Building the “Scenic”

Building the “Scenic”

On November 16, 1933, the Blue Ridge Parkway project received approval from Congress. After much debate in Washington, the Virginia – North Carolina route won out, completely leaving out the state of Tennessee. Had the Tennessee route been included, the road would...
Singing School at McKinney Cove Baptist Church

Singing School at McKinney Cove Baptist Church

Singing Schools such as the one pictured here at McKinney Cove Baptist Church were once common in the Appalachian South.   Churches often could not afford or did not approve of musical instruments as part of worship, so the congregation learned to sing a cappella. ...
Mitchell County’s World War I Deaths

Mitchell County’s World War I Deaths

Mitchell County was fortunate to have lost only four soldiers in what has been called the “Great War” or the “War to End All Wars.” However, the memory of those four young men is a reminder of the tragic loss of life suffered across the state and nation. It also...
Armistice Day

Armistice Day

The First World War, which began in Europe in 1914 and was joined by the US in 1917, ended in 1918 with a “cessation of hostilities” or an armistice.  The armistice was signed between the Allies and Germany at Compiegne, France, to take effect at the 11thhour of the...