Appalachian Mountains on PBS

Southwest Virginia made national television last night. I hope you had a chance to watch the first part of Appalachia: A History of Mountains and People on PBS. Southwest Virginia was specifically mentioned in the documentary.

Watch and Learn

The videography was truly awesome. Last night's segment, which dealt with the geological beginnings of the mountains, was interesting---way more interesting than I expected from a lesson in geology. They explained how continents shifted and moved into their current state. While doing so, the Appalachian Mountains were formed. The documentary is narrated by Virginia resident and actress Sissy Spacek.

That's Old!

According to the program, the mountains of southwest Virginia are one billion years old. Trees began to grow here 200 million years ago. The first humans lived here about 14,000 years ago.

The Indians were first to arrive. The documentary said they were a very advanced and complex society that had the tools necessary to survive and thrive. Then the Europeans, led by Spain's Hernando De Soto, came. Unfortunately, they brought European diseases with them and half the native population died.

Incredible Hunting

It's hard to imagine but the scientists interviewed on the broadcast said the first animals to live in the Appalachians were camels, elephants, and sabertooth tigers. Imagine walking out the cabin door and seeing that. From that piont on, every species, whether human or beast, found the mountains to be a wonderful source of life. They said no other mountain region anywhere in the world supports the kind of life that is supported by the Appalachians.

Indian Name

The Appalachian Mountains got their name from the Alpalche Indians. According to the documentary, in 1560, the Indian name became the mountains' name and, early on, they were known as the Apalation Mountains.

What's Next?

Last night's segment was the first in a series. With the geological explanation completed, the program will focus more on the people and history of Appalachia. In most parts of Virginia, the documentary will air on PBS the next few Thursdays at 9 p.m. but as they say, check your local listings.

The series looks like it will be educational and entertaining. It made for great television last night and was especially interesting knowing that much of the porgram was discussing land that is near and dear to us.

(Photo by Burton Floyd Photography. See the link on the right.)