Changing the Face of Southern Appalachia

The period from 1890 to 1929 constituted a transitionary interlude for southern Appalachia. During this time, capitalistic development lifted pre-industrial natives from a simple agrarian-based economy and set them down in industrial towns and villages. US and European investors exploited both natural and human resources. However, they also initiated urban planning and regional development which, in some cases, served to set the tone for subsequent growth that elevated the standard of living for the local residents. Three separate planning ventures are reviewed in: 1. Stonega, Virginia, 2. Kingsport, Tennessee, and 3. Happy Valley, Tennessee. They reveal striking contrasts in objectives and also in the long-term consequences. The first town exemplifies a town totally dominated by a coal company, the second is an example of the energy and persistence of one man and his Wall Street backers, and the third is part of a larger regional plan.