I was born in Kentucky but I lived in West Virginia for 6 years and they are some of the finest people I have ever met,as a black man I love you West by God Virginia
I grew up in WV. Not a coal town like this but near similar places. The coal companies take the coal and all the profit from it and move it out of the state. That is why the state has always been so poverty stricken. They exploit the hard working people take the money and split when times got bad. The people of WV are some of the kindest and helping people you will run across.
Yea I always said if they wanted to take it outta state they should be taxed harder, or build ur plant here and avoid the tax Why politicians can't figure that out one can only guess...
Matt C I'm not sure whether to agree or hate you. I have lived in WV most of my life. The people are good and deserve better! But they have trusted the wrong people! The truth is coal is dying. And it should be it is slowly poisoning the state and country. Although it hasn't affected my life it affects many. Our state needs to retrain our coal miners for new jobs. They have suffered for us the least this country can do for them is help find these hard working men and women a new way of supporting their families
McDowell County was my home for the first 32 years of my life. It was a place of so many wonderful people. Sadly, I had to leave there 30 years ago after U.S. Steel closed its mines in Gary. I will never forget those great people and it will always be my home.
Try Venezuela on for size or maybe Greece or any one of the other failing Socialist societies of your choosing...then get back with us, tell us how Capitalism sucks...
The people are hanging onto a dream and a fantasy. It’s really sad. Coal is never coming back, but they continue to stay and believe in it. That mindset will consume you and rob you of your potential.
@@yolandaponkers1581 Burned coal creates coal ash, which is sub-categorized into three different kinds of ash: boiler slag, fly ash and bottom ash. Fly ash is versatile and economical filler used in concrete cement, sports rackets, tool handles, and a variety of plastic implements - even bowling balls. Boiler slag is a type of liquefied ash that accumulates at the base of cyclone and tap furnaces. When saturated with water; it forms crystallized, black pellets used in asphalt, roofing material and concrete. The carbonization process that coal undergoes to produce coal gas or coke also creates dark and gooey tar. Coal tar can be found in both over the counter and prescription medications meant to treat various skin conditions, specifically dandruff, eczema and mild psoriasis. Head lice also hate products containing coal tar, probably because of the strong smell and-well, scientists aren’t sure why coal tar works to relieve numerous skin problems. It just does. Foods that are artificially colored yellow or orange may contain a derivative of coal called tartrazine that gives them this appealing, sunshine-y hue. Without a coal feeder continuously providing coal to hundreds of processing plants, you might be eating bland-colored candy, puddings, corn chips and cereal. Seriously, who wants to eat corn chips that aren’t richly orange and heavily salted? Coal derivatives are also found in batteries, sugar substitutes and even baking powder. Without coal, your grandmother wouldn’t be able to freshen up her home with the smell of mothballs; nor would you be able to create a rubber band ball whenever you are bored and feeling creative at the office. So the next time you complain about the smell of your dandruff shampoo, consider how different your life would be without the versatility of coal. Stop with the stupid comments and get a better education!
I’m sorry, but it’s not a beautiful place, and that’s largely due to the fact that the residents continue to vote against their own interests. There’s a reason young people are leaving.
Matt C as bad as I hate to say it you are right!!! I have lived here almost all of my life and I love it here but rich white men have taken advantage of the people that just need money to try and keep their families together.
Born and raised in WV. I have lived in KY for almost 20 years now but WV will always be my home! Every time I cross that bridge from KY into Wild and Wonderful.... I can't help but smile and feel proud to be a WV girl.
I love to see humble, grateful people (regardless of their race) who work hard, reach out to their community, and take pride in their heritage. No matter where one stands on the issue of coal mining, I think it's difficult to ignore how these people just want a healthy, happy, thriving life, like we all do. They don't deserve to be reduced to a stereotype or an uneducated troglodyte, as they're sometimes portrayed. Thank you, NYT, for this peek into the fissures of a forgotten town; it's a beautifully human story.
Oh man I didn't need to cry this early in the morning. As one of the "youngins" that "got educated" and now has the opportunity to live anywhere in the world doing what I do, the words at the end about WV always being home is so true. My roots are here.
Wonderful mini doc. Moved here with my kids not long ago as it was an affordable place for the 3 of us and what a wonderful, supportive community. If you're happy with the simple things in life and want to contribute positively to a community, this is the place to be!
I was born and raised in McDowell County. When I go back its always a sense of home. My mother has to move to Columbis Ohio when I was a child, due to better survival. It is a beautiful place and needs to be restored. Whenever I go back to visit it's always a warm feeling.
We are good ppl !! We welcome anyone in and want you to sit and have something good to eat, a cold drink, good conversation , and maybe a shot of good shine. I personally have never met a stranger!!
As a kid I was raised up in Mac Dowell County as we say it, I was probably around 8 and went down to stay a week with family in Roanoke, these kids had everything, dirt bikes and played sports, their parents gave the money to go down to the local 7/11 and get a Slurpee sometimes more than once a day, to me they were rich, but the only time they spoke to their parent was to ask for money. I thought they got everything and at the same time they got nothing. I am Blessed to live here, I have cried with neighbors and they have cried with me over the death of loved ones. I have cut their yards when they couldn’t and snuck food to their houses when they didn’t have any and I know they’d do the same for me. I have begged God to help in my prayers and again I have no doubt they’d pray for me. I’d grab a shot gun and defend them with my life if I have to. I look at the big places where folks don’t know the people that live beside them and they have pretty house and fancy cars, but their shirts ain’t ever Been soaked by their neighbors tears and still I think them folks got everything and nothing at the same time.
I was born and raised in St. Louis, MO, but my mom was born and raised in Keyser, WV (Mineral County). Most of my extended family still lives in that area. Growing up, our summer vacations were spent visiting my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins... I have ALWAYS felt like my heart belongs in WV. It’s nothing I can explain, but it’s a place I miss, a place I long for, and a place I feel like I belong. It’s like the lady in the end said about the roots and the mountains... my heart will always belong to those mountains.
I have lived in WV all of my life. Sadly, after serving in the military, my son could not find a job here to support his family & he left WV. What I find truly marvelous, is when I am traveling in other states in the USA & of course, proudly wearing a WV shirt or hat...I find it A M A Z I N G..how others will come up to me & say they're from WV too, SO excited & glad to see me. They'll ask what part, where? It's like we all, of course, know each other, & they are so happy they have found a long, lost dear friend..... (though they really do not know me). If they have been away from WV for years, they still speak very fondly of WEST VIRGINIA. There is a BOND between fellow-West Virginians like NO other.
That is so true. I lived in Hawaii when I was 20 and moved back here for 4 years then moved to VA for two in about 93 we moved to NC. Every time I saw a WV shirt or hat I had to stop them and talk. I lived back here to WV in 2019 to take care of my mother and our family home. It's great to be back with the people I love.
I am a hop, skip and a jump from here, living in Eastern Kentucky. Everything I saw in this video is JUST LIKE it is here. Love these old mountains, and I will never leave 'em!
Grew up in a holler in Coal City WV. On a piece of land four generations of our family had lived on and tended. When I was young all I could wonder was what was out there in the cities. I grew up, left, got married. And all I long for now is my home in the mountains. There’s no where in the world like those mountains. God bless my people.
Some of the nicest ppl I ever met... always was super nice to me...while I worked there..building the fiber opticsystem.phone cable n internet...Welch wv...GOD BLESS ALL PPL HERE
I’m from Michigan, but my great-grandmother is from Harrison County! I would love to explore my roots further and meet some of the amazing, warm-hearted people in West Virginia! Sending WV love from Michigan! ❤️
spent two weeks in the WV mountains recently. never thought i’d visit there but my husbands work took him to Huntington WV. I left a part of my heart there. Those mountains are stunning. Truly a wonderful place. May God bless West Virginia and the people there. Esp Huntington.
She’s right, those mountains are still in my spirit. I grew up in Logan. Loved my childhood there. Moved to Fort Lauderdale long ago, but the stories and fun I will never forget.
I go down to McDowell County every summer to work on renovating houses of low-income families- and every single person I have met has been nothing but absolutely amazing to me. I love West Virginia and am proud to be from this state. So, so much.
Kyia McGill-After seeing this lovely video, it made me wish that we could visit/live there...🙃 I bet that if we did live there in that county, I would be able to AFFORD MY OWN HOUSE! (Sorry for caps). But where would I work?🤔 Maybe that would be a nice county to retire to? 🤔mm
Matthew Beaver Lol. And your xenophobia is one of the major reasons West Virginia sucks. People here are terrified of what they’re unfamiliar with. They don’t understand something, and it makes them angry instead of inquisitive.
@@yolandaponkers1581 no phobia here, I know and care for many people of many different cultures and backgrounds...and what I do understand is that this is a REAL problem, Ive met many myself (not that I had personal issue with them) all I'm saying is that it needs to be done the right way. And we all know that is not the case, and it gets worse by the day (Illegals can be of any culture fyi)
I was born Sept. 11, 1947 in Anawalt, W.VA. My Dad worked at Gary #14; at the age of two we moved to Mudfork (Tazewell Co., VA. to a farm my Dad owned next to my Grandpa Sluss. My dad worked at Gary until he retired in 1962. In 1966 I joined the Army and never returned to Mudfork (Tazewell Co.) other than family visits, church homecomings and high school reunions. West Virginia is a beautiful state and we love visiting there and exploring its history.
West Virginia proud!!! Born and raised! We love our beautiful state. I’ve moved to Arizona for 5 years when I graduated school. I came right back home. Love my beautiful West Virginia! There’s no place like it! The people are proud & kind.
As a West Virginian living in Japan, I want to thank you for this video. I can't agree more with what the woman at the end said about the hills always being your home. It might sound trite or overplayed, but goddamn if it ain't true!
Joel Rogness me too! And I actually detest their print form and the articles therein and political games but I've been awfully impressed with their short docs on RUclips.
My parents and their family are all from West Va. My relatives still live out there and my 2 Aunts and my parents moved away. However, my parents always went back to see the family and visit the area they grew up in. Its sad to see but the memories will always be in their hearts.
Born and raised in West Virginia and yes left for school and ended up in Central KY and never went back to live but love my time I get to come home and spend time with my family. The people are amazing. Yes if you are from West Virginia it is always Home!
As a West Virginian who grew up here - I think we need to throw a bunch of money into education and incentives that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. It's change or die.
Brittany Ratcliff that’s cool and all but, I am currently in the West Virginia school system, and the kids don’t want to learn. The extra money would be wasted. In our county recently, kids were given laptops to increase economic opportunity. Instead of using these for education, kids used them to play games, or just broke them on purpose to be funny. I do not know what the best solution to our plight is, but I do not think that pouring money into the schools is the way to fix the states problems
@@justinwilliams7181 As a Doddridge County Student, I disagree. Pouring money into our county's education system has changed our county significantly. The schools are providing families with meals and support they need as well as providing high school students with opportunities to learn about different careers and colleges they may want to pursue.
Ella, I am aware of these systems and agree with you that they are beneficial. But this is a system that we already have. The statement “pour more money into our school system” implies that there will be more thing, I think that our money would be better spent on our infrastructure than our educational system.
Sirus fan If you would've read my sentence correctly, you would've realized that my statement was past tense. I did not say to pour MORE money into education but there are certainly some areas that lack. Doddridge has risen from a poor county that was unable to provide to children to a wealthy county that is able to provide to families & children in need through the education system. The money did come with a cost, which was basically selling the county to oil and gas and ruining the beautiful habitat that God created, but without some sacrifices there will be no change. I do, however, do not disagree that West Virginia is in need of infrastructure.
I Was born and raised in WV. I grew up in a little town called Dallas, WV. Left when I was 17 and returned when I was 22. West Virginia is home and there's no better place I'd want to be.
I’m from Parsons, WV. As most of you know a very small town. I am 22 now living in Virginia in the DMV area. When that lady stated she couldn’t wait to leave and she was gone many years but continued to talk about our roots, I really felt that. After leaving the Army I still didn’t want to return home. But the mountains still call my name and I hope one day I can find the route to answer back, especially financially wise considering the poor economy there.
I was born and raised a West Virginian...it's tougher to stay everyday. It breaks my heart that our good hearted and hard working people don't have work, we are the greatest resource of the state. I see our government drive taxes up and jobs out....tragic so opiods are what they despondant are left with.... instead of hope for a bright future.
My mother has told me several times during my life that West Virginia is the most beautiful place she’s ever been but the poorest too. She said some of the best people she ever met were in WV.
There are deep coal miners and there are mountain top strip miners. If you want to see WV stop/shop at Tamarack in Beckley. If you want to hear WV, check out Mountain Stage, on WV public radio. If you want to taste WV order a hotdog with chili+slaw+mustard&onions. If you want to smell WV, look for a chimney burning coal, very rare now.
But they support each other,... Any one of those deep miners of old would gladly hire on as a stripper or mountain top removal job. That has been part of the problem from the beginning. The mine owners/stock share owners create competition for jobs. Looks to me if the union was legit things would even out.... Instead of two men making 400000 a year , there could be 8 men/women making 50000 a year... The system is set up to fail but not before the top people make more money than they or their descendents could ever use. That has is capitalism CORRUPTED. Everyone one knows it. It is to the credit of the Appalachians that they have suffered this Wall street injustice since the early pioneers. The good ol boy and girl network of kickbacks,et al, is tolerated by the long oppressed for the sake of some peace!!! To treat mother earth in a sacred manner is understood by our indigenous ancestors. The attempted genocide of the American natives is at the crux of understanding the only just remedy:make amends. Open up the books of dirty dealings that were done and go from there. These large blocks of land that were gotten too often by deception/lies need to be returned to the people . Figure it out.
I'm from Williamson my father was a truck driver and he used to go to Welch all the time I love West Virginia to but there's nothing there and you have to live God bless West Virginia . They are some of my best memories of a child and some of my worst
As a backpacker and being born and raised in West Virginia 33 years now and counting. The mountains are beautiful. Get out there able bodies. Do some hikes. Backpacking. The ones out there. You know what i mean
My mother was raised in McDowell county WV & we lived there off & on throughout my childhood. It was TRULY "Almost Heaven" ... I've never missed any place MORE. My hubby was born there, he grew up in Fayette County where we lived for the 1st seven yrs of our marriage. We had to leave bc of my health, ALL of my transplant specialist were in Columbus OH. If not for my health we would still be there if it were up to me. We still support "Big Creek" monthly & pray for their regrowth daily ... plz pray for the good people of McDowell County. ✨🙏✨
All those people and not a single one uttered those nasty words “Government should do this or that for us”. That’s what America is build it with Family and Neighbors.
I would love to go to West Virginia. The state looks beautiful and there has to be something that can be done with it, some type of tourism or economic opportunity.
There are quite a few tourist attractions here. Tucker County is a magnificent place, if you want to take in the true beauty of the mountains. There’s also a ski resort there. The other one is Snowshoe Mountain. It looks like a European village up there. I live in Elkins, and we have a train depot that provides an amazing ride through the state in a restored train. They stay booked many, many months in advance. However, there are a million other places here that aren’t so fortunate. Also, the drug crisis is really tearing us down.
I'm a WV girl...love my state, but not so much the corruption, drug epidemic, & crooked politicians. Minus that it's a beautiful place. I live near Harpers Ferry and about an hour from Washington DC ♡ It's sad seeing documentary like this...times are always changing. I love to leave this state, but love coming home even more so.
Best of luck and much love to West Virginia. Your state is beautiful and amazing, yet as energy demands change, I fear for the industry of WV. Good luck to all you great people!
From McDowell and proud of it, sad to see what it's come to I live the next county over now, many people have left the county unfortunately but you have to cause it's so poverty ridden down there but I have much love for it down there.
I lived in Mercer, and was always amazed at the horrendous condition of McDowell when we had to drive out that way. I am glad you got out. Keep your good memories, but remember that it’s best viewed at a distance.
Born and raised in Moundsville, WV (about 20min south of Wheeling). I've lived in South Carolina, Georgia, Kansas, and Ohio. I come back to Moundsville every time. 😊
I was raised in Wood County and still here. No matter what, West Virginia is home. Great people. Beautiful scenery. It is being destroyed by poor economic growth, drugs, etc. I do what I can to make everyone from this great state proud.
I just took a 3week trip all over the southwest and visited the Grand Canyon, Zion etc., etc. I expected to go out there and not want to come back. The opposite happened. I have a renewed appreciation for the outdoors here now. I’ve been going to the new river gorge or Babcock or Some park and hiking every weekend now and appreciating it more than ever.
Almost Heaven! I've lived many places but no where has ever been as beautiful or peaceful as West Virginia. And the people are truly something special. Hawaii may be the only other state where the residents treat each other as family. There is a reason it's called almost Heaven. 🖤😊
My family is from Webster and they have about the same thing happening to them like McDowell. My Grandpa used to tell.stories of what a prosperous.town Webster was back in the 1920's when he was a young man. It's a gorgeous place and I wanted to live there, but no work. Almost all of my cousins had to move away because of the lack of jobs. I wish the lawmakers could get together and come up with a plan for jobs, so that everyone could move back if they wanted to!! There is no place on Earth like West Va; gorgeous scenery and friendly, loving people!!
I live in West Virginia and I’m 20. It’s a gorgeous place to live, but you gotta realize that we got ourselves in a hole. We never grew with the times. In two years I’ll have my degree and in 4 I’ll probably go somewhere new. The reason why young people leave is because there’s no opportunity here. The streets are littered with drugs and crime because the only young people who stay are the one’s who are trapped financially, educationally, or by addiction. Nobody wants to stay here. The older generations like to blame us for the current situation here but we’re just making due with what we’ve been given. There’s not even homes to buy anymore that haven’t been utterly destroyed.
I am from MARTINSBURG WEST VIRGINIA, but I was locked up at Mount OLIVE prison and I was at the( BETTY SLAYTON WORK CAMP ) for almost a year until I went to the Charleston Work Release Program, but anyways I did alot of road crew details in that county. Beautiful place for sure.
I live in Berkeley County, but I've visited McDowell County a good few times traveling around the state. McDowell has a charm to it that other places in the state don't have.
Over the past 12 years I have ridden my motorcycle all over WV thousands of miles I never met a person that I didn't have a great time talking with you have a beautiful state
I was born in Kentucky but I lived in West Virginia for 6 years and they are some of the finest people I have ever met,as a black man I love you West by God Virginia
Thank you . God bless .
We love U!
@@tammywines9789 good morning Tammy
@@kenbroo7305 God bless and good morning sweety.
I can't wait to move back to west virginia , probably around oak hill or weirton
I have lived in West Virginia all my life moved out of state once or twice but the mountains calls me back home I'm very proud to be from here
Ever been to Preston County?
Same
Oh honey, i feel sad for you that you've only been out of WV a few times. It's a wonderful place, but traveling does a soul good!
Hi, Melinda!
Poppy Bell I have traveled to other places and lived in some but the wva mountains is my home and I’m proud to be from here
I grew up in WV. Not a coal town like this but near similar places.
The coal companies take the coal and all the profit from it and move it out of the state. That is why the state has always been so poverty stricken.
They exploit the hard working people take the money and split when times got bad.
The people of WV are some of the kindest and helping people you will run across.
And to think there are ex miners who would love for them to return.
@James Zachary I wouldnt say that since trump came in office I can name 5 mines just in my area that have opened
Yea I always said if they wanted to take it outta state they should be taxed harder, or build ur plant here and avoid the tax
Why politicians can't figure that out one can only guess...
Dhproductions 👍
@@matthewbeaver5026 The flipside of those policies is that you get fewer mines and lower wages
Very proud to be from and live in West Virginia💛💙
I’m not. I’m not at all. It’s a horrible, horrible place, and it makes me sad because a lot of the people are good and deserve better.
TheMrscrawford09 I am proud to be from WV also!
Matt C I'm not sure whether to agree or hate you. I have lived in WV most of my life. The people are good and deserve better! But they have trusted the wrong people! The truth is coal is dying. And it should be it is slowly poisoning the state and country. Although it hasn't affected my life it affects many. Our state needs to retrain our coal miners for new jobs. They have suffered for us the least this country can do for them is help find these hard working men and women a new way of supporting their families
Proud to be from WV and proud to be a mountaineer for my whole life
so much love for wv in these comments. makes my heart warm seeing many others enjoying this state
It's so beautiful and based on the comments the love is wonderful I would love to live here ..
McDowell County was my home for the first 32 years of my life. It was a place of so many wonderful people. Sadly, I had to leave there 30 years ago after U.S. Steel closed its mines in Gary. I will never forget those great people and it will always be my home.
Capitalism sucks!
no hassle no sir, it does not.
Try Venezuela on for size or maybe Greece or any one of the other failing Socialist societies of your choosing...then get back with us, tell us how Capitalism sucks...
its more globalism, then capitalism, just dont buy chinese products
BUY LOCAL PRODUCT, DOMESTIC PRODUCT
...he commented online on his Chinese-made electronic device.
The love, loyalty, and long suffering of West Virginians for their home is unique and not commonly found in other states
It is sociologically considered a third world country.
The people are hanging onto a dream and a fantasy. It’s really sad. Coal is never coming back, but they continue to stay and believe in it. That mindset will consume you and rob you of your potential.
Suffering for their homes lol.
WV
@@yolandaponkers1581 Burned coal creates coal ash, which is sub-categorized into three different kinds of ash: boiler slag, fly ash and bottom ash. Fly ash is versatile and economical filler used in concrete cement, sports rackets, tool handles, and a variety of plastic implements - even bowling balls. Boiler slag is a type of liquefied ash that accumulates at the base of cyclone and tap furnaces. When saturated with water; it forms crystallized, black pellets used in asphalt, roofing material and concrete.
The carbonization process that coal undergoes to produce coal gas or coke also creates dark and gooey tar. Coal tar can be found in both over the counter and prescription medications meant to treat various skin conditions, specifically dandruff, eczema and mild psoriasis. Head lice also hate products containing coal tar, probably because of the strong smell and-well, scientists aren’t sure why coal tar works to relieve numerous skin problems. It just does.
Foods that are artificially colored yellow or orange may contain a derivative of coal called tartrazine that gives them this appealing, sunshine-y hue. Without a coal feeder continuously providing coal to hundreds of processing plants, you might be eating bland-colored candy, puddings, corn chips and cereal. Seriously, who wants to eat corn chips that aren’t richly orange and heavily salted?
Coal derivatives are also found in batteries, sugar substitutes and even baking powder. Without coal, your grandmother wouldn’t be able to freshen up her home with the smell of mothballs; nor would you be able to create a rubber band ball whenever you are bored and feeling creative at the office. So the next time you complain about the smell of your dandruff shampoo, consider how different your life would be without the versatility of coal.
Stop with the stupid comments and get a better education!
Love the veteran's smile in the las shot!! Thank you sir!!
Most beautiful place and most beautiful people in this country ❤❤❤ Great mini documentary. I hope to see WV flourish again in my lifetime
Brittany Christine you will have to live 30 more life times...because that racist State will never rise again...good riddance!
@@garryjoseph5837 yup.
Beautiful land that the ignorant people allowed to get poisoned for factories, like Dupont, paying folks ten dollars an hour.
I’m sorry, but it’s not a beautiful place, and that’s largely due to the fact that the residents continue to vote against their own interests. There’s a reason young people are leaving.
Matt C as bad as I hate to say it you are right!!! I have lived here almost all of my life and I love it here but rich white men have taken advantage of the people that just need money to try and keep their families together.
Born and raised in WV. I have lived in KY for almost 20 years now but WV will always be my home! Every time I cross that bridge from KY into Wild and Wonderful.... I can't help but smile and feel proud to be a WV girl.
I love to see humble, grateful people (regardless of their race) who work hard, reach out to their community, and take pride in their heritage. No matter where one stands on the issue of coal mining, I think it's difficult to ignore how these people just want a healthy, happy, thriving life, like we all do. They don't deserve to be reduced to a stereotype or an uneducated troglodyte, as they're sometimes portrayed. Thank you, NYT, for this peek into the fissures of a forgotten town; it's a beautifully human story.
Funny you felt the need to add the caveat “(regardless of race)”...as if that shouldn’t be a given.
Mia DoubleZeroSeven But it’s not. Someone would have said it.
@@007mia7 Yes, only because people constantly make it an issue. It has never been an issue for me. Sad that the caveat is needed.
"big john" and "16 tons" were right
I would love to live here were I live my spirit is dead ..
Oh man I didn't need to cry this early in the morning. As one of the "youngins" that "got educated" and now has the opportunity to live anywhere in the world doing what I do, the words at the end about WV always being home is so true. My roots are here.
Wonderful mini doc. Moved here with my kids not long ago as it was an affordable place for the 3 of us and what a wonderful, supportive community. If you're happy with the simple things in life and want to contribute positively to a community, this is the place to be!
I was born in McDowell County in Stevens Clinic hospital almost 71 years ago.
I’m sure it was a much nicer place then. I’ve seen photos of Welch and surrounding areas from the forties and fifties, and it breaks my heart.
I was born in Stevens Clinic Hospital 45 years ago, Linda!
I left 32 years ago and I have never been the same. I miss it so much.
I was born and raised in McDowell County. When I go back its always a sense of home. My mother has to move to Columbis Ohio when I was a child, due to better survival. It is a beautiful place and needs to be restored. Whenever I go back to visit it's always a warm feeling.
Me too!
My heart is always here. I love my state but it is getting harder to make it here.
My ex in laws are from West Virginia and they are one of the most kindest and caring people that I have ever known! Wow I miss them.
Watching this video makes my heart hurt. I moved away from Southern WV about 20 years ago but it is still my home.
It's really beautiful there in the nature. All that lush greenery. The people seem very friendly too.
ZOLTAR we are :)
Tru Hill yes we are!!
We are :)
Jeffrey Scott yes they are
We are good ppl !! We welcome anyone in and want you to sit and have something good to eat, a cold drink, good conversation , and maybe a shot of good shine. I personally have never met a stranger!!
As a kid I was raised up in Mac Dowell County as we say it, I was probably around 8 and went down to stay a week with family in Roanoke, these kids had everything, dirt bikes and played sports, their parents gave the money to go down to the local 7/11 and get a Slurpee sometimes more than once a day, to me they were rich, but the only time they spoke to their parent was to ask for money. I thought they got everything and at the same time they got nothing. I am Blessed to live here, I have cried with neighbors and they have cried with me over the death of loved ones. I have cut their yards when they couldn’t and snuck food to their houses when they didn’t have any and I know they’d do the same for me. I have begged God to help in my prayers and again I have no doubt they’d pray for me. I’d grab a shot gun and defend them with my life if I have to. I look at the big places where folks don’t know the people that live beside them and they have pretty house and fancy cars, but their shirts ain’t ever Been soaked by their neighbors tears and still I think them folks got everything and nothing at the same time.
I was born and raised in St. Louis, MO, but my mom was born and raised in Keyser, WV (Mineral County). Most of my extended family still lives in that area. Growing up, our summer vacations were spent visiting my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins... I have ALWAYS felt like my heart belongs in WV. It’s nothing I can explain, but it’s a place I miss, a place I long for, and a place I feel like I belong. It’s like the lady in the end said about the roots and the mountains... my heart will always belong to those mountains.
May God bless these people. True American values and the backbone of this country.
Amen 🙏
The backbone of our country is addicted to heroin and meth
I have lived in WV all of my life. Sadly, after serving in the military, my son could not find a job here to support his family & he left WV. What I find truly marvelous, is when I am traveling in other states in the USA & of course, proudly wearing a WV shirt or hat...I find it A M A Z I N G..how others will come up to me & say they're from WV too, SO excited & glad to see me. They'll ask what part, where? It's like we all, of course, know each other, & they are so happy they have found a long, lost dear friend..... (though they really do not know me). If they have been away from WV for years, they still speak very fondly of WEST VIRGINIA. There is a BOND between fellow-West Virginians like NO other.
Are you related to them Millers from Preston County?
That is so true. I lived in Hawaii when I was 20 and moved back here for 4 years then moved to VA for two in about 93 we moved to NC. Every time I saw a WV shirt or hat I had to stop them and talk. I lived back here to WV in 2019 to take care of my mother and our family home. It's great to be back with the people I love.
To my fellow West Virginians, bless you all, never give up👍
I am a hop, skip and a jump from here, living in Eastern Kentucky. Everything I saw in this video is JUST LIKE it is here. Love these old mountains, and I will never leave 'em!
Grew up in a holler in Coal City WV. On a piece of land four generations of our family had lived on and tended. When I was young all I could wonder was what was out there in the cities. I grew up, left, got married. And all I long for now is my home in the mountains. There’s no where in the world like those mountains. God bless my people.
My heart will always be in West Virginia. Montain Momma take me home country roads
That's Right! :)
You still around here cutie?
Good song.
Where'd you grow up in good ol' West Virginia?
Some of the nicest ppl I ever met... always was super nice to me...while I worked there..building the fiber opticsystem.phone cable n internet...Welch wv...GOD BLESS ALL PPL HERE
I’m from Michigan, but my great-grandmother is from Harrison County! I would love to explore my roots further and meet some of the amazing, warm-hearted people in West Virginia! Sending WV love from Michigan! ❤️
spent two weeks in the WV mountains recently. never thought i’d visit there but my husbands work took him to Huntington WV. I left a part of my heart there. Those mountains are stunning. Truly a wonderful place. May God bless West Virginia and the people there. Esp Huntington.
It's definitely pretty and that's about it.
She’s right, those mountains are still in my spirit. I grew up in Logan. Loved my childhood there. Moved to Fort Lauderdale long ago, but the stories and fun I will never forget.
Me too.
I go down to McDowell County every summer to work on renovating houses of low-income families- and every single person I have met has been nothing but absolutely amazing to me. I love West Virginia and am proud to be from this state. So, so much.
Kyia McGill-After seeing this lovely video, it made me wish that we could visit/live there...🙃 I bet that if we did live there in that county, I would be able to AFFORD MY OWN HOUSE! (Sorry for caps). But where would I work?🤔 Maybe that would be a nice county to retire to? 🤔mm
Love my state and the true West Virginians. We are strong, kind people. 💛💙
That sweet little bird! And how sweetly he greeted it.
I LIVE IN WV AND LOVE IT. KEEP UP YOUR PRIDE.
Miss wonderful West Virginia. Sadly had to move to Florida several years ago but heart is wild and free
Florida is a much, much better place to be. Trust me. Hang onto the good feeling about WV, but remember that it is best admired from afar.
Enjoy your hurricanes, I wouldn't wanna deal with natural disasters....yearly
Not to mention illegals, tho they have made their way here also....
Matthew Beaver Lol. And your xenophobia is one of the major reasons West Virginia sucks. People here are terrified of what they’re unfamiliar with. They don’t understand something, and it makes them angry instead of inquisitive.
@@yolandaponkers1581 no phobia here, I know and care for many people of many different cultures and backgrounds...and what I do understand is that this is a REAL problem, Ive met many myself (not that I had personal issue with them) all I'm saying is that it needs to be done the right way. And we all know that is not the case, and it gets worse by the day
(Illegals can be of any culture fyi)
I was born Sept. 11, 1947 in Anawalt, W.VA. My Dad worked at Gary #14; at the age of two we moved to Mudfork (Tazewell Co., VA. to a farm my Dad owned next to my Grandpa Sluss. My dad worked at Gary until he retired in 1962. In 1966 I joined the Army and never returned to Mudfork (Tazewell Co.) other than family visits, church homecomings and high school reunions. West Virginia is a beautiful state and we love visiting there and exploring its history.
West Virginia proud!!! Born and raised! We love our beautiful state. I’ve moved to Arizona for 5 years when I graduated school. I came right back home. Love my beautiful West Virginia! There’s no place like it! The people are proud & kind.
As a West Virginian living in Japan, I want to thank you for this video. I can't agree more with what the woman at the end said about the hills always being your home. It might sound trite or overplayed, but goddamn if it ain't true!
Born in WV. Grandparents from Calhoun County. This is beautiful. One day I'll be going back ❤
These videos by the NYT are some of my favorites. Keep them coming. Great Op-doc
No matter the topic, I always enjoy the Op-Doc videos from the NYTimes. Thanks.
Joel Rogness me too! And I actually detest their print form and the articles therein and political games but I've been awfully impressed with their short docs on RUclips.
I'm from War West VA..one of the Best places to raise kids but it's dieing out. HOME SWEET HOME. IM PROUD TO BE A COUNTRY GIRL FROM WVA.
The hills an hollars are part of everyone's soul that had to move out to find jobs. One day I also hope an pray to return to my beloved WVa!!
Love it! Live in NorCal but the Northern Panhandle will always be part of me :)
John, you're makin' me homesick😢!
@@CJ_7519 If you're from WV you know what I mean!
@@johntoothman4888, of course!
@@CJ_7519 NO place like hills!!
My parents and their family are all from West Va. My relatives still live out there and my 2 Aunts and my parents moved away. However, my parents always went back to see the family and visit the area they grew up in. Its sad to see but the memories will always be in their hearts.
Born and raised in West Virginia and yes left for school and ended up in Central KY and never went back to live but love my time I get to come home and spend time with my family. The people are amazing. Yes if you are from West Virginia it is always Home!
Born and raised in Mingo County WV, this will forever be my home.
Born and raised in good ol Huntington, West Virginia 💚💚💚 now I’m raising my two children here as well. Lots of love 💕
West Virginia is home, born and raised in Lesage. My grandpa worked the mines around Logan County. I've even used WV a good bit in my novels.
As a West Virginian who grew up here - I think we need to throw a bunch of money into education and incentives that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. It's change or die.
Brittany Ratcliff that’s cool and all but, I am currently in the West Virginia school system, and the kids don’t want to learn. The extra money would be wasted. In our county recently, kids were given laptops to increase economic opportunity. Instead of using these for education, kids used them to play games, or just broke them on purpose to be funny. I do not know what the best solution to our plight is, but I do not think that pouring money into the schools is the way to fix the states problems
@@justinwilliams7181 As a Doddridge County Student, I disagree. Pouring money into our county's education system has changed our county significantly. The schools are providing families with meals and support they need as well as providing high school students with opportunities to learn about different careers and colleges they may want to pursue.
Ella, I am aware of these systems and agree with you that they are beneficial. But this is a system that we already have. The statement “pour more money into our school system” implies that there will be more thing, I think that our money would be better spent on our infrastructure than our educational system.
I’ve lived in WV for 57 years that’s the hardest thing for the people of these hills to do is Change
Sirus fan If you would've read my sentence correctly, you would've realized that my statement was past tense. I did not say to pour MORE money into education but there are certainly some areas that lack. Doddridge has risen from a poor county that was unable to provide to children to a wealthy county that is able to provide to families & children in need through the education system. The money did come with a cost, which was basically selling the county to oil and gas and ruining the beautiful habitat that God created, but without some sacrifices there will be no change. I do, however, do not disagree that West Virginia is in need of infrastructure.
That veteran at the end and his smile! /sweet.
Excellent video! I'm living in LA, but I'm from Zebulon, NC (Johnston County). This op-ed made me miss home... and the south.
I have lived in Ohio for 23 years .However, Keyser WV where I was raised will always be my home . God bless the people of West Virginia.
McDowell County is heavy on our hearts.
I Was born and raised in WV. I grew up in a little town called Dallas, WV. Left when I was 17 and returned when I was 22. West Virginia is home and there's no better place I'd want to be.
I’m from Parsons, WV. As most of you know a very small town. I am 22 now living in Virginia in the DMV area. When that lady stated she couldn’t wait to leave and she was gone many years but continued to talk about our roots, I really felt that. After leaving the Army I still didn’t want to return home. But the mountains still call my name and I hope one day I can find the route to answer back, especially financially wise considering the poor economy there.
Thank you for your service sir.
I was born and raised a West Virginian...it's tougher to stay everyday. It breaks my heart that our good hearted and hard working people don't have work, we are the greatest resource of the state. I see our government drive taxes up and jobs out....tragic so opiods are what they despondant are left with.... instead of hope for a bright future.
It’s a shame isn’t it, if only there were more jobs here it wouldn’t be so bad.
My mother has told me several times during my life that West Virginia is the most beautiful place she’s ever been but the poorest too. She said some of the best people she ever met were in WV.
Born and raised in southern West Virginia and McDowell county will forever be my home.
My father was born and raised in McDowell Co. In North Fork. Up in a hollow.
There are deep coal miners and there are mountain top strip miners.
If you want to see WV stop/shop at Tamarack in Beckley.
If you want to hear WV, check out Mountain Stage, on WV public radio.
If you want to taste WV order a hotdog with chili+slaw+mustard&onions.
If you want to smell WV, look for a chimney burning coal, very rare now.
Not all surface mining is removing mountain tops.
Big Bill O'Reilly a lot of nations disagree
But they support each other,... Any one of those deep miners of old would gladly hire on as a stripper or mountain top removal job. That has been part of the problem from the beginning. The mine owners/stock share owners create competition for jobs.
Looks to me if the union was legit things would even out.... Instead of two men making 400000 a year , there could be 8 men/women making 50000 a year... The system is set up to fail but not before the top people make more money than they or their descendents could ever use. That has is capitalism CORRUPTED. Everyone one knows it. It is to the credit of the Appalachians that they have suffered this Wall street injustice since the early pioneers. The good ol boy and girl network of kickbacks,et al, is tolerated by the long oppressed for the sake of some peace!!!
To treat mother earth in a sacred manner is understood by our indigenous ancestors.
The attempted genocide of the American natives is at the crux of understanding the only just remedy:make amends. Open up the books of dirty dealings that were done and go from there. These large blocks of land that were gotten too often by deception/lies need to be returned to the people . Figure it out.
Carl adams if it's on the surface, isn't that the top? Water and overburden still flow downhill. It goes somewhere, no?
I am not sure what you mean.
I love it, Edward, and though
I'm from Williamson my father was a truck driver and he used to go to Welch all the time I love West Virginia to but there's nothing there and you have to live God bless West Virginia . They are some of my best memories of a child and some of my worst
Mountain Mama...
I LIVE IN WV AND LOVE. KEEP UP THE PRIDE.
As a backpacker and being born and raised in West Virginia 33 years now and counting. The mountains are beautiful. Get out there able bodies. Do some hikes. Backpacking. The ones out there. You know what i mean
wonderful, i wish these folks all the luck in the world
West Virginia's has my Heart Wild and Wonderful.
My mother was raised in McDowell county WV & we lived there off & on throughout my childhood. It was TRULY "Almost Heaven" ... I've never missed any place MORE. My hubby was born there, he grew up in Fayette County where we lived for the 1st seven yrs of our marriage. We had to leave bc of my health, ALL of my transplant specialist were in Columbus OH. If not for my health we would still be there if it were up to me. We still support "Big Creek" monthly & pray for their regrowth daily ... plz pray for the good people of McDowell County. ✨🙏✨
All those people and not a single one uttered those nasty words “Government should do this or that for us”.
That’s what America is build it with Family and Neighbors.
I love and always will love West Virginia. I've been all over the country and parts of the world and there's no comparison.
I would love to go to West Virginia. The state looks beautiful and there has to be something that can be done with it, some type of tourism or economic opportunity.
Hi from WV. It is beautiful here! And many of us are working on it; people are realizing we have to change or die.
As for tourism - yep, worth a visit
There are quite a few tourist attractions here. Tucker County is a magnificent place, if you want to take in the true beauty of the mountains. There’s also a ski resort there. The other one is Snowshoe Mountain. It looks like a European village up there. I live in Elkins, and we have a train depot that provides an amazing ride through the state in a restored train. They stay booked many, many months in advance. However, there are a million other places here that aren’t so fortunate. Also, the drug crisis is really tearing us down.
Me too 😊
I'm a WV girl...love my state, but not so much the corruption, drug epidemic, & crooked politicians. Minus that it's a beautiful place. I live near Harpers Ferry and about an hour from Washington DC ♡ It's sad seeing documentary like this...times are always changing. I love to leave this state, but love coming home even more so.
Tara Elizabeth White I thought you was in Denver glad to see your back home
Who else is from WV
Right here✋🏿! Born and raised in McDowell County!
Randolph County, born and raised
@@guitarguru.3572, right on👊!
Almost moved to W.V. Beautiful place. Made friends there.
Best of luck and much love to West Virginia. Your state is beautiful and amazing, yet as energy demands change, I fear for the industry of WV. Good luck to all you great people!
That made me cry!!!
From McDowell and proud of it, sad to see what it's come to I live the next county over now, many people have left the county unfortunately but you have to cause it's so poverty ridden down there but I have much love for it down there.
kameron stout How is the school system there?
I lived in Mercer, and was always amazed at the horrendous condition of McDowell when we had to drive out that way. I am glad you got out. Keep your good memories, but remember that it’s best viewed at a distance.
Home is where the heart is
that Veteran @ the end....thumbs up Sir !!!
1FM
Lake George, NY
From what I see I LOVE IT! I'm from Kalamazoo MI!
Born and raised in Moundsville, WV (about 20min south of Wheeling). I've lived in South Carolina, Georgia, Kansas, and Ohio. I come back to Moundsville every time. 😊
I was raised in Wood County and still here. No matter what, West Virginia is home. Great people. Beautiful scenery. It is being destroyed by poor economic growth, drugs, etc. I do what I can to make everyone from this great state proud.
I just took a 3week trip all over the southwest and visited the Grand Canyon, Zion etc., etc. I expected to go out there and not want to come back. The opposite happened. I have a renewed appreciation for the outdoors here now. I’ve been going to the new river gorge or Babcock or Some park and hiking every weekend now and appreciating it more than ever.
Almost Heaven! I've lived many places but no where has ever been as beautiful or peaceful as West Virginia. And the people are truly something special. Hawaii may be the only other state where the residents treat each other as family. There is a reason it's called almost Heaven. 🖤😊
I was born in wayne West Virginia and was raised there. Best times of my life.
I live in WV 💙 grew up in Logan
I was born in the old Logan hospital
Neighbor!! I live in Logan County! 💙💛
Jessica Plymale I still live in Logan! That’s great!
Never been to McDowell County, but will make a point to visit and see those beautiful mountains.
My family is from Webster and they have about the same thing happening to them like McDowell. My Grandpa used to tell.stories of what a prosperous.town Webster was back in the 1920's when he was a young man. It's a gorgeous place and I wanted to live there, but no work. Almost all of my cousins had to move away because of the lack of jobs. I wish the lawmakers could get together and come up with a plan for jobs, so that everyone could move back if they wanted to!! There is no place on Earth like West Va; gorgeous scenery and friendly, loving people!!
I live in West Virginia and I’m 20. It’s a gorgeous place to live, but you gotta realize that we got ourselves in a hole. We never grew with the times. In two years I’ll have my degree and in 4 I’ll probably go somewhere new. The reason why young people leave is because there’s no opportunity here. The streets are littered with drugs and crime because the only young people who stay are the one’s who are trapped financially, educationally, or by addiction. Nobody wants to stay here. The older generations like to blame us for the current situation here but we’re just making due with what we’ve been given. There’s not even homes to buy anymore that haven’t been utterly destroyed.
Very well done.
I am from MARTINSBURG WEST VIRGINIA, but I was locked up at Mount OLIVE prison and I was at the( BETTY SLAYTON WORK CAMP ) for almost a year until I went to the Charleston Work Release Program, but anyways I did alot of road crew details in that county. Beautiful place for sure.
My mamma work's at MOCF
My very best to you all....
Such a beautiful place.
I live in Berkeley County, but I've visited McDowell County a good few times traveling around the state. McDowell has a charm to it that other places in the state don't have.
i am from martinsburg w.va i live in florida now my mom still lives in martinsburg i got to get up to see her soon
So of the most beautiful people/souls!! ❤️❤️😿🤍🤍
Over the past 12 years I have ridden my motorcycle all over WV thousands of miles I never met a person that I didn't have a great time talking with you have a beautiful state
I wonder how all those folks are doing I would love to go there and help rebuild that town...