Historical Events tagged with "appalachia"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Natural Disasters

Founding of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

June 15th, 1934 90 years ago

The establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park marked a significant milestone in American conservation efforts. Officially founded in 1934, it encompassed over 800 square miles of diverse landscapes in North Carolina and Tennessee. The park was created to preserve the breathtaking mountain ranges, unique wildlife, and rich cultural heritage that the region offered. The initiative was driven by public demand for natural preservation alongside the growth of the national parks system in the United States. The creation of this park not only safeguarded the environmental integrity of the area but also served as a catalyst for economic growth through tourism.

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Politics & Government

West Virginia Joins the Union as 35th State

June 20th, 1863 161 years ago

West Virginia was admitted as the 35th state of the United States after a separation from Virginia during the Civil War. The statehood followed a vote by the area’s delegates in a convention held in 1861, showcasing a local desire for autonomy. This political division stemmed from economic differences, geographical factors, and loyalty to the Union. West Virginia became a key region for Union troops during the conflict, with multiple battles taking place in the Appalachian Mountains. The formal entry as a state on June 20, 1863, stood as a significant achievement for Union supporters in the area.

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