Novel Shares Story Of Historical Black Kingdom In Western North Carolina

Following the American Civil War, a group of freed people fled violence and bought land in Western North Carolina. In the summer of 1873, these people formed a Black communal society they named “The Kingdom of the Happy Land.” A new novel tells a story set in the kingdom, both in the past and in the present day. It’s titled, “Happy Land.” Host Mason Adams spoke with its author, Dolen Perkins-Valdez.

Take Me to More News

Home » Archives for Shepherd Snyder

Shepherd Snyder

Arts & Culture Bill Lynch +, Dec. 11, 2023

Virginia Photographer 'Openhead Takes Photos,' Model Trains And The Kentucky Moonshine Trail, Inside Appalachia

This week, punk music photographer Chelse Warren takes us into the pit. We hop a tiny train to discover the miniature wonders of a West Virginia model railroad. Then, we journey to eastern Kentucky, where they’re reclaiming their bootlegging heritage – along a new moonshine trail.

Continue Reading Take Me to More News

Arts & Culture Shepherd Snyder, Jun. 09, 2023

A Discussion On The Oldest Town In W.Va. – And How Much It Actually Matters

If you had to bet on one, I would say Shepherdstown was probably founded first, simply because it's on an important thoroughfare connecting the Shenandoah Valley to the important Delaware ports, where a lot of European migrants, principally Scots Irish and German migrants, were arriving in the 18th century. So it's likely that these migrants arrived at the banks of the Potomac River in the valley before they arrived in the South Branch Valley. So it's likely that Shepherdstown was founded earlier.

Continue Reading Take Me to More News

Government Shepherd Snyder, Jun. 01, 2023

Jefferson County Residents Concerned ‘Adult Live Performance’ Ordinance Targets LGBTQ People

Jefferson County residents voiced their concerns Thursday at the Jefferson County Commission meeting over a new county ordinance that limits drag performances in front of minors.

Continue Reading Take Me to More News

Arts & Culture Shepherd Snyder, May. 30, 2023

W.Va. Native To Appear On America’s Got Talent Season Premiere

Philip Bowen, a fiddle-playing social media star and Montgomery, West Virginia native, is set to appear on Tuesday’s episode of America’s Got Talent.

Continue Reading Take Me to More News

Recent Stories

Arts & Culture Shepherd Snyder, May. 26, 2023

Historic Shepherdstown Church To Be Repurposed As Live Theater Venue

The congregation of the Christ Reformed United Church of Christ donated the historic building to the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF), which produces and develops new plays for worldwide audiences.

Continue Reading Take Me to More News

Economy Shepherd Snyder, May. 25, 2023

Workforce Training Helps Preserve Historic New River Gorge Depot

A group from the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Training Center is working with staff at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve to restore its historic Thurmond Depot.

Continue Reading Take Me to More News

Load More Articles