Valley So Wild: A Folk History

An excellent history of the Little Tennessee River drainage starting from colonists first interaction with Cherokees to the present day. Believe it or not, the TVA actually backed the writing of this book by Alberta and Carson Brewer to give a history of the valley they were flooding with the construction of multiple dams through the Little Tennessee basin.

A very concise history, it gives an excellent overview that ranges over 200 years in this not so little valley that reaches through three states. Much of what is covered was not anything new, but presented in a very refreshing format that was entertaining to read as well. New things were brought to my attention also. Stories about a modern day hermit living in the valley on the most basic of means named Bert Garner. Living on a mountain on 24 acres that were left after the TVA condemned his land, he lived until recently with the most basic of means. No electricity, running water, or the modern conveniences that we require to live. This was not a decision based on ignorance, as Bert had traveled the world and was a bit of a scholar. All of which makes him all the more interesting.

Along with this was a good breakdown about the formation and continued relationship between ALCOA and the TVA. Something that has always held interest in me since the both of these entity's are responsible for massive ecological and economic changes to the region. Also, the TVA's relationship with the National Park Service and the long disputed Road to Nowhere is laid out in an understandable way. Many questions were answered, along with new ones being brought up. Great read, if your looking for a good look at cultural history of the Southern Appalachians, I'd check this out. I have no idea where you would find it, it was printed by the East Tennessee Historical Society, so I doubt it's that widely distributed.