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Id love to come see you if you're still in WV area. I love in Pennsylvania about 20 minutes north of Morgantown WV. If at all possible that would be amazing. Thanks
Come visit my hometown roughly the 15th most eastern town of the lower 48 us: outer banks- nags head, nc. largest natural sand dune structure on the east coast !
I was an underground coal miner for more than 22 years in Southern West Virginia. McDowell County is reputed to be the poorest in the country. The last mine I worked at and the section I worked in was 15 miles underground. Coal mining is far more complex than most people realize. Some mines here have been operating for thirty/forty years and are still in business today. With the mining industry, its either feast or famine. At one time it was king in the country and many operators became millionaires. McDowell County used to be known as "Little New York". I've lived here most of my life and the state has been good to me. I have been a fan of your blog for years. You came within 12 miles of my home.
I live near west virgina and I will tell you. I have never met such caring, hospitable and kind people. Every time I go there people treat you like gold. I always tell people this can make fun of them all you want
@@HamburgerAmyThe beauty of what you just said is, your feelings don’t mean anything, and aren’t anywhere near factual. That’s the problem with the modern world… Everyone uses feelings, instead of intelligence.
On the Hopi Indian Reservation we call those sheds and barns you saw by the side of the road, "entry level housing". You get one of those sheds to live in because the banks won't loan money to build a house on the Rez because if you default on the mortgage the bank can't repossess the land that it sits on. After you get one of those sheds to live in, you buy a few materials and start building a real house. When you run out of materials, you save up some more money, buy some more materials, and build some more and repeat until it's done. It takes a long time and it's a heck of a way to build a house but when you finish you own it free and clear.
Oh so how reality works without usury. Your first sentence answered the question as to why banks loan out the money in the first place... To steal the land.
@@michaelsotomayor5001 Survival. It's a way of life on many Native American reservations. At least Hopis never got moved off their traditional land and sent to some faraway place like Oklahoma. :-)
@@jeff-i7x Depends on what part of the state you move to. Southern counties the price of housing is much lower than the northern counties, especially the ones near Morgantown or the DC area. A house that is $200,000 in the southern counties is easily $400,000 or more in some of the northern counties. Housing near the ski resort areas and state parks is usually higher also. But on the western side and southern half housing is verh affordable.
@@jeff-i7x I'm a POOR ex-Californian who moved to Georgia for work. I'm still poor here; don't worry. It's interesting that Georgians dislike non-Georgian American transplants more than they dislike the foreign ones completely overtaking the state.
@@idepartasair We Georgians born and raised hate Californians New Yorkers or any Carpet bagging Yankees that likes to ruin the land with subdivisions and any Democrat controlled state and illegals .
@@jeff-i7x But Georgians love the cheap, illegal labor to enrich themselves. I thought that I would have escaped all of that by leaving CA, but the Georgians in my area seem to want to become California. It actually looks like my hometown in Southern San Diego, CA. Californians do exist, by the way. I'm more conservative than any GA native I know, but maybe I'm just unlucky with whom I've met.
Oh sure... you can get a job in a coal mine, where you pay the same amount for rent, as you do your burial fee. No wait... correction, you now die in debt after that 40 year mortgage and $60k pickup truck, which leaves you nothing for a burrial plot. Meaning even your ashes are dumped in a mass grave by inmates, and next to inmates.
Im born and raised west Virginian,our state gets a bad reputation. Fentanyl is absolutely a huge issue. I myself am a recovering addict and for being 33 you wouldn't believe me if i told you how many friends and family members I've lost. Im from Morgantown which is like the new york city of West Virginia. We have no shortage on beautiful sights and peaceful atmosphere,but the poverty and substane abuse issues have torn our beautiful home apart
We always say if you're from Morgantown you either grow up and go to WVU or you grow up and do drugs. 90% it's the ladder because most people who can afford to go to WVU aren't from here unfortunately
@morhaimtyr4173 no it's really not. I always thought it was an overextended on movies when they showed someone detoxing and they're falling all over the place,room spinning,throwing up everywhere ect (I had only ever been through H and pill withdrawal ) until I detoxed from fet,then throw in precipitated withdrawal,good lort! You would rather DIE in that moment then go through another moment of the pain,discomfort and pure misery that is fet withdrawal! I had 10yrs clean and then I relapsed harder than I ever into my addiction in 21,been clean for 1yr and 4 mons now,you wouldn't believe all that I lost and fkd up in that short amount of time I was in active addiction
As a lifelong West Virginian, I appreciate the respect you showed in this video. One note: we are not Southerners. We are Appalachians. Virginia is southern and we broke up with them a long time ago 😂
Most of the original West Virginians that were Scotch-Irish were dirt poor when they got here and never raised above that status. When I first went to work a gentleman from West Virginia already work there and he would regale us with stories of growing up in the 30s and 40s in West Virginia. He often said coal miners in West Virginia were the last legal slaves in America.
That's a true story! In the days when they used horses and mules in mining, the mine operators used to say they'd rather lose a miner than a mule.....because it was easier to replace a miner. Miners got slave wages that they had to spend at a "company store." Mining companies paid the miners in what they called scrip. For decades, many coal companies in Appalachia paid their miners primarily in a privately issued currency known as scrip. Typically minted in inexpensive metals, these specialized coins were only redeemable at stores owned by the company that issued them.
My sister married a coalminer from Beckley WV and I have a niece who lives in WV sweetest people in the world, hard working and honest folks who have a good heart and hard life ❤
I am getting ready to move to W. Virginia from New Hampshire. How is Beckley these days? I was looking at a house online but I have no honest answers about these towns. - from people who live there is who can answer these questions for me.. Realtors are not interested in my questions. I was hoping you could tell me about your experience there. I am not looking for crazy city life- I'm looking to retire. I'm a hospital worker who wants peace and quiet with no nonsense from partying younger folks. I want to continue working but live in a peaceful- middle blue collar community who has values ❤
I attended uni in DC area and my first job, after graduation, I worked with a nice man from Beckley WV. So long ago…, I wish I could recall his name… such a nice fellow…Very well-liked by everyone at work! We were employed by an education group that arranged for hs Sr and Jr to spend time in the nation’s capital region, learning about government etc., and visiting points of interest etc.
@EliasEllington omg!! That's horrible!! I live in Massachusetts where the mayor of Boston is the biggest pos we have had in decades!! If you look up mass and Cass in Boston- you'll see the same bulshit I can't stand it anymore I can deal with people who don't have much money but I absolutely cannot put up with junkies hanging around on the street corners near my home. You are very very smart for a teenager trust me the Young Folks your age are mostly criminals! I'm hoping to get down there for a week in West Virginia because a friend of mine just moved down there and I'm going to be helping her get her place set up. I probably won't know when I'm going down until the end of next week I would love to talk to you more and I am definitely interested in hearing your point of view I hope you realize that your voice and your friends who feel the same way have a lot of power the way things go in your community these politicians are looking for your vote and since you're so young they don't want you to notice what's going on in the community and decide to vote against them you are Democrats Target voter. My name is Elizabeth and I hope that we get to talk again soon I would like to invite you and whoever you want to take out to dinner with me and my friend when I get down there to visit she is my bestie from Elementary School we are both 57 years old now and still get silly and stupid so if that sounds interesting to you -please stay in touch!! I'm not sure where you live right now but like I said you have more power than I do as far as the future of Raleigh County your demographics - a young voter- a female who has Intelligence is what they consider a threat, because politicians know that the word can get out to all of your friends to go against these rotten evil corrupt politicians!! Which would have the potential to put them out of office!!
@EliasEllington btw- right now they are offering in West Virginia grants for people who are interested in outdoor activities I believe it's $20,000 you would get to help create businesses like this I'm going to try and direct you to the grant I'm talking about they said they've already paid out I think it was a hundred people they get all their money within 3 months you should really seriously consider doing something like this you can Google grants for West Virginia residents but like I said I'm going to try and put it here links don't always work on RUclips so I'll definitely get you the information as quickly as possible
@@Jmanmysonbeckley is somewhat a safe town depending on which part of town you live in but for the most part it’s safe compared to the rest of the country. You can’t go wrong either wv. I’d recommend coming to where you’re planning on buying and get to know the community yourself.
Btw the English a lot of people like to make fun of in southern WV where I’m from is the original English language and slang that all our ancestors spoke back in the day before our country grew. So it’s not backwards or hillbilly it’s historic and anyone who speaks it should take pride in it and don’t let anyone tell you you shouldn’t speak the way you do. Also the reason everyone drives trucks here has nothing to do with “the south” it has to do with being in the middle of the Appalachian’s which is mountainous and not having a 4 wheel drive to get around in the winter means you are not getting around in those mountains. Also due to the bad weather and how much salt is used it deteriates the roads faster so having a pick up truck that is meant to be able to handle more beatings and tougher terrain is a wise financial decision in southern Wv specifically. There are plenty of flat areas in the Deep South that do not require 4 wheel drives or trucks at all
I live in SE Ohio on Ohio River across from West Virginia. One hour from Huntington, West Virginia. The time to see West Virginia is in the Fall. When leaves change colors. So bueautiful.
@@SelectCircle Let's just say there are things better left alone. I've lived here my entire life. Just look up all the strange things that have happened to people on the AP trail. And never whistle in the woods.
I was born and raised up in Appalachia. My Mom retired from an AEP coal power plant in WV when her plant was shut down during the Obama administration, and they started fracking our mountains. I'm from a little known area of the south-eastern Ohio/West Virginia border on the Mason-Dixon line on the Ohio river called Pomeroy. I met a McCoy brother from the band Bobaflex in Walmart in Mason, WV. I was born across the river from the origin area of the Mothman of Point Pleasant WV. The movie called Mothman Prophesy was filmed about. It is also featured in the video game Fallout 76. There's also Skatopia. I was paid to be a part of the C8 Project that the movie Dark Water with Mark Ruffalo was about, the 50 years of poisoning our water. Tourisim largely funds the area of Hocking Hills/Athens. I meet people all over who go on vacation in basically my backyard. My brother fell off the 50ft cliff at Old Man's cave and survived during his college years... I miss my home, love its pristine beauty, its secrecy and isolation, but have since moved to both Indiana and Michigan to find work.
Indiana is one of the worst states to live for work. In fact I think we are dead last or #1 in worst states to live in the US. Hoosier I can't get a job if my life depended on it. Which it does
I’m a McCoy living in Huntington, WV. I’m descended from Randall’s brother William. My Dad was born in 1920 and recalls Anse Hatfield’s youngest son,Tenis, who must have been quite old then, sitting on the front porch in Logan and talking to my grandfather about the feud when he was a young child. (Grandpa McCoy was a bradisher in the mines around Logan. He built the mine doors and air vent systems.) Dad remembered it because Tenis was talking about the “fort” Anse had built in case the McCoys came over the mountain! lol. He said his dad sat at night by an upstairs window to watch for them. I guess I’d be paranoid too if I’d killed three of someone’s sons; his daughter; brain damaged his wife with a rifle butt; and burned down his home. 🤷♂️ Fortunately, the past is the past and the Hatfields and McCoys can now call each other friends! ♥️ (And yes, it was revenge for a McCoy boy having killed a son of Anse. It was just tragic and wrong all around.) What a heritage we have, right? 🌷
Thanks for that story. I live in Appalachia now but was a truck driver for years so I know Michigan and Indiana as well. I go to west Virginia like once a year
I'm from Indianapolis. My best friends live in Pomeroy, Athens and Albany. I met them through atlatl competition. We have a 3 day atlatl event at the Paw Paw Fest every year. We also have several events throughout the beautiful Hocking Valley. Funny thing is that there are 2 Pomeroys. My friend lives in the the one near Albany on Myers Rd. It's about 4hrs drive over there but well worth the trip to be in the foothills with my friends having great times. My bro and I stay at the cabins in Zaleski Forest for Paw Paw and Roar events. Most other times we are camping. The Hocking Valley and its people remind me a lot of Southern In, were my family are from. Athens is more like the college town Bloomington (IU) before Bloomington built up like crazy. Stayed in Logan for the Mounds Fest. Not too crazy about Logan.
The drive through West Virginia’s rolling hills is always a treat. The dense green tree lines peaking over all the valleys, especially during an early morning fog.
Ya the more you buy the cheaper it is they probably got about four or five 16 packs from the distributor I don’t know how many come in a pack but they definitely paid less than a dollar a bottle I can get it for less than a dollar a bottle if I get a big pack from BJs or Costco
They love to rip us off and blame inflation don’t get me wrong that doesn’t help but it’s also because profits have to constantly go up or ceos get the ax from the big shareholders if profits don’t go up consistently every quarter
W. O. R. D DETROIT HERE Have Family in MORGANTOWN and Pepperoni Rolls are AWESOME.. You can't find them ANYWHERE like ALMOST HEAVEN WEST by God VIRGINIA.. ❤ ✌️
Lol you know Tommy's a city slicker when he's so taken aback by the Tractor Supply Co. I live in "rural" New England, and I've seen them my whole life! It's a national chain just like Home Depot.
I am from Germany and I love that drawl. And yes, I understand every single word of it, damn I do! Learned it all by my friend Popcorn Sutton, when I visited him back in the goo ol days. My heart and my respect goes to all those fellow hillbillies, this honest and rough tribe from the Appalachians.
@@robcanad many of his viewers around the world are just as interested. Truth be told I’m more interested in him visiting each state than him going anywhere in Asia
As someone who lives close to WV and has most of my family there I'll say this. Of all the youtubers that have done vids on the state, including Peter Santenello, I'm glad it's you talking ab the place. Thank you in advance.
Guy from West Virginia here. Wasn't expecting to see you making a video about this state. For the most part, I think you represented this place fairly accurately. By the way, the average SINGLE salary is 29k, but that's the average. A lot of people make way less. Wal-Mart is the biggest employer in the state, and they pay workers so little that most of them receive government assistance. So, essentially, the government is subsidizing the payroll for Wal-Mart. Here's another fun WV fact. I believe we're the only state where Trump won the youth vote. Our state is so conservative, that after our governor election, the winner of the race switched from Democrat to Republican. We basically had two Republicans running, but in order to for both to run, one of them had to pretend to be a Democrat for a while.
The republican party has done nothing but a number on west Virginia. Education is intentionally lacking in that state because if people were smarter, then they would know how badly they are getting screwed. Keep voting in Republicans and nothing will ever change change.
Pretty much. The two biggest employers in the state are WVU (hospital system, since they own most of them) and Walmart. Morgantown rents are comparable to Pittsburgh where there are *way* more job opportunities. No wonder there's a population decline.
@oozihobo if I can ask you a question. WV has consistency voted red for many years now, but they still find themselves in a bad to worse situation than before. Do people not think ok let me vote for the other party to see if things changes bc how I am voting now is not working.
I am from WV. I went to high school in the town you visited. (War, WV) The school has closed now several years back. People may make fun of WV, especially McDowell, but I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I frequently visit back home, (its only 30 min away) I moved to Princeton, WV after high school and went to Bluefield State College. I work in the coal industry as an engineer. My father has worked in the coal mines underground for 45 plus years, and has no plans to retire. Hardest worker I have ever known and best man you would ever meet. I don't know everyone in McDowell, but I can guarantee you that any porch that I walk up to, the resident will come out making sure you are not suspect, then they will be the nicest people you will ever meet. They may have nothing to their name, but they will give you the shirt off their back if you need it. Best people in the county if you ask me. Also, you should go 4-wheelin up in mountains if you come back one day. An experience you will never forget. Good video!
My dad grew up in Wyoming and McDowell Counties. After Vietnam he ended up as a crew member on Air Force One for 6 presidents. Greatest hillbilly I ever knew. Beautiful area and I love to visit often.
The scenery is beautiful, but everything else is a dump in the WV hollers. The schools are garbage, the economy is in shambles and has been since the 50s, the life expectancy is terrible, and its filled with druggies. My aunt is from Mingo County, so from an early age, I knew how bad that area was.
Scholars argue that the term "hillbilly" originated from Scottish dialect. The term "hill-folk" referred to people who preferred isolation from the greater society, and "billy" meant "comrade" or "companion". It is suggested that "hill-folk" and "billie" were combined when the Cameronians fled to the hills of southern Scotland. There is also the belief that most of the settlers from Scotland and northern Ireland were followers of king William of Orange. 'Billy' is a diminutive of 'William' common across the British isles. For the people who settle in America in the hills and who were Williamites, the term hillbilly connects both people who live in the hills and who are supporters of king William of Orange's ideologies The song from Scotland "We are the Billy Boys" references the same people who were a Protestant street gang in Bridgeton (an area of Glasgow historically associated with the city's Protestant population, and with Scottish unionism - Brigton is the Scots form of Bridgeton) led by Billy Fullerton.
“Billy” is used for men and boys named “William,” in the 🇺🇸 too. I really thought across the pond, “Will” was favored over “Bill” or “Billy.” I don’t know where I got that idea 💡 from!
You saw a very small part of West Virginia. Try the New River Gorge area, Clarksburg, Buchanan, Wheeling, Morgantown just to name a few. There's a lot of culture, education and money. You chose the poorest areas and you sounded very condescending to a gorgeous and wonderful state
@@rmrpjm I definitely agree that there are beautiful areas! Culture and great people! But for a single person to feel safe you have to choose an area you feel comfortable in.
@@botomblin5507no it’s actually true.. the state is trying to recruit tech workers. You get $ to move here and the perks are to be used at different outdoors events and activities.
@@leggiemeggie5837I'm 71 born and raised in wv except military retired, I still live here and you will have to prove to me that that you can get paid to move her, what state you live in?
@@stoveboltlvr3798 you probably never heard of my town in Florida and we have about 20 Chinese restaurants. Why is West Virginia so afraid to be more diverse?
@@CeeStyleDjWhy should they? Must everywhere look the same? If so, what's the purpose of traveling. Should Tokyo resemble NYC racially? I hope that never happens.
correction: HANJIN is a now defunct South Korean Shipping company whose asset been absorbed in the hyundai heavy merchant shipping. I knew because HANJIN used to be one of my customer for bunker fuel in Singapore, and I saw the whole process of their eventual collapse.
I'm a Baltimorean. I've worked and associated with a bunch of West Virginians. Friendliest people ever. Love to have fun. Just don't make them mad. : D
Thank you I was born in West Virginia 70 some years ago ago in Huntington a group with morals and respect and hard work and taught those values to respect your elders later on in life. When I become adult, I move to the big city with my education and became independent contractor of West Virginia and I love the people and I still go back to visit especially to the whole Homestead. Thank you for your story and God bless it. Sorry to.
Australia here/ First time here and I like it !! love watching drives around- and I really like that you get talking to some folks. Thanks + cheers. I,ll be back.
Thank you for pointing out the price of groceries right now in the southeast. Mississippi is dealing with a tough situation where our groceries are 97% the national average, but we make the least in the country, basically. We can't afford to eat, really. This country is struggling worse than people realize. The normal every day American who helps keep this country moving forward can hardly afford to buy groceries. IF you decide to fill up your fridge, you can't do anything else. Although, I'm not exactly complaining - I feel blessed to have a roof over my head and food in my belly. But yes, 4$ for a freaking gatorade is absurd. Politics and policies really are hurting the average American. We aren't all silicon valley 1%'ers.
America has had the fastest post pandemic economic recovery and growth of any country in the world. Americans complain about inflation yet it's not nearly as bad as the rest of the world. There are several reasons for this situation first and foremost is corporate monopolies and greed but people shouldn't forget there's a major war in Europe and we're all suffering. A half a pound of butter should never cost $11.00 but unfortunately that's the price here in Europe and United Kingdom.
Harper's Ferry is one the most beautiful small towns I've ever seen. Visit it every time I come back from camping in Shenandoah. Honestly, I think West Virginia is amazing. Shame the rest of the country ignores it (though good for visiting places and not being overrun with tourists). FYI, John Brown was an absolute psychopath. He believed he had divine authority from God to commit horrific acts of violence, hacked up 5 men while their families watched because he heard a rumor they owned slaves (they didn't), believed himself some kind of messiah and was basically a jihadist. Even other Christians _AND_ abolitionists (like Frederick Douglass) during that time thought he was batshit crazy and _way_ too extreme.
@@keithlisk6540It's already ruined. The place has the 2nd lowest life expectancy, the highest OD rate by a mile dwarfing all other states, Its tied for the highest obesity rate, has the 3rd highest poverty rate, 9th highest heart disease rate, 8th highest infant mortality rate, 8th highest teen pregnancy rate etc. If you want to keep lying about WV being amazing to fit some sort of narrative go ahead but it’s a big lie.
I was born and have lived in West Virginia my entire life.. that truly made me happy to see you was here in my state Thank You Tommy i enjoyed watching
Wow. Watching how confused he was walking around a Tractor Supply parking lot really makes me wonder if his experiences overseas were equally as misinformed. This is rural Appalachia he is completely clueless. But that pk of smokes was a great gesture.
Bud, this video was excellent! I'm from New Jersey but I pray that I can retire there someday. After living in the "Crazy" for all my life, I'd like things to be simpler on my way out.
I was able to get out of Salem OR, and retire in West Virginia, I was so sick of all the building and development, roar of traffic, crazy homeless people all over the streets. When I see the abandoned buildings and closed places, it is fine with me, I am comfortable here in the rural area, I have to drive 23 miles to go to the big stores, and the roads suck! But My comfort and peace and quiet make up for it.
Welcome back, Sabbatical. 🇺🇲 Humble suggestion - give your interviewees a clip on mic with a wind screen and it's way easier to hear them over the background noise. And yes, many other countries are so much quieter and less expensive. Enjoy your Powerade. Thank you for sharing your amazing content! ✨
@@sith6375 it's not political when you willfully choose to not get information from credible sources. It's just people stuck in their ways and they are hesitant or paranoid about outsiders. If you watch this channel enough, you will see that Tommy interact with people ALL OVER THE WORLD and people are generally welcoming and accepting... As well as understanding... But this WV guy: "you ain't one of them crazy liberals is you? I've been seeing that on the TV" SMH 🙄
I'm a Virginian, via WV in that both my parents were born and raised there, and came to VA for work. Spent a lot of time in Hinton, Pipestem, Sandstone because my Memaw and Pappaw, and grammaw and Paw-Paw, aunts, uncles and cousuns still lived there. I LOVE that I got to experience those times. Much of those loved ones are gone now, My Mom passed a little over a year ago, and it felt like goodbye to an era. Mom was my last real tie as far as reasons to go, other than nostalgia. It's funny to hear your reactions to the sights and people, lol. A WORLD of difference from NY! Most people don't even know VA and WV are different states, lol! It's got lots of places to bug out, that's for sure!
This was so interesting. Learned a lot about that area of country. I'm in south Texas and have heard stories about West Virginia, but it's not near as poor looking as you see on tv. I know the economy is not the greatest, but most of the people seem friendly. Thank you for this education. God bless you.
I wish he would have went to a few more better known places as well. Our state is beautiful and we are not all poor lol We have very wealthy people that live here too
Simply beautiful video ❤❤❤. From buffalo New York . I watched some of your videos about China .. I travelled little over 70 countries and I love watching new places and countries just like you. Well done.
I took a tour of Harpers Ferry in 2013. I'm very much into history and really enjoyed my visit there. I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. So West Virginia sure looks a lot different than California. I have actually been in all 50 states. Thank you for your tour of West Virginia and your good vibes Sabbatical. I've been following you for quite awhile and this is the first time that I've made a comment to you. Safe travels!
I just started watching your international vids, and was very surprised to see you come to my state. While I do understand people wanting to see the poorer side of WV (and it's a lot of it), I wish maybe people could see some of the more populated areas. Morgantown, Huntington... etc. At the same time, then you'll run into our crippling drug problem. But the people are friendly, yes. I'm glad you didn't run into any static here.
Future tip @SabbaticalTommy never approach a strange dog with your hand over top of them. Get down to their level and put your hand under their nose🖤💛🤟✌️
In 1991, I was a contracted delivery driver for an air and water filter company and I had about 18 stops all across West Virginia. No cell phones, no internet, just a paper map and a bunch of quarters for pay phones. That was not an easy trip, but I’d never seen such natural beauty. Always wanted to go back on my own time and dime. Haven’t made it yet, but with retirement approaching, I’m thinking about it.
Grew up in Greenbrier County. Live 1000 miles away now but go home every year. Leaving in 2 days and can't wait. Haven't lived there in 35 years but it'll always be home. Some of the most beautiful camping around but of course I'm a little biased. Lol
@Biomass1, it’s an absolutely gorgeous area. My own little personal paradise is the hill country of north Mississippi, because that’s where both sides of my family come from. I have a little over 100 acres there, and a year from retirement, I can’t wait to get there. I’ll tell you though, if my lineage was West Virginia, under the same circumstances, I’d consider myself fortunate. West Virginia is a stunningly beautiful place.
Harper's Ferry is very much like it was during the Civil War. It is one of the most haunted places in WV. I am a native West Virginian, born and raised in a small town close to Charleston. I presently live in KY due to a teaching position. My heart is and will always be in WV. It such a beautiful state, especially in the fall. It is a diverse state geographically. In the eastern panhandle, the dialect is more from Virginia and Pennsylvania. The language in the northern panhandle around Wheeling is more a Pennsylvania dialect. I would be surprised if China ever gets its foot in the door in WV coal or no coal. or anything else. The Hatfield- McCoy feud is slightly a ways from where you are young man. The channel the gentleman mentioned is done by a Hatield. It is Hillbilly Files and Legends. The narrator is Leo Hatfield and wow it is a great channel if you like history. His wife, Heather, does all of the research. She does an excellent job of providing accurate and up-to-date information. I have subscribed to this channel and cannot wait until they post another video. People living in the "hollers" of WV and KY will give you excellent directions. For example, "Well, you go down here until your get to this oak tree that sticks out over the road. Turn by the tree. Travel down that road. Go about 2 miles and you will see a rock. It is a big rock. You cannot mist. Now , you want to take the road on the biggest side of the rock." Believe it or not, they know how to give directions. NO! NO! NO! WV is NOT a southern state. It might be south of New York, but it is NOT a southern state. Now, the price of drinks on the back roads of WV and KY are about the same as NY. The Tug River separates WV and KY. Williamson is the home of The Hillbilly Fkes and Legends. The city has quite a history especially around the Hatfield-McCoy feud. Hope you had a great visit.
Im glad to hear you unpack the whole company town thing. It's clear to me that what makes you a top notch vlogger is two things. You do your research, and you know how to be a good guest.
Born in Morgantown, my Dad was originally from Buchannon (Queens to be specific). Moved to Columbus Ohio, been all over from Montana to San Diego... what West Virginia gave me was an honest & solod work ethic. Good people. My life woulda been simpler if i wouldve stayed.
You meet some real great characters on your travels, Tommy. Even if its hard to understand a lot of the chat, the vibe really comes out. Really interesting vid, keep up the great work dude, Gav UK
32:20 The guy is talking about how he's from New York, but moved to West Virginia after he had a stroke caused by getting hit over the head with that pipe while getting mugged. He then said he felt far safer living in West Virginia.
Battle of Blair Mountain this is when the US dropped bombs on the miners for wanting to get paid in currency as opposed to vouchers that could only be spent at the establishments owned by the mining companies.
33:33 funny you mention that. There are many houses to this day in southern WV I know of personally who’s sewage just runs into the creek or the river they build their house close to.
I’ve been watching you from Kentucky Tommy and it’s so wild to see you interacting with people that I can walk outside and meet. You should really check out hoe-down island at Natural Bride in Red River Gorge. It’s an experience you will truly not forget with some of the funnest hillbillies and rock-climbers you will ever meet. Safe travels ~
Generally speaking, anytime you are outside of cities in the U.S., you are safer than you would be in any city, as long as you stay away from from their vices. Fentanyl has become a problem everywhere. Americans are some of the nicest people in the world.
I don't feel safe out where people are uninformed about the rest of the world 🌍 theres more crime per capitia than big cities..your chances are better in the big city .
Let me take you to Ecuador. It’s basically just as friendly. At least this is why I live in Dallas now. Cuz it reminds me of Ecuadorean people. It feels like home some days.
I laughed so hard you see a tractor supply and said they must sell tractors, and saw the storage sheds and had no idea what they were. I have never been to NY and have never had a desire. I guess if I went there I would think I was in a foreign country. Thanks for the laughter
I'm from rural Virginia and live in rural New York now. They are extremely similar. I would say the rural folk up here are more "country" than the rural Virginians I grew up around actually, as there's more money down in VA. Don't confuse NY for NYC.
Fantastic survey of WV. I live here now - moved from CA to the New River Gorge area to retire. But you showed me the WV my Dad knew, when he spent a lot of time here in the early 1970s for Bethlehem Steel's mining operations. Kudos! ❤
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Hello from mendocino California
Id love to come see you if you're still in WV area. I love in Pennsylvania about 20 minutes north of Morgantown WV. If at all possible that would be amazing. Thanks
bruh load the map onto your phone and use it offline
If you start exposing these places and more tourists show up someone will find you and expire you
Come visit my hometown roughly the 15th most eastern town of the lower 48 us: outer banks- nags head, nc. largest natural sand dune structure on the east coast !
I was an underground coal miner for more than 22 years in Southern West Virginia. McDowell County is reputed to be the poorest in the country. The last mine I worked at and the section I worked in was 15 miles underground. Coal mining is far more complex than most people realize. Some mines here have been operating for thirty/forty years and are still in business today. With the mining industry, its either feast or famine. At one time it was king in the country and many operators became millionaires. McDowell County used to be known as "Little New York". I've lived here most of my life and the state has been good to me. I have been a fan of your blog for years. You came within 12 miles of my home.
It’s the 7th poorest currently. Kentucky has 2 counties that are in the top 10 poorest so that state is now doing worse than WV
Oh wow, thank you for sharing
@@tmckenny2994I hate hearing that. My husband's family is from Kentucky
@@daynaphipps4912 doesn’t make them any less than anyone else. Poor counties, yes. There’s good people in those poor counties.
@@tmckenny2994 I didn't call them any less
I live near west virgina and I will tell you. I have never met such caring, hospitable and kind people. Every time I go there people treat you like gold. I always tell people this can make fun of them all you want
exactly what i was thinking watching this
i feel like the story changes dramatically if you've got a lil melanin in your skin
@@HamburgerAmynot one bit
@@HamburgerAmyThe beauty of what you just said is, your feelings don’t mean anything, and aren’t anywhere near factual. That’s the problem with the modern world… Everyone uses feelings, instead of intelligence.
YOUR SKIN IS PALE FOR SURE. YO AZZ CAN'T HAVE BROWN SKIN.
On the Hopi Indian Reservation we call those sheds and barns you saw by the side of the road, "entry level housing". You get one of those sheds to live in because the banks won't loan money to build a house on the Rez because if you default on the mortgage the bank can't repossess the land that it sits on. After you get one of those sheds to live in, you buy a few materials and start building a real house. When you run out of materials, you save up some more money, buy some more materials, and build some more and repeat until it's done. It takes a long time and it's a heck of a way to build a house but when you finish you own it free and clear.
That’s wild!
Oh so how reality works without usury. Your first sentence answered the question as to why banks loan out the money in the first place... To steal the land.
Bro that sounds like a survival game. Only in USA man. Only USA can you feel such indignation.
@@michaelsotomayor5001 Survival. It's a way of life on many Native American reservations. At least Hopis never got moved off their traditional land and sent to some faraway place like Oklahoma. :-)
@@tsakurshovi6676 oh please, the natives get the best schools, housing, hospitals. give me a break
I've lived in West Virginia now for nearly 10 years and love it here! I sincerely feel that West Virginia is America's best kept secret!
Have a question what's the cost of housing up there,in GA it's getting crazy with all these damn Yankees moving in .
@@jeff-i7x Depends on what part of the state you move to. Southern counties the price of housing is much lower than the northern counties, especially the ones near Morgantown or the DC area. A house that is $200,000 in the southern counties is easily $400,000 or more in some of the northern counties. Housing near the ski resort areas and state parks is usually higher also. But on the western side and southern half housing is verh affordable.
@@jeff-i7x I'm a POOR ex-Californian who moved to Georgia for work. I'm still poor here; don't worry. It's interesting that Georgians dislike non-Georgian American transplants more than they dislike the foreign ones completely overtaking the state.
@@idepartasair We Georgians born and raised hate Californians New Yorkers or any Carpet bagging Yankees that likes to ruin the land with subdivisions and any Democrat controlled state and illegals .
@@jeff-i7x But Georgians love the cheap, illegal labor to enrich themselves. I thought that I would have escaped all of that by leaving CA, but the Georgians in my area seem to want to become California. It actually looks like my hometown in Southern San Diego, CA. Californians do exist, by the way. I'm more conservative than any GA native I know, but maybe I'm just unlucky with whom I've met.
That is beautiful country.I'd rather live there then new york city.
Neat. Nothing is stopping you from doing that. If WV is so great then move there. If you live there and WV is so great then please stay.
It is beautiful and you should move.
@@tkc5793 New york city needs some more illegals😆
As a person born and raised in NYC, and currently living in West Virginia, you gotta believe me it really is beautiful (except for the infrastructure)
Oh sure... you can get a job in a coal mine, where you pay the same amount for rent, as you do your burial fee. No wait... correction, you now die in debt after that 40 year mortgage and $60k pickup truck, which leaves you nothing for a burrial plot. Meaning even your ashes are dumped in a mass grave by inmates, and next to inmates.
I'm a over the road trucker and West Virginia is 1 of my favorite states to drive through.
indeed, mine too but that turnpike can be a little sketchy at times. Been a WV gal all my life, 3 hours from the TP.
Test your brakes .. Wow hills.
mine also
Rt52 road is dangerous to the county oh wait till he crosses the hills and curves that NY state dobt have very much of
Get rid of those sundown towns that truckers and others know about.
The Nation knows about them
Im born and raised west Virginian,our state gets a bad reputation. Fentanyl is absolutely a huge issue. I myself am a recovering addict and for being 33 you wouldn't believe me if i told you how many friends and family members I've lost. Im from Morgantown which is like the new york city of West Virginia. We have no shortage on beautiful sights and peaceful atmosphere,but the poverty and substane abuse issues have torn our beautiful home apart
We always say if you're from Morgantown you either grow up and go to WVU or you grow up and do drugs. 90% it's the ladder because most people who can afford to go to WVU aren't from here unfortunately
Good luck with your recovery! You have my respect, quitting fentanyl is not like quitting weed.
@morhaimtyr4173 no it's really not. I always thought it was an overextended on movies when they showed someone detoxing and they're falling all over the place,room spinning,throwing up everywhere ect (I had only ever been through H and pill withdrawal ) until I detoxed from fet,then throw in precipitated withdrawal,good lort! You would rather DIE in that moment then go through another moment of the pain,discomfort and pure misery that is fet withdrawal! I had 10yrs clean and then I relapsed harder than I ever into my addiction in 21,been clean for 1yr and 4 mons now,you wouldn't believe all that I lost and fkd up in that short amount of time I was in active addiction
I would say the NJ of WV
Bold of you to say the New York of wv. 😂😂😂
As a lifelong West Virginian, I appreciate the respect you showed in this video. One note: we are not Southerners. We are Appalachians. Virginia is southern and we broke up with them a long time ago 😂
The dog was right on cue. As soon as you said you're from New York, he went off.
So funny.
😂😂
Theres a repo guy who picks up the sheds and people do live in them
@@laurenshanahan6652 better than the card boxes of San Francisco.
“Consider me a brother. Not just a friend.” I like that.
The stores in West Virginua know that grocery purchases are with food stamps, so they raise the prices. We all pay 😮
Most of the original West Virginians that were Scotch-Irish were dirt poor when they got here and never raised above that status. When I first went to work a gentleman from West Virginia already work there and he would regale us with stories of growing up in the 30s and 40s in West Virginia. He often said coal miners in West Virginia were the last legal slaves in America.
That's a true story! In the days when they used horses and mules in mining, the mine operators used to say they'd rather lose a miner than a mule.....because it was easier
to replace a miner. Miners got slave wages that they had to spend at a "company store." Mining companies paid the miners in what they called scrip. For decades, many coal companies in Appalachia paid their miners primarily in a privately issued currency known as scrip. Typically minted in inexpensive metals, these specialized coins were only redeemable at stores owned by the company that issued them.
Not to mention the complusitory military draft, which is being brought back. Someone needs to yell at DeeCee that Dubya Vee is tapped out!
This seems most accurate.when it comes to how men were just managed working in coal mines.sad.but real.
Most of them lived in Company houses in "Coal Camps" and the Coal Company held rent out of their pay.
I haven't heard them expecting reparations. That's weird.
My sister married a coalminer from Beckley WV and I have a niece who lives in WV sweetest people in the world, hard working and honest folks who have a good heart and hard life ❤
I am getting ready to move to W. Virginia from New Hampshire. How is Beckley these days? I was looking at a house online but I have no honest answers about these towns. - from people who live there is who can answer these questions for me..
Realtors are not interested in my questions. I was hoping you could tell me about your experience there.
I am not looking for crazy city life- I'm looking to retire. I'm a hospital worker who wants peace and quiet with no nonsense from partying younger folks. I want to continue working but live in a peaceful- middle blue collar community who has values ❤
I attended uni in DC area and my first job, after graduation, I worked with a nice man from Beckley WV. So long ago…, I wish I could recall his name… such a nice fellow…Very well-liked by everyone at work!
We were employed by an education group that arranged for hs Sr and Jr to spend time in the nation’s capital region, learning about government etc., and visiting points of interest etc.
@EliasEllington omg!! That's horrible!! I live in Massachusetts where the mayor of Boston is the biggest pos we have had in decades!! If you look up mass and Cass in Boston- you'll see the same bulshit I can't stand it anymore I can deal with people who don't have much money but I absolutely cannot put up with junkies hanging around on the street corners near my home.
You are very very smart for a teenager trust me the Young Folks your age are mostly criminals! I'm hoping to get down there for a week in West Virginia because a friend of mine just moved down there and I'm going to be helping her get her place set up. I probably won't know when I'm going down until the end of next week I would love to talk to you more and I am definitely interested in hearing your point of view I hope you realize that your voice and your friends who feel the same way have a lot of power the way things go in your community these politicians are looking for your vote and since you're so young they don't want you to notice what's going on in the community and decide to vote against them you are Democrats Target voter. My name is Elizabeth and I hope that we get to talk again soon I would like to invite you and whoever you want to take out to dinner with me and my friend when I get down there to visit she is my bestie from Elementary School we are both 57 years old now and still get silly and stupid so if that sounds interesting to you -please stay in touch!! I'm not sure where you live right now but like I said you have more power than I do as far as the future of Raleigh County your demographics - a young voter- a female who has Intelligence is what they consider a threat, because politicians know that the word can get out to all of your friends to go against these rotten evil corrupt politicians!! Which would have the potential to put them out of office!!
@EliasEllington btw- right now they are offering in West Virginia grants for people who are interested in outdoor activities I believe it's $20,000 you would get to help create businesses like this I'm going to try and direct you to the grant I'm talking about they said they've already paid out I think it was a hundred people they get all their money within 3 months you should really seriously consider doing something like this you can Google grants for West Virginia residents but like I said I'm going to try and put it here links don't always work on RUclips so I'll definitely get you the information as quickly as possible
@@Jmanmysonbeckley is somewhat a safe town depending on which part of town you live in but for the most part it’s safe compared to the rest of the country. You can’t go wrong either wv. I’d recommend coming to where you’re planning on buying and get to know the community yourself.
Btw the English a lot of people like to make fun of in southern WV where I’m from is the original English language and slang that all our ancestors spoke back in the day before our country grew. So it’s not backwards or hillbilly it’s historic and anyone who speaks it should take pride in it and don’t let anyone tell you you shouldn’t speak the way you do. Also the reason everyone drives trucks here has nothing to do with “the south” it has to do with being in the middle of the Appalachian’s which is mountainous and not having a 4 wheel drive to get around in the winter means you are not getting around in those mountains. Also due to the bad weather and how much salt is used it deteriates the roads faster so having a pick up truck that is meant to be able to handle more beatings and tougher terrain is a wise financial decision in southern Wv specifically. There are plenty of flat areas in the Deep South that do not require 4 wheel drives or trucks at all
I live in SE Ohio on Ohio River across from West Virginia. One hour from Huntington, West Virginia. The time to see West Virginia is in the Fall. When leaves change colors. So bueautiful.
I'm from DC you are correct they can make post cards from those views
That's Bigfoot country. Had any sightings?
i visit portsmouth ohio you get to see ky and west virginia nice
@@SelectCircle Let's just say there are things better left alone. I've lived here my entire life. Just look up all the strange things that have happened to people on the AP trail. And never whistle in the woods.
@@sharoncrawford7192 Portsmouth would be my guess. I'm from Huntington btw.
I was born and raised up in Appalachia. My Mom retired from an AEP coal power plant in WV when her plant was shut down during the Obama administration, and they started fracking our mountains. I'm from a little known area of the south-eastern Ohio/West Virginia border on the Mason-Dixon line on the Ohio river called Pomeroy. I met a McCoy brother from the band Bobaflex in Walmart in Mason, WV. I was born across the river from the origin area of the Mothman of Point Pleasant WV. The movie called Mothman Prophesy was filmed about. It is also featured in the video game Fallout 76. There's also Skatopia. I was paid to be a part of the C8 Project that the movie Dark Water with Mark Ruffalo was about, the 50 years of poisoning our water. Tourisim largely funds the area of Hocking Hills/Athens. I meet people all over who go on vacation in basically my backyard. My brother fell off the 50ft cliff at Old Man's cave and survived during his college years... I miss my home, love its pristine beauty, its secrecy and isolation, but have since moved to both Indiana and Michigan to find work.
Indiana is one of the worst states to live for work. In fact I think we are dead last or #1 in worst states to live in the US.
Hoosier
I can't get a job if my life depended on it. Which it does
Nature can’t be both pristine and polluted. This what the liberals are fighting for.
I’m a McCoy living in Huntington, WV. I’m descended from Randall’s brother William. My Dad was born in 1920 and recalls Anse Hatfield’s youngest son,Tenis, who must have been quite old then, sitting on the front porch in Logan and talking to my grandfather about the feud when he was a young child. (Grandpa McCoy was a bradisher in the mines around Logan. He built the mine doors and air vent systems.) Dad remembered it because Tenis was talking about the “fort” Anse had built in case the McCoys came over the mountain! lol. He said his dad sat at night by an upstairs window to watch for them. I guess I’d be paranoid too if I’d killed three of someone’s sons; his daughter; brain damaged his wife with a rifle butt; and burned down his home. 🤷♂️ Fortunately, the past is the past and the Hatfields and McCoys can now call each other friends! ♥️ (And yes, it was revenge for a McCoy boy having killed a son of Anse. It was just tragic and wrong all around.) What a heritage we have, right? 🌷
Thanks for that story. I live in Appalachia now but was a truck driver for years so I know Michigan and Indiana as well. I go to west Virginia like once a year
I'm from Indianapolis. My best friends live in Pomeroy, Athens and Albany. I met them through atlatl competition. We have a 3 day atlatl event at the Paw Paw Fest every year. We also have several events throughout the beautiful Hocking Valley. Funny thing is that there are 2 Pomeroys. My friend lives in the the one near Albany on Myers Rd. It's about 4hrs drive over there but well worth the trip to be in the foothills with my friends having great times. My bro and I stay at the cabins in Zaleski Forest for Paw Paw and Roar events. Most other times we are camping. The Hocking Valley and its people remind me a lot of Southern In, were my family are from. Athens is more like the college town Bloomington (IU) before Bloomington built up like crazy. Stayed in Logan for the Mounds Fest. Not too crazy about Logan.
Yoooo, what are the odds of me being the cashier that rang you up at 7/11. Thats crazy🤣🤣
The drive through West Virginia’s rolling hills is always a treat. The dense green tree lines peaking over all the valleys, especially during an early morning fog.
That $4 Gatorade is probably only $2 in a regular grocery store. Food mart gas stations have HUGE markup.
Probably less than $1 each if you buy a pack of 8
It’s the same in Scotland
Stupid people routinely pay 2X-10X for things then complain about not having money at the end of the month.
Ya the more you buy the cheaper it is they probably got about four or five 16 packs from the distributor I don’t know how many come in a pack but they definitely paid less than a dollar a bottle I can get it for less than a dollar a bottle if I get a big pack from BJs or Costco
They love to rip us off and blame inflation don’t get me wrong that doesn’t help but it’s also because profits have to constantly go up or ceos get the ax from the big shareholders if profits don’t go up consistently every quarter
Telling Southerners that you're from New York is like telling the Chinese you're an American.
And that's a huge shame...
I agree... I'm Southern...stay in New York please.
Not an expert on the USA as a Canadian but West Virginia is not even located in the South??!
Its not west either lol
Better to call it Central Virginia, or for short Central Country.
中国
@@ovrskr 我是中国人，看到他说自己是纽约来的，我也看笑了哈哈哈
My dad was raised in West Virginia and worked in the coal mines. My dad died at the age of 53 from black lungs from working in the coal mines😢❤
“There go the coal trains”
Train of nothing but grainers and tankers roll by
😂
coal train 🤣 You from Wichita? Lay yer money down 😁
Yea, noticed that too, but you know.
"Obviously, I don't know my trains, but anyways -"
Edumacated yankee = small ,weak and opinionated.....great
“You ain’t one of those crazy liberals are you” 😂😂
Seems he is, he’s from New York
I doubt he would the same or similar caption if he were in the hoods of Detroit or Memphis
yeah the bible belt is shit, that old guy is proof of that.
Gotta clarify that if you drop the NY word anywhere in the south
@@NatalieV0331seethe
Haha sabbatical in WV too cool.. born n raised here.. recovering addict myself, clean since 2017.. the opioids hit hard here ❤
I’m from a small mining town in Boone County West Virginia. Most locals wouldn’t care who bought the mines, as long as it brought jobs.
Big ugly creek here.
You better watch out for Bears Sir I hope your armed
Logan county here
Is your mine still working
the hills of WV is beautiful .
You need to get a pepperoni roll son
My daughter made them on Sunday.
W. O. R. D
DETROIT HERE Have Family in MORGANTOWN and Pepperoni Rolls are AWESOME.. You can't find them ANYWHERE like ALMOST HEAVEN
WEST by God VIRGINIA.. ❤ ✌️
NU-ERA Bakery in Logan County WV has the best pepperoni rolls ❤❤❤
Lol you know Tommy's a city slicker when he's so taken aback by the Tractor Supply Co.
I live in "rural" New England, and I've seen them my whole life! It's a national chain just like Home Depot.
Lol. I thought that was funny. I live near DC and we have that store here. Lots of farms only 40 miles from the Capitol
I recently googled TSC stock & it was outperforming Nike, Coca-Cola, Pepsi etc.. Bill Gates has purchased quite a bit, along with Blackrock
I am from Germany and I love that drawl. And yes, I understand every single word of it, damn I do! Learned it all by my friend Popcorn Sutton, when I visited him back in the goo ol days. My heart and my respect goes to all those fellow hillbillies, this honest and rough tribe from the Appalachians.
You're not one of those damn liberals from over there? I was watching that on TV
@@Psiilocybe , nope. I am one of those hillbillies from the Saxony woods. We are more old fashioned and hate liberals from over there! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Hedgesville wv here. I’ve always wanted to visit Europe mainly Germany.
@@limeallens6160 , we would love to welcome you, Lad.
@@dervolkstribun6240 absolutely thank you.
i could drink coffee and listen to older folks like that for hrs
Loving this content, you should do a 50 states series would be unreal no one explores countries let alone states like you would
Please no, I much prefer he travel internationally, leave the US for the less polished RUclipsrs.
@@robcanad many of his viewers around the world are just as interested. Truth be told I’m more interested in him visiting each state than him going anywhere in Asia
As someone who lives close to WV and has most of my family there I'll say this. Of all the youtubers that have done vids on the state, including Peter Santenello, I'm glad it's you talking ab the place. Thank you in advance.
I love Peter!
@@serendipity420 I do too but there is something ab Sabbaticals channel that reaches a whole other audience.
Guy from West Virginia here. Wasn't expecting to see you making a video about this state. For the most part, I think you represented this place fairly accurately. By the way, the average SINGLE salary is 29k, but that's the average. A lot of people make way less. Wal-Mart is the biggest employer in the state, and they pay workers so little that most of them receive government assistance. So, essentially, the government is subsidizing the payroll for Wal-Mart. Here's another fun WV fact. I believe we're the only state where Trump won the youth vote. Our state is so conservative, that after our governor election, the winner of the race switched from Democrat to Republican. We basically had two Republicans running, but in order to for both to run, one of them had to pretend to be a Democrat for a while.
The republican party has done nothing but a number on west Virginia. Education is intentionally lacking in that state because if people were smarter, then they would know how badly they are getting screwed. Keep voting in Republicans and nothing will ever change change.
You also voted for a senator who pretends to be a democrat.
Education is sadly missing in most of the state.
The employers are Walmart, education system and road repair. I've been to most of WV too. The green and mountains are the most beautiful I've seen.
Pretty much. The two biggest employers in the state are WVU (hospital system, since they own most of them) and Walmart. Morgantown rents are comparable to Pittsburgh where there are *way* more job opportunities. No wonder there's a population decline.
@oozihobo if I can ask you a question. WV has consistency voted red for many years now, but they still find themselves in a bad to worse situation than before. Do people not think ok let me vote for the other party to see if things changes bc how I am voting now is not working.
I am from WV. I went to high school in the town you visited. (War, WV) The school has closed now several years back. People may make fun of WV, especially McDowell, but I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I frequently visit back home, (its only 30 min away) I moved to Princeton, WV after high school and went to Bluefield State College. I work in the coal industry as an engineer. My father has worked in the coal mines underground for 45 plus years, and has no plans to retire. Hardest worker I have ever known and best man you would ever meet. I don't know everyone in McDowell, but I can guarantee you that any porch that I walk up to, the resident will come out making sure you are not suspect, then they will be the nicest people you will ever meet. They may have nothing to their name, but they will give you the shirt off their back if you need it. Best people in the county if you ask me. Also, you should go 4-wheelin up in mountains if you come back one day. An experience you will never forget. Good video!
I live in bramwell WV
I’d rather live in a rural place like that, than a dirty city
Me too.
@@tonettalovercity people are lawless 💩. I would never even consider living in or any where near a city.
I miss the old "Dead End" road I lived on.
Me three!!
Ok .Just don't shoot wildlife for Fun. Be One with Nature, Take what you Only Need
My dad grew up in Wyoming and McDowell Counties. After Vietnam he ended up as a crew member on Air Force One for 6 presidents. Greatest hillbilly I ever knew. Beautiful area and I love to visit often.
McDowell county proud ❤
West Virginians excel when they leave West Virginia.
The scenery is beautiful, but everything else is a dump in the WV hollers. The schools are garbage, the economy is in shambles and has been since the 50s, the life expectancy is terrible, and its filled with druggies. My aunt is from Mingo County, so from an early age, I knew how bad that area was.
My grandmother grew up in in a holler in McDowell county.....in Welch. She was born in Herndon ....Wyoming county!
Boy, would I love to hear some of his stories!
Scholars argue that the term "hillbilly" originated from Scottish dialect. The term "hill-folk" referred to people who preferred isolation from the greater society, and "billy" meant "comrade" or "companion". It is suggested that "hill-folk" and "billie" were combined when the Cameronians fled to the hills of southern Scotland.
There is also the belief that most of the settlers from Scotland and northern Ireland were followers of king William of Orange. 'Billy' is a diminutive of 'William' common across the British isles. For the people who settle in America in the hills and who were Williamites, the term hillbilly connects both people who live in the hills and who are supporters of king William of Orange's ideologies
The song from Scotland "We are the Billy Boys" references the same people who were a Protestant street gang in Bridgeton (an area of Glasgow historically associated with the city's Protestant population, and with Scottish unionism - Brigton is the Scots form of Bridgeton) led by Billy Fullerton.
Thank you.
Love the information, thanks.
U
Very good info, thanks. It's always interesting to follow how certain names come to be.
“Billy” is used for men and boys named “William,” in the 🇺🇸 too.
I really thought across the pond, “Will” was favored over “Bill” or “Billy.” I don’t know where I got that idea 💡 from!
You saw a very small part of West Virginia. Try the New River Gorge area, Clarksburg, Buchanan, Wheeling, Morgantown just to name a few. There's a lot of culture, education and money. You chose the poorest areas and you sounded very condescending to a gorgeous and wonderful state
@@rmrpjm I definitely agree that there are beautiful areas! Culture and great people! But for a single person to feel safe you have to choose an area you feel comfortable in.
Buckhannon is a nice town!
@@cosettelaplante699 I'll look into it. What do you like about it?
@rmrpjm Right, and Hocking Hills and the Boy Scout high adventure camp Summit Bechtel and isn't the highest suspension bridge in the world in WV?
Thank you. People that make videos on WV almost always choose the worst parts of the state.
Tommy needs to get out of New York a little more often if he thinks Tractor Supply is where you buy tractors 😄
You can buy tractors at tractor supply or where I am at you can you can also buy ATVs and four wheelers
There are T S stores in the state of New York. There are farms in New York.
Crapper Supply Chinese junk there for homeowners.
😂😂😂😂😂
LOL! Yes, I said the same thing.
I'm from IA and I turned one of those "sheds" into a tiny house. Lived there for 8 years off grid on family land.
Lived where?
@@jacobhendrickson8935 In IA on family land, they stated this.
@@amysnews6808 oh wow didn’t even know Iowa was IA so this was just my being ignorant.
Maybe it's the hillbilly in me but that place looks absolutely beautiful I'd love to live there. Looks peaceful
West Virginia pays you to move here. Ten grand in cash, ten grand in perks. You have to have a job though.
@@dianakidd4219that's a lie, wv would probably pay you to leave
@@botomblin5507no it’s actually true.. the state is trying to recruit tech workers. You get $ to move here and the perks are to be used at different outdoors events and activities.
Barbersville, West Virginia is a nice place. It's right outside Huntington.
@@leggiemeggie5837I'm 71 born and raised in wv except military retired, I still live here and you will have to prove to me that that you can get paid to move her, what state you live in?
My brother and his wife & son live in west Virginia, but are in the wilderness are in the valley, it's beautiful, no idiots shooting and fighting
This is without a doubt one of the best utube channels!!! Tommy great job!!!
RUclips*
Finding a Cuban restaurant in the middle of west Virginia totally unexpected
Bloody nice looking place, with all the trees
Sophia WV has a good Chinese Buffet. It's been there a long time.
@stoveboltlvr3798 you sure that it's actually good or is it the ONLY one in a hours long distance ?😂
@@stoveboltlvr3798 you probably never heard of my town in Florida and we have about 20 Chinese restaurants. Why is West Virginia so afraid to be more diverse?
@@CeeStyleDjWhy should they? Must everywhere look the same? If so, what's the purpose of traveling. Should Tokyo resemble NYC racially? I hope that never happens.
correction: HANJIN is a now defunct South Korean Shipping company whose asset been absorbed in the hyundai heavy merchant shipping. I knew because HANJIN used to be one of my customer for bunker fuel in Singapore, and I saw the whole process of their eventual collapse.
south korea is in china
Was gonna say, that did not sound Chinese.
South Korean business has made big investments in WV recently.
Hanjin Shipping - I knew the owners. Same family (Cho) that "Nut Lady" of Korean Airlines fame comes from.
@@happycamper47 Who hurt you?
He pick the poorest county to make Wv look bad
Like that….. WV IS BEAUTIFUL amazing people.
I didn't get that. I don't think via this vlog that anyone looked "Bad" - WV looks stunning - beautiful landscape, lovely old buildings, etc.
Agree! I LOVE WV, it's absolutely beautiful!
Be glad. When everyone is saying what a great place to live it is, the riff raff show up.
@@destroya3303 Yep!
Born and raised in Harpers Ferry. I wish you had spent a bit more time covering the town, it has so much more to offer. Love your channel!
Visited there with my daughter. She’s at University of Maryland.
Tommy seems like such a genuinely nice guy. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us.
I apologize to the foreign viewers, after a trip to the hood in DC and now West Virginia, you're probably questioning if you still speak English
It’s even straining my west coast American brain…
We speak American
You should try travelling short distances in the UK. The accents here (and the variations) truly are wild!
@@tonykennedy2192 it's not "my sister's my first cousin and my baby mama" country I hope?!
@@RaverOperatorGeeza I’ve heard this. I’ve also heard Ireland is like that but on steroids
I'm a Baltimorean. I've worked and associated with a bunch of West Virginians. Friendliest people ever. Love to have fun. Just don't make them mad. : D
@@infringinator Hey - everyone here would agree with you and buy you a beer for telling it like it is. : D
It's not always about money. West Virginia is beautiful keep it that way!
Except for the mountains yall blew up.
@@Trace-l7k It's not "yall" in West Virginia, it's "yoonz"
It's hard to keep it beautiful when poverty is everywhere.
Thank you I was born in West Virginia 70 some years ago ago in Huntington a group with morals and respect and hard work and taught those values to respect your elders later on in life. When I become adult, I move to the big city with my education and became independent contractor of West Virginia and I love the people and I still go back to visit especially to the whole Homestead. Thank you for your story and God bless it. Sorry to.
I live outside Huntington and construction work here is slow… slower than ever
Australia here/ First time here and I like it !! love watching drives around- and I really like that you get talking to some folks. Thanks + cheers. I,ll be back.
I truly enjoyed being able to walk along with you as you drift through West Virginia. Thanks for letting me tag along 😊
Thank you for pointing out the price of groceries right now in the southeast. Mississippi is dealing with a tough situation where our groceries are 97% the national average, but we make the least in the country, basically. We can't afford to eat, really. This country is struggling worse than people realize. The normal every day American who helps keep this country moving forward can hardly afford to buy groceries. IF you decide to fill up your fridge, you can't do anything else. Although, I'm not exactly complaining - I feel blessed to have a roof over my head and food in my belly. But yes, 4$ for a freaking gatorade is absurd. Politics and policies really are hurting the average American. We aren't all silicon valley 1%'ers.
100%
America has had the fastest post pandemic economic recovery and growth of any country in the world. Americans complain about inflation yet it's not nearly as bad as the rest of the world. There are several reasons for this situation first and foremost is corporate monopolies and greed but people shouldn't forget there's a major war in Europe and we're all suffering. A half a pound of butter should never cost $11.00 but unfortunately that's the price here in Europe and United Kingdom.
@@sissyroxx I don't live in the rest of the world so idc, I live here and shit's too expensive
What kills me is the cost of a bottle of water. We're all better off not drinking gatorade or coke.
Ain't just Mississippi or WV it's everywhere
Harper's Ferry is one the most beautiful small towns I've ever seen. Visit it every time I come back from camping in Shenandoah. Honestly, I think West Virginia is amazing. Shame the rest of the country ignores it (though good for visiting places and not being overrun with tourists).
FYI, John Brown was an absolute psychopath. He believed he had divine authority from God to commit horrific acts of violence, hacked up 5 men while their families watched because he heard a rumor they owned slaves (they didn't), believed himself some kind of messiah and was basically a jihadist. Even other Christians _AND_ abolitionists (like Frederick Douglass) during that time thought he was batshit crazy and _way_ too extreme.
Be glad it's ignored otherwise it would be ruined.
But you know that narrative had to be followed that he was some sort of savior.
You know that's how it goes these days. 😂
@@keithlisk6540It's already ruined. The place has the 2nd lowest life expectancy, the highest OD rate by a mile dwarfing all other states, Its tied for the highest obesity rate, has the 3rd highest poverty rate, 9th highest heart disease rate, 8th highest infant mortality rate, 8th highest teen pregnancy rate etc. If you want to keep lying about WV being amazing to fit some sort of narrative go ahead but it’s a big lie.
That's the `Bootlicker Pinkerton` version of Ol' John Brown ~
#justsaying
And anybody with a brain knows who the pinkertons were. They were true psychopaths. @@LightoftheMoon
I was born and have lived in West Virginia my entire life.. that truly made me happy to see you was here in my state Thank You Tommy i enjoyed watching
One minute into this video, and I already see his biases. There wasn't a single coal car on that train...
same here
@@MrWinky69
There were at least a dozen tanker car most likely holding oil.
Amen!!!
Dude that's not the deep south, these are Mountain people. They are nice but will fight you over that Mountain Dew.
Since they broke away from Virginia due to the Civil War, they are more of a northern state.
@@BH-yk5cn Since it's in the name it's actually a western state
@Drieste_Dries Hey i respect all of them , hell these folks changed the world, they wanted to be left alone
Not so much southern. Very much rednecky
Appalachia
My mother's from Webster Springs WV, and she'll tell you "We are not southerners, we're hill people..."
I thought he was gonna be fertilizer when he told that guy he from up over yonder
Wow. Watching how confused he was walking around a Tractor Supply parking lot really makes me wonder if his experiences overseas were equally as misinformed. This is rural Appalachia he is completely clueless. But that pk of smokes was a great gesture.
Especially thinking he could actually buy a tractor there lol.
Bud, this video was excellent! I'm from New Jersey but I pray that I can retire there someday. After living in the "Crazy" for all my life, I'd like things to be simpler on my way out.
I was able to get out of Salem OR, and retire in West Virginia, I was so sick of all the building and development, roar of traffic, crazy homeless people all over the streets. When I see the abandoned buildings and closed places, it is fine with me, I am comfortable here in the rural area, I have to drive 23 miles to go to the big stores, and the roads suck! But My comfort and peace and quiet make up for it.
It looks like the 1950's with cars from the 1990's and prices from 2024.
😅😅
Except for house prices…
😢
Education from the 40s
You got that right
Welcome back, Sabbatical. 🇺🇲 Humble suggestion - give your interviewees a clip on mic with a wind screen and it's way easier to hear them over the background noise. And yes, many other countries are so much quieter and less expensive. Enjoy your Powerade. Thank you for sharing your amazing content! ✨
I dont know why hearing the Southern accent, you got these salt of the earth feeling. Very warm, hearty and made you wanna smile.
Hearing "you ain't one of them crazy liberals?" Didn't give you pause?
@@CeeStyleDj you gotta understand that unfortunately they're very political people, but loving nonetheless.
@@sith6375 it's not political when you willfully choose to not get information from credible sources. It's just people stuck in their ways and they are hesitant or paranoid about outsiders. If you watch this channel enough, you will see that Tommy interact with people ALL OVER THE WORLD and people are generally welcoming and accepting... As well as understanding... But this WV guy: "you ain't one of them crazy liberals is you? I've been seeing that on the TV" SMH 🙄
@@CeeStyleDjI think you’ve outed yourself as one with all the posting you’re doing…
@@CeeStyleDjin all fairness that guy probably has more reservation as a right winger (way out there), then a “crazy liberal”
I'm a Virginian, via WV in that both my parents were born and raised there, and came to VA for work. Spent a lot of time in Hinton, Pipestem, Sandstone because my Memaw and Pappaw, and grammaw and Paw-Paw, aunts, uncles and cousuns still lived there. I LOVE that I got to experience those times. Much of those loved ones are gone now, My Mom passed a little over a year ago, and it felt like goodbye to an era. Mom was my last real tie as far as reasons to go, other than nostalgia. It's funny to hear your reactions to the sights and people, lol. A WORLD of difference from NY! Most people don't even know VA and WV are different states, lol! It's got lots of places to bug out, that's for sure!
This was so interesting. Learned a lot about that area of country. I'm in south Texas and have heard stories about West Virginia, but it's not near as poor looking as you see on tv. I know the economy is not the greatest, but most of the people seem friendly. Thank you for this education. God bless you.
I wish he would have went to a few more better known places as well. Our state is beautiful and we are not all poor lol We have very wealthy people that live here too
@@LesleyCanterbury22 He is a lefty. It's what they do.
Hey Tommy, thanks for checking out my home state! I didn't really expect to see you do a video here.
West Virginia is the Best Virginia
Simply beautiful video ❤❤❤. From buffalo New York . I watched some of your videos about China .. I travelled little over 70 countries and I love watching new places and countries just like you. Well done.
I took a tour of Harpers Ferry in 2013. I'm very much into history and really enjoyed my visit there. I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. So West Virginia sure looks a lot different than California. I have actually been in all 50 states. Thank you for your tour of West Virginia and your good vibes Sabbatical. I've been following you for quite awhile and this is the first time that I've made a comment to you. Safe travels!
I just started watching your international vids, and was very surprised to see you come to my state. While I do understand people wanting to see the poorer side of WV (and it's a lot of it), I wish maybe people could see some of the more populated areas. Morgantown, Huntington... etc. At the same time, then you'll run into our crippling drug problem. But the people are friendly, yes. I'm glad you didn't run into any static here.
This was a really good video. I appreciate this. The History of West Virginia is a heartbreaking one.
Terribly sad to see my uncle Matt like this. Drugs ruin lives.
He was nice and actually a very handsome man. Drugs ruin lives all over the world. Very sad.
People ruin their own lives when they choose drugs. You must take accountability for yourself and your actions.
Sure it sucks. He seems like a nice guy though. Everyone has problems.
Future tip @SabbaticalTommy never approach a strange dog with your hand over top of them. Get down to their level and put your hand under their nose🖤💛🤟✌️
Especially in Ol Dub V
Yes let em sniff ya because you're already big compared to them.
HELL NO, IF you go down to hear the dog, he can AND WILL BITE you in the face, NEVER DO THAT
@@InMyBrz if the dog senses you’re an asshole, then yeah. Also I’m not saying put your face right in the dogs face just lessen your height.
I thought the same thing😁
In 1991, I was a contracted delivery driver for an air and water filter company and I had about 18 stops all across West Virginia. No cell phones, no internet, just a paper map and a bunch of quarters for pay phones. That was not an easy trip, but I’d never seen such natural beauty. Always wanted to go back on my own time and dime. Haven’t made it yet, but with retirement approaching, I’m thinking about it.
Grew up in Greenbrier County. Live 1000 miles away now but go home every year. Leaving in 2 days and can't wait. Haven't lived there in 35 years but it'll always be home. Some of the most beautiful camping around but of course I'm a little biased. Lol
@Biomass1, it’s an absolutely gorgeous area. My own little personal paradise is the hill country of north Mississippi, because that’s where both sides of my family come from. I have a little over 100 acres there, and a year from retirement, I can’t wait to get there. I’ll tell you though, if my lineage was West Virginia, under the same circumstances, I’d consider myself fortunate. West Virginia is a stunningly beautiful place.
Harper's Ferry is very much like it was during the Civil War. It is one of the most haunted places in WV. I am a native West Virginian, born and raised in a small town close to Charleston. I presently live in KY due to a teaching position. My heart is and will always be in WV. It such a beautiful state, especially in the fall. It is a diverse state geographically. In the eastern panhandle, the dialect is more from Virginia and Pennsylvania. The language in the northern panhandle around Wheeling is more a Pennsylvania dialect. I would be surprised if China ever gets its foot in the door in WV coal or no coal. or anything else. The Hatfield- McCoy feud is slightly a ways from where you are young man. The channel the gentleman mentioned is done by a Hatield. It is Hillbilly Files and Legends. The narrator is Leo Hatfield and wow it is a great channel if you like history. His wife, Heather, does all of the research. She does an excellent job of providing accurate and up-to-date information. I have subscribed to this channel and cannot wait until they post another video. People living in the "hollers" of WV and KY will give you excellent directions. For example, "Well, you go down here until your get to this oak tree that sticks out over the road. Turn by the tree. Travel down that road. Go about 2 miles and you will see a rock. It is a big rock. You cannot mist. Now , you want to take the road on the biggest side of the rock." Believe it or not, they know how to give directions. NO! NO! NO! WV is NOT a southern state. It might be south of New York, but it is NOT a southern state. Now, the price of drinks on the back roads of WV and KY are about the same as NY. The Tug River separates WV and KY. Williamson is the home of The Hillbilly Fkes and Legends. The city has quite a history especially around the Hatfield-McCoy feud. Hope you had a great visit.
Born in Williamson
Im glad to hear you unpack the whole company town thing.
It's clear to me that what makes you a top notch vlogger is two things. You do your research, and you know how to be a good guest.
...in the first couple of minutes you can tell you haven't done simple research in the first couple of minutes.
I like where this is going. I've watched you travel all over Africa and Asia and now you're just a few miles away and it's just as fascinating.
It's a Shame that you didn't checkout out other locations in WV like Morgantown,Elkins,Weston.... You'll absolutely would fall in Love ❤❤❤❤
I've been there. Your right, it's so beautiful! He's going to the crappy places.
Born in Morgantown, my Dad was originally from Buchannon (Queens to be specific). Moved to Columbus Ohio, been all over from Montana to San Diego... what West Virginia gave me was an honest & solod work ethic. Good people. My life woulda been simpler if i wouldve stayed.
You’re always welcome home, we aren’t going anywhere. 😅
That’s funny. I moved from Columbus to Morgantown/cheat lake. Good to get out of the city.
@@citrusjelly9069 I’m not sure why, but YT decided to show me your post.
You meet some real great characters on your travels, Tommy. Even if its hard to understand a lot of the chat, the vibe really comes out. Really interesting vid, keep up the great work dude, Gav UK
Much more beautiful and friendlier than NYC. Please keep showing us America!
Unfortunately he already left overseas again
Thank you for your service to us the fans.
Here you are! Haven't seen any of your vlogs since you were out of the country.
Good to see you!
32:20 The guy is talking about how he's from New York, but moved to West Virginia after he had a stroke caused by getting hit over the head with that pipe while getting mugged. He then said he felt far safer living in West Virginia.
So would i
So he has a sentimental connection with that pipe, to keep hanging onto it?
@@stepchicken3238 It's his Wilson.
Battle of Blair Mountain this is when the US dropped bombs on the miners for wanting to get paid in currency as opposed to vouchers that could only be spent at the establishments owned by the mining companies.
West Virginia is special.. i moved to Florida 5 years ago and recently moved right back home
Lol to hot down there
Enjoying the video. My grandparents came from Mingo county. She was born in Crum. Thaks for sharing
33:33 funny you mention that. There are many houses to this day in southern WV I know of personally who’s sewage just runs into the creek or the river they build their house close to.
I’ve been watching you from Kentucky Tommy and it’s so wild to see you interacting with people that I can walk outside and meet. You should really check out hoe-down island at Natural Bride in Red River Gorge. It’s an experience you will truly not forget with some of the funnest hillbillies and rock-climbers you will ever meet. Safe travels ~
Generally speaking, anytime you are outside of cities in the U.S., you are safer than you would be in any city, as long as you stay away from from their vices. Fentanyl has become a problem everywhere. Americans are some of the nicest people in the world.
Fentanyl is not something you should be taking this drug was designed to kill addicts
i believe this to be true.
I don't feel safe out where people are uninformed about the rest of the world 🌍 theres more crime per capitia than big cities..your chances are better in the big city .
Let me take you to Ecuador. It’s basically just as friendly. At least this is why I live in Dallas now. Cuz it reminds me of Ecuadorean people. It feels like home some days.
I mean that's simply not true if you look at murder rates...
Took me 8 hrs to drive a camper out to WV. Parksberg i think it was called. Moved a librarian out there.
I laughed so hard you see a tractor supply and said they must sell tractors, and saw the storage sheds and had no idea what they were. I have never been to NY and have never had a desire. I guess if I went there I would think I was in a foreign country. Thanks for the laughter
People's ignorance doesn't have state lines. I wouldn't go to New York, if someone paid me to!!
NYC is a complete shithole.
I guess this guy is what we would call a City Slicker.
he's a city boy, thats for sure. Not much of a man
I'm from rural Virginia and live in rural New York now. They are extremely similar. I would say the rural folk up here are more "country" than the rural Virginians I grew up around actually, as there's more money down in VA. Don't confuse NY for NYC.
Imagine just strolling about your day and sabbatical is walking around filming lol
Adore the work put into all the history with your uploads. TY!
I love the sound of the creek. So soothing.
Wva Hillbilly born and raised if ya hear one of say crick it means creek fyi
Yes it is
Thanks for doing more Videos in America Tommy!
Thanks for being respectful & cordial.
I’m such a huge fan of your videos man. Thank you for teaching us a bit about American History too.
Fantastic survey of WV. I live here now - moved from CA to the New River Gorge area to retire. But you showed me the WV my Dad knew, when he spent a lot of time here in the early 1970s for Bethlehem Steel's mining operations. Kudos! ❤