Tazewell Virginia: Jewel of Appalachia's Backcountry In Southwest Virginia

[@MountainRoots]

Love hearing from y'all in the comments! Let me know your favorite places to explore in Appalachia!

[@selectedsilversire7208]

Josh, isn't there a coal mine that gives tours? I think maybe in Beckley? Would be neat to have you take us on that tour

[@MountainRoots]

@@selectedsilversire7208 yes, there are a few exhibition mines in southern WV and into east KY. Interesting idea 💡

[@noone-ft9lw]

Go to Wise

[@gregoryviers7722]

Do one on Grundy

[@MountainRoots]

@@gregoryviers7722 I've done a couple episodes in & around Grundy- be sure to check them out!

[@markakira8988]

This is the best way of "promoting tourism and local business" to your personal roots. The people of Tazewell and all the other small towns you present on appreciate it.

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks for the feedback, appreciate you watching!

[@deborahhovan6464]

I absolutely love southwest Virginia. The people, the land, and everything else!

[@nancyharman4795]

I was born in Tazewell, where the law practice started by my great-grandfather (John Newton Harman, Sr.) became a fixture directly across the street from the courthouse for decades. My family moved away when I was three, and I seldom get back there these days, but your lovely video helps me relive certain memories from my early childhood. Thank you! 😊

[@echuck66]

That coffee shop on Main St. was dad’s jewelry store for close to 40 years. I spent most every Saturday morning of my teen years opening the shop at 8 AM. Man I miss home!

[@MountainRoots]

Oh awesome history!

[@michaelvarble4392]

As a born and raised Virginian my family arrived at jamestown virginia in 1648 I truly appreciate your time in the making of these short videos to show other folks how much va has to offer.

[@MountainRoots]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@jetaimeviolist15]

My family is from Buchanan and Tazewell counties, with my grandparents growing up in Grundy, on Osborne Mountain, and in Raven. They moved to Ohio in the 70’s which is where I was raised and live, but my heart always longs for Appalachia. Thank you for these videos. 🥹💛

[@vamountainman2512]

I'm walking distance to Raven here in Richlands :)

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

This is a jewel for sure! It's so clean and beautiful. I love the way the people have embraced the past but kept it current. Instead of tearing down the old buildings, they've used them in a modern way or just kept them up as historical places. That is the coolest barber shop I've ever seen!

[@whatsupchris]

My brother was born in Tazewell VA, I was born in Beckley WV

[@thebandit979]

This series make me want to ride threw these small Appalachian towns

[@dlrides]

As a native of Tazewell, thank you for the video …………. great job ! Looking forward to the TV production.

[@MountainRoots]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rpuckett100]

I live there🥰this made me smile 🥰I’m thankful to live in such a beautiful place 🥰

[@laylarayne3236]

I am from Tazewell county originally (Abbs Valley) & currently live in center city Philadelphia. I love going home now & taking my friends to experience it :) Im so blessed to have grown up here. I imagine I'll be back permanently eventually!

[@andreas6029]

Cuz's is such a picturesque restaurant, the decor is so unique and the pulled pork BBQ melts in your mouth.

[@toastymctrigger6061]

I greatly appreciate the evolution in this series' production quality over time. Great work!

[@MountainRoots]

Thank you for watching & the feedback, trying to improve with each one!

[@LD-jg3vq]

I love the sights of Tazewell! Can't wait for the TV video with extra history. I love the way you tell the stories of these towns/people

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks so much for all your support!😊

[@chefspenser1480]

Wise words from Floyd. Great short clips of architecture, interiors and even metal ceilings! Nice aerial at 7minutes. 1771 settlement! Great history. Ean town building, fresh paint on street posts and signs. What a beautiful town! Nice job Josh! Cheers. (aka AJ)

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks so much AJ! Really appreciate you following the series and for your support!

[@bradleywayne3943]

I live there/here! Cool beans.

[@JosephKulik2016]

I'm 73 and I've lived in California my whole adult life. But your videos have really made me Fall In Love with West Virginia. It's a real Pisser to find out at my age that I've lived my whole life in the wrong place !!!

[@grimlyfiendish5579]

Don't believe it lol. The people in these small town are ignorant, hateful, and suspicious. Tazewell is a dump. Yes it looks pretty but looks can be decieving.

[@brandonwilliams6786]

You always hit the nail on the head with these episodes from music to history and views of the lush country side

[@MountainRoots]

Really appreciate the feedback!

[@jonmorgan6723]

Josh I enjoy Mountain Roots so much. I am familiar with so much of what you do being from Appalachia. Keep it up. Good job

[@mildandbitter]

Fascinating channel, in England we tend to know about the big American cities rather than the rural areas.When you see most USA towns they seem to be laid out in a grid system so it is interesting to see towns shaped by the landscape like they are in the UK.

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks for the comment, I really appreciate the perspective you shared! Yes, rural and Appalachia America are often overlooked or looked down upon in western media....but I'm seeking to share Appalachia through a cultural journalist's lense, all Appalachia's many wonderful people, places, and stories!

[@mike451]

great video Josh i worked all over there putting in cabinets

[@sandydeel400]

The land and mountains here are absolutely beautiful. I too love when old historic buildings are restored and repurposed for new businesses. I feel like it gives the new business a little more personality. I enjoyed how you patronized the barber while obtaining some information from him. It is going to be awesome when your tv version comes out so that we can learn more of the indepth history of Burke's Garden and your other Appalachia episodes. Another great job. Keep them coming.

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks so much!!

[@billie-leelawhon3941]

Excellent! Sure brought back wonderful memories. I sometimes would ride through Baptist Valley on my way home. Listening to the people sitting on their porches playing their instruments and singing. Looking forward to upcoming videos!!! God bless you and your family. Safe travels.

[@MountainRoots]

Good times & great memories!!

[@jugg1492]

I am glued

[@cherylverhelst8245]

Thank you for another great video. And other place we plan on visiting when we come to visit the Virginia’s next year. I’m getting so excited for our trip to see all the places my ancestors lived and worked.

[@MountainRoots]

It'll be amazing!

[@houstontxdave6876]

Its been a while since ive been to Tazewell. Back in 2009 we stayed a week and enjoy researching our family's ancestry in the area.

[@jugg1492]

This series is so professionally produced, you would swear Josh that you have worked for a major production company. You are onto something with these videos. This is gonna get huge. I hope you are ready for it!!!!!!

[@jugg1492]

These regions of the country will become even more important in the near to late future, because of climate change. Liquid gold flows through the valleys. WATER!!!!! Something the western United States 🇺🇸 is having a hard time getting.

[@MountainRoots]

So very humbling, thank you for the kind words!

[@kendeel7474]

Loved the mist slowly rising from the verdant hills; thought you might have filmed in Ireland for this episode! Another stellar presentation.👍🏼

[@MountainRoots]

No, but one can certainly see why the Scott's-Irish would think of this place as home 😊

[@chrisbyard29]

Come across your videos today, we have truly enjoyed them. The Appalachian Mountains are gorgeous. Thank you for sharing. I actually got to stay in Tazewell and even had to buy an alternator there. The gentleman at Auto Zone, drove me to a town 20 miles away to get one from that store and helped me install. We stayed in an old home right outside of town. Tazewell left an awesome impression in my memories.

[@raine2011]

Cool video, my grandpa was born and raised there. His sister lived there till she passed in mid 90's. I remember visiting with him... Aunt Hess lived by a old saw mill...

[@bradlane3662]

I delivered linen for years to the old gentleman who operated that barbershop for decades. He was a World War Two veteran. His name was Fred! And at one time, before I ever delivered to him, his wife had a beauty shop in there as well. He was closing in on 90 the last time I saw him. Great video Josh. I've always loved Tazewell.

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks so much for watching, love your story too! Freddie told me about him and the history behind his shop there. Fascinating stories!

[@angiejackson7452]

Family up on Jewell Ridge. It's a beautiful place the people are wonderful.

[@bradmiller9993]

Good stuff; I went back to Marion last summer for a family reunion, and went up to Tazewell and Burkes Garden via the Back of the Dragon. Such a beautiful area.

[@MountainRoots]

One of the wonders of the world!

[@Steve-Duh-Rino]

Great video, man! I’m from C’burg VA but live in the SC Lowcountry. Your videos take me back home! Keep up the great work!

[@MountainRoots]

Glad they bring back a little bit of home for you 😁

[@Steve-Duh-Rino]

@@MountainRoots gotta love the mountains! Only sand dunes here on HH!

[@tammyhowery7134]

This is my hometown haven’t been home in about 10yrs still very beautiful ❤

[@Coffee240]

Your videos make me miss home, my mountains,

[@bradleywayne3943]

I am bias and do think that I live in one of the Most Beautiful Counries in the Country. Youre welcome.

[@gregoryviers7722]

I am from about 50 miles north of Tazewell. Love these hills. Great places to raise a family

[@MountainRoots]

Amazing country!

[@jonmulack4226]

50 miles north of Tazewell is beautiful also. Just got done exploring this and your neck of the woods on motorcycle. Amazing ribbons of asphalt!

[@AskMoreQuestions1]

I spent a lot of time at the flea market in Tazewell back in the late 70's.

[@bradlane3662]

Me too! I'm from Welch and Dad was a miner. But every Monday holiday you'd find us there! We had cattle as well so Dad was usually at the barns and the auction and Mom and my sister in the flea market. and me running back and forth!lol Great memories!

[@AskMoreQuestions1]

@@bradlane3662 I lived in War but we shopped for groceries and my wife had family in Tazewell. You should do a video of that trip up Stoney Ridge mountain if it is the same as before. Thank you for the videos, great memories I'll never forget.

[@vamountainman2512]

The Flea market they currently have at the stockyard is shockingly dead. The animal sales are lively but the Monday fleamarket is a ghost town on all but memorial day weekend.

[@jaredchristopher1939]

Very nice video! I'm originally from Bluefield and miss the area. I used to work in Tazewell back in 2012 for a brief period of time. Really miss the area. Thank you for this video :)

[@MountainRoots]

You're welcome glad you enjoyed it!

[@DK-dx7ei]

Beautiful country. Makes me want to move there. My genealogy comes from the south. Kilby. Beautiful work in your videos and your voice is perfect for this genre.

[@brooksrobinsonoutdoors7374]

As a local of Richlands I love the place Plus most of my family lives and works here so it’s close to home literally and figuratively

[@stitch2499]

Use to live in Tazewell Va. In the 79 80s. Worked at the long johns silver..still trying to find some old friends there.... God bless...

[@leohopkins71]

My brother in law used to work there in the early 90s.

[@deedrafulkerson2919]

Gorgeous area, we have road the Back of the Dragon several times on our motorcycles.Thanks for Sharing!

[@MountainRoots]

It's a wonderful drive isn't it?

[@deedrafulkerson2919]

@@MountainRoots yes! Truly Gods Country!❤️

[@wg4299]

Awesome….. as usual. Thank you for these fantastic videos, Josh!!

[@MountainRoots]

You're welcome! Appreciate you watching!!

[@dillon8212]

Beverly, Ohio might actually have Tazewell beat for smallest town to operate a street car, however it was shared between Marietta, 30 minutes to the south on the boarder.

[@jonmulack4226]

Keep up the great videos. It was funny to see a barber shop open the video, as I tried to find one when I was in Tazewell a few weeks ago. The roads anywhere around here are amazing and the local towns are very welcoming to motorcycles and off-roaders. Small hand out maps and videos like this showing businesses and small back roads help bring riders to places most won't venture to. On the other hand I enjoy just taking a road and seeing what it will bring me. Your never lost till you run out of gas. I'm coming back till I can't.

[@MountainRoots]

Love that, thanks so much for the comment!

[@jlnajar8185]

i love it! loved the drone view opening of beautiful Tazewell and all the close up details. loved the barbershop talk...by the way, nice haircut! really great video!

[@MountainRoots]

Glad you liked it 😊

[@boostcustomer2960]

My Dad's family was from pocahontas..beautiful place

[@MountainRoots]

Indeed it is!

[@mellink14]

Another excellent job with this piece of Appalachia. Thank you!

[@MountainRoots]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@michaelvarble4392]

There's a movie about the bondurant family of floyd va I think it was called outlaws in netflix a year ago. The family are moonshiners and the leader had his throat cut ear to ear and walked 5 miles to get home in a snow storm which shows just how determined these folks are great movie

[@bigred4335]

I most definitely will have to visit Tazewell Va ….. great video and I have heard great things

[@MountainRoots]

Definitely! It's a wonderful place to visit 😊

[@chris.ander116]

This may be one the most prettiest, tranquil towns in the US. You have to see it to believe it.

[@michaelramey2069]

You need to check out Crab Or hard KY. Home of the William Whitley house. First brick this side of the Allegheny Mtns. It has one of the first horse tracks in the country, where he started the tradition of running horse races the opposite direction of the British. Also home of Crab Orchard Springs, a resort that was in operation in the late 1800s. Was called the Sarasota of the South . I think you'd find it's history very interesting.

[@MountainRoots]

Great suggestion, thank you!

[@patrickangotti8880]

Fantastic video! Thank you! I have never been to Tazewell. My gg-drandparents were from there and I hope to visit someday!

[@MountainRoots]

You should! Thanks for watching 👍

[@waynebowen8872]

Love how you always refer to the period from 1861 - 1865 as The War Between the states. Spoken like a true southerner.

[@Flowerchild927]

My mawmaw and pawpaw are from tazwel and this felt like home 😊

[@Kegga_6]

Nice video, a tazewell co resident and i just visited Freddie the other day he is very cool people with alot of great stuff in his shop. If you need a place to go fish hes the man to ask where their bitting.

[@truthseeker2222]

Man, the production quality is again incredible. Great videos, you have a special talent to make these. Greetings from Brevard, NC.

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks for the feedback..humbling!

[@annhayton2757]

Love our countries of tazewell

[@Bhunnidb]

Moving there from Texas

[@billie-leelawhon3941]

Thanks!

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks so much for all the support!!

[@jamesjolly7406]

👋 hey 👋 from Dexter,Missouri

[@MountainRoots]

Hey there!

[@bretta1181]

Love this series! Any plans on filming Bath County, Allegheny, or Highland County VA

[@MountainRoots]

Glad you enjoy it! At some point, probably so.

[@bretta1181]

@@MountainRoots Looking forward to it! We live in Hot Springs and love this whole area.

[@kathyhartje4143]

I hope you come up my way ❤ sometime Harrisonburg n New Market Va! I can tell you some history of the civil war n my family goes back several generations here so I’m deeply rooted ❤ just like people in Tazewell

[@MountainRoots]

Now that might make some good content for another series I've considered creating 😁

[@kathyhartje4143]

@@MountainRoots cool

[@SaidRougouine]

I was there in the old Tazewell prison in 1995

[@mrserious55]

awesome....also love the music...who is that??....keep doin it

[@charlesanderson32]

My Girl Friend, Jamie Fugate, was born and raised there.

[@buckingalong]

Smith Ridge and Cedar Bluff

[@hikerx9366]

Now that's my kind of town, we just don't have many like that in Western Canada., 😕

[@litt222]

Traced my family here before they headed to Pikeville KY.

[@MountainRoots]

Be sure to check out my episode on Pikeville!

[@williamcollins2232]

Ole Hitler was shot out of an apple tree up on the county farm road. The Varmint was taken over in Burke's Garden. And there's a rumor that Spider's hat (with all the blow out patches) is at the Crabapple Orchard Museum.

[@randomvintagefilm273]

Why in the world would you want Tazwell to grow? I would do everything I could to keep it small

[@_-gh0st-_]

I built the walmart many moons ago

[@boogiedaddy3434]

Cuz's was a great place back in the 90s and early 2000s. Sadly, the last few times my family went it was juts plain awful. Hopefully they had fixed themselves back up before you went.

[@MountainRoots]

It was pretty good when I went. Thanks for watching!

[@janicethompson7582]

Some of my family are from there

[@tomsimpson5317]

Wish I lived there

[@chloejasper6852]

I got a house for sale there right now... My mother passed away & we're trying to get it sold... Cheap

[@vamountainman2512]

@@chloejasper6852 😳

[@vamountainman2512]

0 employment opportunities outside of fast food and Walmart's but if you love nature and 4wheeler trails it's nice

[@tomsimpson5317]

That's the tuff part is having a job

[@gioiapharo7433]

For those that do not know …… “ Virginia is For LOVERS “ ….. is the state slogan ….. all towns have a VA LOVE SIGN NOW ……❤️ My VA - Do not make it CA …… is my personal tag line

[@Whatisthetruth711]

Go to Maddy's Store in Burke's Garden Amish owned

[@MountainRoots]

I did! 😊

[@rwhitely2288]

Hey Josh these videos are great, I transplanted to Cherokee Lake after 52 years of “escape from Chicago.” We’re learning a ton from exploring & checking out your work on KZbin. Much appreciated bro!!

[@MountainRoots]

You're very welcome, glad you're enjoying them!

[@nickknickerbocker6415]

⚜️

[@jregret123]

It's a beautiful area I just hope it doesn't end up the next "IT" place for wealthy Californians

[@나명옥-y8e]

웨스트컬럼비아도 소개 해주세요

[@boostcustomer2960]

My moms family use to live here yrs ago

[@iyesis]

Where are the indigenous people of Tazewell? My family

[@adelesbelly]

Yeh, notice the people who say that never leave. As if the indians all got together and said, white man leave but them asian and africans can stay. rom who did they benefot most from..Flight, Combustion engine, satellites and modern medicine.....or basketball and street crime.

[@matthewaamot2961]

Did he just say that the Cherokee were part of the Iroquois Confederacy???

[@MountainRoots]

Good catch! Missed this in the final post edit...should have said Iroquoian-speaking Cherokee AND members of the Iroquois Confederacy.

[@salvarriale161]

I want to sell my house in Pennsylvania and move here

[@lawsonj39]

Is there any diversity in Tazewell?

[@MountainRoots]

Can you elaborate on what you mean?

[@leohopkins71]

If by diversity, you mean how many people of color? Tazewell is roughly 78% White and 9% Black according to demographic stats, with a handful of folks belonging to other ethnic groups. Because the town is close to Bluefield VA/WV, you will find a little more racial diversity there. Is there racism? Sure, it's in the history. Are people of color being ran out of town? No way. I've met plenty more folks who weren't racist than those who were.

[@rickylee2477]

There is some. Predominantly white. But there are plenty black folks in the area. But that’s about it. It’s rare to see Asians or Hispanics.

[@TheLovlyNIkki]

Yes so much, I graduated high school there

[@johnd5244]

Josh the Cherokee and the Iroquois Confederacy were allies only. The Cherokee were never a part of the confederacy. The only other tribe to be admitted to the confederacy were the Tuscarora as they were adopted by the Seneca then admitted which then became the Six Nations.

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks for the clarification!

[@projectpat2262]

Not a black Person in sight

[@MountainRoots]

Hardly any red, yellow or white ones either...it was a pretty quiet day when I was there. Please don't seek offense when there was NONE intended. In fact, when I played baseball against the Tazewell High-school team their coach, Lou Perry was Black. He has since passed away, but they named the stadium after him.

[@jeffraines414]

Ha... 10% of tazewell is black...

[@MikeJustice-en1nh]

In the 80s was a big flea market in dog trade

[@cltinfo2173]

The Jewel of SW VA is Abingdon!

[@MountainRoots]

It's not the Jewel of the backcountry though 😉

[@minecraftfox4384]

No, it's not.