amburgey, up Irishman Creek...and Big Branch. God bless you.

[@toastoflondon3362]

I missed this one for some unknown reason. Harlan looked beautiful in that sunshine and it's hard to reconcile that with its "bloody Harlan" title. Thanks again Shane for showing me a place I may never see but giving it more soul than Google earth ever could!

[@realappalachia]

glad you enjoyed it sir

[@janetrouse8362]

I watched that Harlen County USA a few years ago on PBS & you are right, it was hard to watch. I can't say that I enjoyed it but I could not stop watching it either. It was tense for sure.

[@virginiamartin7312]

Nice tour. Appreciate you taking us along and for history also. You are so knowledgeable about all the mountain towns. GOD BLESS YOU and keep you well.

[@realappalachia]

thank you so much for watching and commenting, Virginia!

[@carolynmesser1008]

My daddy was from Wallins Creek in Harlan I have a lot of people in Harlan worked in Harlan and I loved all my friends and family there Bledsoe is in Harlan across pine mountain I love driving across the mountain it’s a lot of beauty in the mountains

[@robertpickett2569]

anything Kentucky is close to my heart, my father was from Edmonton.!!!!!

[@darleneg1999]

My family went to Harlan and wallins creek every summer. That was in the early 60s and 70 s.

[@kesmarn]

I totally agree with your opinion on the movie "Harlan County, USA," Real Appalachia. It is one of the best movies I've ever seen. I would encourage everyone to please, please watch it. It's on KZbin. You will be glued to the screen for the whole length of this story. Amazing. Thanks for recommending it.

[@realappalachia]

Glad to hear someone back me up on that one, thanks!

[@TroyStafford69]

Great video brother I wish you could do one on gainesboro Tennessee, a old Moon shining town years ago

[@jakebarnes28]

Handsome town. Hopefully, the city hasn't made it difficult for people to live downtown and above the store fronts. Hopefully, Harlan has folks who'd like to live downtown. The bones are in good condition.

[@tsf5-productions]

I live in Atlanta. Have good friends in Buckhorn, KY and have lived there for 12 - 14 years there and both are originally from Indy. When I visit them ( it's been three times) it's so peaceful there. The drive to and from there is long and fun. As to overall Kentucky...it's beautiful to me. Good filming...nice camera quality.

[@vickiepainter306]

I was born in Livingston Ky,It's ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL in KY.. I LOVE IT.

[@richardrodriguez3575]

I love your videos, That small town life is just so appealing after being in big cities in California. If I could only find a job in the criminal justice field where I have my degree, I would move out there like yesterday. Here in CA, you either having well paying jobs with no place to park & can't afford to live or you have low paying jobs in the desert next to all the Indian casinos

[@bwompusss7397]

Brother, you never know till you try. Once you experience it, it calls to you. My heart belongs in those mountains, and I feel more at home there than I do where I'm at now.

[@kindnessmakesmesmile6583]

I’m watching this one again because you did a fabulous job on it and it’s just a wonderful video of small town America. All these old buildings and history just come back to life when you give these tours. Thank you so much!!!!

[@JamesSamples]

It took me all day to watch this video. I paused it to watch a Harlan documentary and several music videos, some history study... This video led me through a good journey!

[@realappalachia]

That's awesome, makes my day

[@ryanvelez6762]

Me too !