Big Stone Gap: Appalachia Coal Town Retooling For the Future

Join me as I explore the charming Southwest Virginia town of Big Stone Gap in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Movies and books have been written about this place, along the Trail of the Lonesome Pine. Come see for yourself how this once single source economy is retooling for the future!

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[MountainRoots]

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[pmarcum]

Wow, what an uplifting, inspirational story! Thank you for showing us the incredible rebirth of Big Stone Gap.

[gregdelaney]

"...our product is our own culture".... I think Bill accurately states the solution to the equation. From what I have learned from your videos, Josh, the people of Appalachia and their heritage bring to the proverbial "table" a genuineness, a strong emphasis on honesty and integrity, and an appreciation of the natural world that create resilience, self-sufficiency, and an ability to adapt to whatever is going on around them. Life need not be glamor and glitz. A good cup of coffee and a tasty sandwich created and offered up by good people willing to talk about life is far more attractive to me than what is considered "cosmopolitan".

[MWMPeddyKiller]

This is my daily route for fedex ground. I live in kingsport and have for 30 yrs but Big Stone feels like home everyday when im there. Have thought recently of moving there. Great atmosphere and people. Wouldnt mind raising my kids there. Thanks for the video. I love the overhead pics. I know the addresses for all of them. Love my route.

[debroahisaacs]

I love Big Stone Gap. My daughter was born there 47 years ago. My home is just down the road route 58 . Pennington Gap...our family cemetary goes back 7 generations and there are probably relatives i never met.thanx i enjoyed this😊😊

[davidabbott]

Went to First Grade at Appalachia Elementry School in 1960. Then we moved and lived in what was known as "The Southern" near the old Powel Valley H.S. and went to Elementary school 2nd-5th grade at "East Stone Gap" 1961-65 before moving to Indiana. Would like to see videos on Appalachia and East Stone Gap!

[jeannafields]

This is exactly where i was born and raised. My father is buried in the big cemetery that you can barely see from the lookout, where you were. This place has changed over just in the last 40 years ive been alive. Its a very tiny place with a ton of history no one even knows about. George Washington was even in this area and Rye Cove when he was 16. There are documents in the library of congress from his diary. Its pretty wild.

[itsrosiegaming]

Bill is such an amazing man, he’s a teacher aswell at our high school, I love to sit and listen to him talk he teaches us a lot about this place, I’m so thankful to call this town home

[michaelhager]

Loved the pipestem school house 🏠 video, love and generosity of country folk 💓

[BillWhitworth]

I love to fish and kayak the Powell River, so I visit BSG several times a year. Watching it transform over the past 10 years or so has been amazing - especially as H said since Covid. I would make the 2 hour drive now just for the scenery and the dining experience at Curklins and 404.

[darwindurham]

Born and raised just outside of BSG. Wonderful memories of the area. Now living in Nashville but I always love seeing those mountains surrounding my little hometown!

[meglange]

Well done Josh. Since you first started you've shown a continuous progression, moving forward in leaps and bounds. Glad I've been along for the ride 😊👍.
The opening scene of the valley is indeed stunning. I so appreciate that the town seems to be emphasizing, in part, the musical heritage of the area. I've been watching some videos lately of the organizations that are spreading thru Appalachia to assist the young people in learning and carrying on the traditional music. Seems to me that the mountains are nurturing and caring for their own, more so than anywhere else. Truly a blessing.
Take care and may the road be good to you. 🥰

[anastash]

By Stone Gap… I remember those books by Adriana! Some great reading there.

[gregpajasons]

So nice to hear that famous narrator’s voice again.

[willpatrick]

This is a very beautiful and clean looking area. Thanks for the view.

[leonardh]

what a great guy....this is a good story and a place to visit...i just started planning my trip to Clarksburg WV weekend of 9th of june....cant wait to get my pepperoni rolls and pepper rings....Tomaro's Bakery is 1 of my first seeing family

[kendeel]

That Bill from Montana strikes me as a bright, knowledgeable fellow who is a living compendium of local folklore and history; looking forward to the extended interview with him. Also, your videography just keeps improving! Kudos.

[CaffeinatedCatLady]

My family is from Exeter a little Holler just down the road from Big Stone Gap ❤ there's not a more beautiful place I've ever seen, my Dad is buried in East stone

[rosiemcnaughton]

Looks like the people of this town are figuring it out! Beautiful little town with interesting shops. Good that they are preserving their culture.

[demoisellesdoggroomingparl]

Well what a fascinating area, with a very interesting history and people!