The Mountains Cried: Stories from Appalachia

The Mountains Cried: Stories from Appalachia. The true story as told by The Appalachia Channel
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Story Written by The Appalachia Channel
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[@theappalachiachannel]

Hey Y'all! Support this channel by LIKING, COMMENTING, and SUBSCRIBING! Thank y'all!

[@143purple]

💜

[@genecasteel]

It is very sad that this happened, they should have let them stay there until they passed. But I am glad that the government stepped in and preserved some resemblance of our mountains. If they hadn’t, Cades Cove would now be covered in strip malls and hotels, Elkmont would be covered in condos. Every ridge would be covered with million dollar homes owned by people not from here. Just look at Gattlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Wears Valley and the mountains on the North Carolina side. I am glad the made the park.

[@FeralSheryl1818]

I've been liking and listening for a long time. I just noticed that I wasn't getting notifications on stories. I didn't subscribe that's why. I over looked it. I have now subscribed!!

[@theappalachiachannel]

@@FeralSheryl1818 Thank you!

[@MsDebbyWebby]

Sounds an awful lot like what went on with the Natives around that time.

[@evermore4487]

Heartbreaking! Today's government is still just as greedy. Thank you for sharing this story of Appalachian history.

[@theappalachiachannel]

Thank you, lest we forget

[@randlerichardson5826]

Evermore4487 your right

[@elizabethbuttke2224]

Makes me so mad. I'd rather walk up on a cabin porch and talk to good folks, hear and see the beauty first hand than drive through looking out a car window. I bet the land cried when the left too.

[@theappalachiachannel]

I bet your right

[@momabthatsme7888]

Oh this story made me almost cry. I moved to Maryville in 1994. And the history that I have learned by listening to your channel has made me love these mountains more than before. Thank you.

[@theappalachiachannel]

Thank you!

[@castironskilletgranny]

There's a lesson America needs to be listening to.

[@theappalachiachannel]

amen

[@marionbowler5440]

Heartbreaking, prayers for all who remember 🙏 💔

[@theappalachiachannel]

lest we forget...

[@VNV67]

Hey JD I can relate to this story. When I was a kid the place where we lived between Bluefield and Princeton WVa. was bought out by a water management company. There were thousands of acres bought for a dam and park project. All of the valleys and hollors were flooded with water. Loosing a lot of farm and dairy land. It was sad to see the water cover all these places, It was all gone in about 3 years, not even a trace was visible. I think that was back in 1964-65 when I got back from Vietnam in 1968 nothing looked the same there. SAD but TRUE. I am 76 years old and I still miss it.

[@theappalachiachannel]

Thank you for sharing this, I was in Bluefield earlier this year, I didn't know the history you just shared.

[@Nonniemaye]

My heart ❤️ went out to Amos and Mary. The beautiful hillsides, mountains, and landscapes that were passed down through generations. Is such a blessing to many today. Thank you, Sarah, and JD . For sharing the story of the appalachian people and their sacrifice, they made for our enjoyment. God bless . Happy 4th to you and yours.

[@theappalachiachannel]

Thank you Nonnie! Happy 4th

[@ronbass8136]

My grandfather who was born in 1889 said that the main function of the government was to stay out of his business. I agree with him. It didn't take long for our government to do the same things that our founding fathers fought Britain over and it's only gotten worse.

[@theappalachiachannel]

Amen

[@jaredreeves3639]

The government did the exact same thing here in the Ozark mountains in Southern Missouri on the current & jacks fork River. Come in and forced people off their land. A dang shame

[@theappalachiachannel]

a dang shame is right

[@JohnSmith-ih9rh]

Sad story, but should be told often. Our goverment will get way worse! Greed is an EVIL SIN!!!!

[@theappalachiachannel]

Amen

[@poppythegoodtroll9136]

Very sad indeed 😢

[@theappalachiachannel]

lest we ever forget

[@rubycollins3492]

I love all of smokie mountains Very sad for all the families

[@theappalachiachannel]

💜

[@smc130]

Smoky

[@jerrycollison3929]

My mom’s folks are from these mountains many years ago; they lived there for hundreds and hundreds of years. They rounded most of em up and moved them to Oklahoma on the ‘trail where they cried.’ But they were t compensated back in the removal, 1838-39. At least the Eastern Band was able to finally be recognized as such. So y’all need to see the bigger picture as well: this all was Cherokee home.

[@theappalachiachannel]

Yup we’ve done many stories about it on The Appalachian Storyteller

[@sherryblanton2029]

Yes It Was!…Stolen!

[@lisagardner5157]

Sad. Nothing stays the same. 🌏 Thankyou, great film.

[@theappalachiachannel]

Thank you Lisa

[@mistyeyes9311]

I've never been to Appalachia or lived there. But I cried at this. The government is greedy and these poor people lost their opportunity to share it with their decendants and it rips my heart out

[@theappalachiachannel]

💜

[@dormiacrouch1905]

Makes one heartsick! God bless those precious mountain folks!! Know how they feel! Our people were thrown off their land and given just a few cents an acre!! Now known as Brown County State Park in Indiana.

[@theappalachiachannel]

Amen

[@sharonrose1226]

@@dormiacrouch1905 That’s terrible! I’ve lived in Indiana most of my life and never knew that! I’m sorry your people lost their homes! That area is so beautiful. I know they were devastated.

[@winegoddess55]

Imagine how the natives felt when their land was unceremoniously wrenched from them. Without a gov’mint check…

[@theappalachiachannel]

Agreed, my dad has covered that many times on the Appalachian Storyteller

[@johnmoreland8706]

That’s about the saddest tale I’ve ever heard.. hurts my heart it does truly

[@theappalachiachannel]

Thank you John

[@likhound]

That was a very good bit of history. I really enjoyed.

[@theappalachiachannel]

Thank you 😊

[@soniaclayton3563]

That is terrible the governments can do what they like anywhere in the world it’s always the little people that suffer

[@theappalachiachannel]

agreed Sonia

[@cbLassie]

♥💔♥ Hard times!

[@theappalachiachannel]

it certainly was

[@ericyoung1243]

Cades cove is special to me . Many of my family are buried there. Tipton’s Jobe’s Garlands Shields my ggg grandmother Elizabeth Caroline Garland Wilson. When I go there I’m filled with emotion because I feel the sadness of having to leave such a place of beauty. Thanks for your videos

[@theappalachiachannel]

Thank you Eric!

[@sherryblanton2029]

I remember one of my Uncles going thru this, here in Louisiana. He and his family lived in the old house that my Aunt grew up in! It Broke Her Heart!

[@theappalachiachannel]

💜

[@zenyeti3076]

Sad, but, True story that Most people in this country share in one way or another. This should unite us whether Indigenous people or Scotch- Irish, or any Working Class displaced by Gentrification! Thanks J.D. ☮️

[@theappalachiachannel]

Well said

[@smc130]

Amen!

[@dormiacrouch1905]

🎉 Have a Blessed and happy 4th of July y'all!!! Stay safe!! Much gratitude to all of our lawmen,medics, and all branches of service men and women where ever you are protecting us Americans and America!!

[@theappalachiachannel]

Well said! Happy 4th!

[@RuthCollins-g1g]

Good story as always keep them coming God bless you all

[@theappalachiachannel]

Thank you, I will

[@maryanncarney]

I feel so guilty for staying in the Smokey Mountains knowing now that so many lost their homes and livelihoods 😞 I went on the tourist drive that you showed and it was a waste of my time. Worse than city traffic. If anyone reads this, please purchase the book! Absolutely wonderful!

[@theappalachiachannel]

❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@charleswalker3836]

Amen brother! Years after this my families on both sides lost all their land and heritage the same way to the park district at Pine Mountain state park in Kentucky.

[@theappalachiachannel]

Well said

[@Jean-us6ow]

Lord have Mercy This is a Tearjerker.

[@theappalachiachannel]

💜

[@Jean-us6ow]

@@theappalachiachannel I appreciate your outstanding channel, I had tears in my eyes at the end of the story. It hurt me deeply for the wonderful people whose lives were forever changed. Not to be able to sit on their front porch anymore breathing in the fragrant night air and hearing the crickets, watching the lightening bugs. Or to gaze out on the beloved hills watching God's hand working with the changing of the seasons. A treasured way of life passed down from one generation to the next, soon bypassed and forgotten. Thank God for awesome storyteller's, such as yourself. People need to remember and respect those who have carved a way of life, with their bare hands, built homes, planted gardens, tended livestock all while raising families. Their way of life, erased! Stolen by the government! All in the name of progress, AKA greed.

[@jimmcduffie6966]

Apparently 7 to 8 million dollars worth of Caterpillar earth moving equipment is presently parked exactly where my old house once stood facing the road with a $10,000 front yard. 14 years of blood and sweat ended in 30 days with tears.

[@Mynx5050]

Shoulda put the warning up for that one....'will need tissues for tears'. The NPS stole land along the Delaware River in NY, NJ & PA for the Tocks Island Dam to supply water to NYC & Philly. After they stole the land, which included many old homesteads, the project was abandoned due to the land not being suitable for a dam. Of course the gov kept the 72,000 acres. I'm in Amos' camp...the Never Give Up Gang. Much love JD, have a Blessed day❤

[@theappalachiachannel]

Thank you ❤️

[@roberthembree7354]

My childhood home near germantown ohio was also taken by a park district its a bitter pill to swallow

[@theappalachiachannel]

thanks for sharing this

[@vickielancaster7054]

"Land stolen from them," you stated. Story made me mad, sick at my stomach and crying. The whole time, I'm thinking of the Native Americans, Trail of Tears and how the government still SCREWS them. 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@theappalachiachannel]

Thank you Vickie, I know sometimes these stories can be hard, but I am doing my best to make sure their stories are not forgotten on my watch

[@janetconnors3113]

They call it progress and preservation, heartbreaking is what I see

[@theappalachiachannel]

Amen

[@LorrayneHam]

Thank you for sharing this story. I have often pondered how all those little towns and the people whos lives for generations lived in the areas that now encompass the Blue ridge parkway and smokie mountains Ntnl park. All those families and memories and communities that were flug far and wide… it pains me to think of all that was lost.

[@theappalachiachannel]

Thank you!

[@McCreightMB]

I love driving through the cades cove loop but had no idea the history behind the town and what became of it in the way it did. Saddened for their loss but I appreciate the sacrifices they made so we could enjoy it for the rest of its time on earth. But man… if the government don’t overstep its boundaries 24/7

[@theappalachiachannel]

❤️

[@ElizabethFrankilin]

Elkmont was magical!

[@theappalachiachannel]

❤️

[@christyassid8871]

Such a heartbreaking ßtory!

[@theappalachiachannel]

💜

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Thanks again for sharing, JD and Sarah, Eminent domain, harsh word

[@theappalachiachannel]

Yes sir

[@CabinGirl]

Same story for Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. When you hike the Park you can still find small abandoned family cemetery plots that were left behind.

[@theappalachiachannel]

❤️

[@KathysTube]

I've known this story most of my life and it still makes me cry... I wouldn't want to live anywhere else either... but on the other hand, it's better that our beautiful mountains are preserved for others to enjoy than for developers to come in and destroy it... Thanks for sharing this with the world 😎👍❤️ Have you done a story about Loyston and Norris Lake?

[@theappalachiachannel]

Yes I have, actually I’m sitting in my camper on the shores of Norris lake as I type this. I have a spot from March til November at loyston point campground

[@KathysTube]

​​@@theappalachiachannelExcellent! We went to the lake when it was really, really low and walked around stone steps and remnants of fireplaces...it made me sad that this is the cost of progress. 🙁❤ Is the video on this channel?

[@theappalachiachannel]

@@KathysTube No, it's on the Appalachian Storyteller. This channel is about stories my father writes, and The Appalachian Storyteller is documentaries about historical events and people that my father writes. Thanks so much -Sarah

[@rustylynch2]

So many similar stories from many parks, and dams. It doesn't seem fair. Thanks for the story JD

[@theappalachiachannel]

Thank you Rusty

[@johnbubbajohnson5630]

I have been to Cave's Cove a bunch of times, me and my whole family loves it there, even my nephew was named after Cade's Cove. It was sure sorry of the way the government took the land from those pure folks. Thank you for sharing with us today and God bless you and your whole family...🙏🙏🙏

[@theappalachiachannel]

Have a blessed day John

[@sharonrose1226]

That is absolutely heartbreaking! I had no idea. I believe I may never go to another National Park again. My fiancé doesn’t want to buy a house. He has always said that we won’t ever really own it, because the government will just take it if they want to and there’s nothing that can be done. Well… they stole the land from the Native Americans. What’s going to stop them from stealing land from everyone else?!

[@theappalachiachannel]

They can’t be stopped

[@sherrilenett]

How incredibly sad. I’ve been there but I had no idea what it cost those families. Breaks my heart. It always comes down to money don’t it!

[@theappalachiachannel]

It really does. Always.

[@Kim-js8jf]

Thanks for posting. There will be another day of Judgement. ❤️🙏🙌

[@theappalachiachannel]

Amen

[@moldyhalfling]

💚🌻

[@ShastaTravels]

Elkmont was mostly doctors, dentists and lawyers. It was a resort/vacation town after the lumber company moved out. It was Cades Cove that suffered at the hands of the park service. Some of that land was sold out from under the residents at 30 cents an acre.

[@theappalachiachannel]

thank you

[@CarolLee-mq8er]

Yes that land was stolen twice in a matter of 100 years.

[@theappalachiachannel]

Yup

[@cindybain6054]

They recently stole land from the Amish in Pennsylvania. How my heart breaks for them.

[@theappalachiachannel]

@@cindybain6054 wow, I hate to hear that

[@sherryaleshire9187]

They didn't have to move . They were part of the beauty of those mountains. Our government made such a disgraceful decision for our own people .

[@GrumpyGenXGramps]

The worst thing a man can ever hear, “We’re the Government and we are here to help”!

[@theappalachiachannel]

Agreed

[@neeceeboo777]

Great video and a good piece of history. Do you think some of the folks moved further up in the mountains and stayed? Just food for thought. Thanks for sharing this. Your channel member Jaguar.

[@theappalachiachannel]

Some probably did stay off the radar and managed to stay

[@catherinebritton5976]

So sad...

[@ladyhawthorne1]

The same thing happened to some of my people's land. It is now under Norris Lake, the area flooded to make a place for the dam. Most graves were removed and buried elsewhere, but some of my people's bones rest under the lake.

[@theappalachiachannel]

Loyston?

[@jimmcduffie6966]

“So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.” Proverbs Chapter 1 verse 19. I know it happened to me too.Clipped for $90,000. NC DOT. It’s been 10 years now but you never forget it. Never.

[@angelahorne867]

The government makes me sick. Poor people

[@theappalachiachannel]

Amen

[@rubypayton4539]

What a sad story. Those people who loved the land and respected it were the last to see it as God intended it to be. 😢

[@theappalachiachannel]

amen

[@ShereeBjorlee]

I don’t understand why they didn’t take the money from the government and buy another plot of beautiful land instead of going to the city. I live in Tennessee and it is so beautiful here and Land for everyone especially back then. 😢

[@theappalachiachannel]

they didnt pay the actual value of the land, and what they paid wasn't enough to buy new land

[@garywithpathwayshomestead628]

Look into what's happening with the buffalo river in the Ozarks

[@SmilingDeer-dt5sjk]

When you were growing up did you spend your time listening to older people about life in the mountains ?

[@theappalachiachannel]

Yes

[@RuthCollins-g1g]

Well the government hadn't changed through the year's they still do people wrong now today stand strong and don't give up God bless you all

[@theappalachiachannel]

Thank you 😊

[@JimKendrick-s5k]

Heart breaking I feel bad about going there years ago

[@theappalachiachannel]

It’s bitter sweet, the land is beautiful, but always remember how it really became a park

[@janiceharvey7933]

Unfortunately, this is just like the government to tell you how things can be better to make youfeel like you’ve have choice and then just turn around and tell you this is the way it’s gonna be and you have no choice. It’s so sad. They didn’t even have opportunity to dispute the amount that was paid to them for their land. They just received a check in the mail and had to accept it.

[@theappalachiachannel]

Well said Janice... I refuse to ever let this story of the folks who lived in these mountains ever be forgotten on my watch

[@galesprouse2388]

I really feel bad for those prople who had to Leave. Mountains. That was there home that was not right to do by government. Shame.

[@theappalachiachannel]

I couldnt agree more

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

I wasn't old enough to go to school when the men in their Booger Suits (men's dress suits, dress shoes, socks, white shirts, ties and hats) came to my fathers house to talk to Grandpa about his farm. They wanted Grandpa to donate a large part of his farm to build the new Clearfield School Building on. Grandpa didn't want to donate it or sell it. I was hiding under the Kitchen table by my Grandpa's knees. When one of the men talked about Grandma being in a State Hospital at the State's expense. I saw my Grandpa start to cry. Until that moment I did not know that men could cry (or that I had a Grandma). Someone started talking about killing Grandpa. "I came out from under the table and told those bad men to, "Go away!" I don't want to go to school!" They gave grandpa what they wanted to pay for the land and took it. The school is still on that same acreage. I attended that school from the 1st grade through the 8th grade. So did my brothers and sister. I did not get to see my Grandma until I was in the 5th grade. She was laying dead in her casket at Stucky's Funeral Home. If the government wants your property they will take it. This happened over 70 years ago. The new Clearfield School Building was brand new when I started 1st grade.

[@theappalachiachannel]

Wow!!!

[@wandalopez814]

😮😢

[@emilycrouse2416]

Damn😪

[@theappalachiachannel]

💜

[@atexinc.5472]

Look up 23 district. Same

[@karena2685]

So sad!

[@theappalachiachannel]

indeed

[@detective29]

As sad as this story is, we see what has happened in surrounding areas. Condos, hotels, amusement facilities, tourist stores now occupy the sites of what used to be mountain homesteads when the defendants could no longer afford to pay the taxes and sold out to investors who bulldozed the old home place and put in a parking lot for walmart. At least, wrong as it was, a small part of the heritage was preserved even if the way of life was not.

[@theappalachiachannel]

well said

[@FortitudineVincimus]

A tale of a land... stolen TWICE.

[@theappalachiachannel]

Yup

[@dashley2525]

JD have you heard the stories park rangers tell about the feral people? It says they were run off when the parks were formed. They did not want to leave. The result is a dark secret of the forest service. No one is allowed to report these poor soul. They live out in the wild and are very savage.

[@theappalachiachannel]

Yes, I wrote a book about it a few years ago

[@AlanBruce-se2us]

Same thing happened during the building of lake monroe in indiana. They stole the land off of everyone.

[@theappalachiachannel]

Amen

[@smc130]

The National Parks are nice but I still feel it was wrong to force these homesteaders off their land, even with payment. This is a free country with freedom of choice about such things. I’m sure it caused many hard feelings against the federal government for many generations. I would have been one to want to stay on my land. I’m also of Scottish descent with family in the Carolinas, Tennessee and Mississippi. Other descendants of immigrant groups would have felt the same.

[@theappalachiachannel]

completely agree

[@larrythurmansr.6766]

Every National Park has cost American Citizens of that land. They were displaced so the government could create a playground for City slickers. People who for the most part don't know where their milk comes from. Or the cost of the maintaining farm land or running a ranch.GOD BLESS THE PEOPLE OFTHE LAND🎉😂

[@theappalachiachannel]

Amen

[@JerryJones-k4o]

I AM FROM THE GOVERMENT AND I AM HER TO HELP

[@theappalachiachannel]

Scariest words ever

[@HomeOnMerryRidge]

😞 so sad! Power and greed. Dolly wasn’t satisfied with one resort she built another one. The mountains eroding to concrete and asphalt.

[@theappalachiachannel]

❤️

[@randlerichardson5826]

It bothers me to say this but I’m afraid another fight like this one is showing its nasty head now wait and see.

[@theappalachiachannel]

Agreed

[@bmiller22765]

The government did take it. But at least the coal companies didn’t buy it up for less money. Because you know how they did things back then.

[@theappalachiachannel]

❤️

[@randlerichardson5826]

JD hello

[@theappalachiachannel]

Hey 👋

[@tambramccauley2132]

so sad

[@theappalachiachannel]

Amen

[@sandrasmith7091]

I was wondering...They're were some allowed to stay until the passed away. How did that come about. A relative of mine was one of the last to pass away. Kermit caughron.. that side of my family never shared any stories about the past. My grandfather lasted in 1984 at 95, he always lived in the Hartford/Cosby area. Do you know where I can find out , I know I've seen someone it before, just don't remember where. Maybe the old heartland series?

[@theappalachiachannel]

Some were granted lifetime leases if they could get someone in the government to care

[@sandrasmith7091]

@@theappalachiachannel thank you

[@SmilingDeer-dt5sjk]

That is imminent domain for you , hasn’t to be the worst law ever passed. People may think they own their property but in truth you just rent it from the government .

[@theappalachiachannel]

Exactly

[@shadowears]

I just don't get! Under the guise of "Imminent Domain" or "Manifest Destiny" what happens to all the livestock? Crops in the field? And my main question, what happens to the dead ancestors that are buried there and those that are still living that wish to buried alongside their departed mother and father?

[@theappalachiachannel]

Cemeteries are still there

[@shadowears]

@@theappalachiachannel I had no doubt that the cemeteries were still there. I just hope that relatives of the ones buried in them are allowed to be buried in them as well.

[@grapenanners282]

I hate what the mooshine, and whiskey has done to Gatlinburg. Shameful. The People that is draws dont hive a hoot about the beauty of Gatlinburg and the Smokeys

[@theappalachiachannel]

amen

[@grapenanners282]

Heading to Elkmont this weekend.

[@theappalachiachannel]

@@grapenanners282 have a blast, I love hiking there

[@carriekeeter8963]

First it was stole from the Indians😢

[@janblackman6204]

For some reason I had been unsubscribed

[@theappalachiachannel]

Welcome back my friend !

[@eatmyshorts1984]

I feel their sadness but it did stop the beauty being destroyed when future generations would sell the land and leave the mountain looking for a better life. If the government hadn't turned it into a national park there would be WalMarts, McDonalds, Dollar stores all over the place and the trees would be long gone now too. But they should have given people the choice of new land instead of pennies for theirs. I would say JD the mountains cried again when the government allowed the coal companies to do mountain top removal and dump it in the rivers and streams. The government stole my grandfathers farm to build Route 66 by giving him pennies on the dollar. 😞

[@theappalachiachannel]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts