The Harlan County Coal WarThe Harlan County Coal War
In the 1930s the Harlan County coal war, also referred to as “Bloody Harlan,” occurred. A series of strikes, bombings and gun battles between striking miners and coal company guards,
Category: The Great Depression
Work Begins On Hawk’s Nest Tunnel – March 30, 1930Work Begins On Hawk’s Nest Tunnel – March 30, 1930
On this day in 1930 work began on the Hawk’s Nest Tunnel through Gauley Mountain in West Virginia. The tunnel was to divert water from the New River to a
The Silver LegionThe Silver Legion
In the 1930’s a man interested in writing, new age religions and far-right politics came to Asheville, North Carolina, where he established his own fascist organization in support of Adolf
The Execution Of White Tollett – January 11, 1939The Execution Of White Tollett – January 11, 1939
On this day 83 years ago White Tollett was electrocuted at the Tennessee State Penitentiary. His crime was setting off the dynamite that destroyed the home of Harmon Gouge near
Green Allen Brooks, “Mountain Man”Green Allen Brooks, “Mountain Man”
There was a man who lived in Lee County, Virginia, who claimed to have once been a Tennessee Circuit Court judge, a preacher, a teacher and a business owner in
Dempster Named Chair Of Tennessee Great Smoky Mountains Park Commission – November 23, 1932Dempster Named Chair Of Tennessee Great Smoky Mountains Park Commission – November 23, 1932
On this day in 1932 the head of the Tennessee Department of Finance and Taxation, George R. Dempster of Knoxville, was elected chairman of the Tennessee Great Smoky Mountains Park
The Secret StillThe Secret Still
In 1931 Knox County, Tennessee, sheriff’s deputies, along with federal Prohibition officers, found something very interesting underneath a house in Knoxville. Today we tell that story. You can subscribe to
The Hidden Still: July 14, 1931The Hidden Still: July 14, 1931
On this day 90 years ago Knox County, Tennessee, Sheriff Hackney and deputies Roger Williams, John Nichols, Sam Thurmer and Bill Rowland, along with several federal agents, raided a home
WonderlandWonderland
Today we tell the story of the Wonderland Hotel and the area around it, Elkmont, both part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can subscribe to the Stories
The Flood of 1939The Flood of 1939
On July 5th, 1939, heavy rains in Eastern Kentucky led to massive flooding, affecting 21 counties with the worst of the floods happening in Rowan and Breathitt counties. The rains