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Appalachian Americans
Appalachian
Areas included under the Appalachian Regional Commission's charter.
Total population
25.7 million[1]
(Appalachian Regional Commission, 2019 estimate)
Regions with significant populations
United States, especially West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Ohio; historical populations in Illinois, Indiana
Languages
English (including Appalachian English)
Religion
Southern Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, American Baptist
Related ethnic groups
German Americans, Irish Americans, English Americans, African Americans, Scotch-Irish Americans, Italian Americans, Okies, Melungeons

Appalachian Americans, or simply Appalachians, are Americans living in the geocultural area of Appalachia in the eastern United States, or their descendants.[2][3]

While not an official demographic used or recognized by the United States Census Bureau, Appalachian Americans, due to various factors, have developed their own distinct culture within larger social groupings. Included are their own dialect, music, folklore, and even sports teams as in the case of the Appalachian League. Furthermore, many colleges and universities now grant degrees in Appalachian studies, as well as scholarship programs for Appalachian students.[4][5] The term has seen growing usage in recent years, possibly in opposition to the use of hillbilly, which is still often used to describe people of the region.[6]

The sign of the Museum of Appalachia, Norris, Tennessee

Notable people

For a more comprehensive list, see List of Appalachian Americans.

Arts and Entertainment

Politicians

Military

Folk heroes and historical figures

Sports

Miscellaneous

See also

References

  1. ^ The Appalachian Population by the Appalachian Regional Commission, 2019 estimate. The Appalachian population is estimated at 25.7 million, excluding Appalachian diaspora outside of the Appalachian region, and including transplants and immigrants to the region.
  2. ^ Billings, Dwight; Walls, David (1980). "Appalachians". In Thernstrom, Stephan; Orlov, Ann; Handlin, Oscar (eds.). Harvard Encyclopedia of American Ethnic Groups. Harvard University Press. pp. 125–128. ISBN 0674375122. OCLC 1038430174.
  3. ^ Paul R. Magocsi, ed. Encyclopedia of Canada's peoples (1999) excerpt and text search
  4. ^ Appalachian Studies Association, "US Programs in Appalachian Studies""U.S. Programs in Appalachian Studies :: ASA ::". Archived from the original on 2009-05-11. Retrieved 2009-07-11. Appalachian Studies Association Website. 2000-2005. Retrieved July 11, 2009
  5. ^ "Appalachian Scholars General Scholarship Endowment | Ohio University". give.ohio.edu. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  6. ^ Harkins, Anthony (November 20, 2003). Hillbilly: A Cultural History of an American Icon (1st ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0195146318.
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