Appalachia is a region which spans across 13 states, from southern New York to northern Mississippi. Appalachia’s heritage is rich with stories influenced by a blend of cultures. Oral storytelling has always been an important part of Appalachian culture. Storytelling is important because it brings communities together. Oftentimes, each legend has a deeper meaning, usually teaching a life lesson.
“Storytelling in Appalachian culture – it runs deep. You have these communities and families that, for a long time, were isolated, and if you did have time off after working to keep everything going, you’d sit around and just yak, just talk and tell tall tales and flat-out lies and try to one-up the guy who just told a story.” Said Tyler Childers, a musician from Kentucky.
Appalachian legends are influenced by several cultures; Native American, African, German, and Scots-Irish. Due to the region’s isolation, Appalachia is seen as undereducated, impoverished, and isolated. These factors were breeding ground for a unique culture different from any other region in the United States’. Music was also used as a way to pass down stories. Music painted vivid imagery with lyrics and a beat.
“My family influenced me very deeply because my dad came from a musical background, from the hillbilly music part of it, and all that music came over from Scotland and Ireland and England in to the Appalachian Mountains and Ozark Mountains, where I was raised.” Says Charlie Haden.
Preserving Appalachian culture is important. In Elkins, the Augusta Festival, a music and heritage festival has been hosted each summer since 1977. It’s hosted by the Augusta Heritage Center, based around the heritages of the community.
“Because it’s integral to the way we live and for art, music and literature.” Says Ava Hymes, a student at Elkins High.
