Appalachia: Rich Land, Poor People

“Appalachia: Rich Land, Poor People”* first graced the airwaves on November 11, 1968, earning acclaim for its raw portrayal of a region where the riches of the earth starkly contrast with the poverty of its people. As a professional storyteller, I see this documentary as a powerful narrative woven from the threads of real lives and hard truths. It’s the story of Appalachia, a land abundant in coal, yet barren for those who call it home. This was the first region singled out as a poverty area under Kennedy’s administration—a place where federal funds poured in, but the seeds of poverty still flourished.

The heart of the story lies with the Collins family, whose struggle embodies the plight of so many in northern Kentucky and West Virginia. Frank Collins, once a coal miner, lost his livelihood when machines took over. Now, at just 36, he finds himself with no prospects, relying on welfare to scrape by. His only solace is in old photographs, reminders of the hopes he and his wife once held. Unlike nearly a million Appalachians who’ve left since 1950, the Collinses stayed, tethered to a land that offers little but hardship. The wealth of Appalachia is buried deep underground, siphoned away by coal companies like Bethlehem and US Steel, leaving the counties that house them impoverished. Taxes are minimal, services are scarce, and hope is even rarer.

This tale, like all great stories, is about more than just the facts; it’s about the imbalance of power, the struggle for dignity, and the quest for justice. The documentary captures the tension between the residents fighting for their rights and the fear and resistance from the middle class, who see their demands as a threat. The narrative peaks at a Chamber of Commerce meeting, where anti-communist fervor collides with the frustration of the local people, underscoring the deep divisions within the community.

This documentary, an episode of *NET Journal*, doesn’t just recount events—it immerses us in a world where the land itself tells a story of lost dreams and unfulfilled promises, where the past and present are in constant dialogue, and where every frame is charged with the emotion and complexity that make storytelling a powerful force.

You can watch the documentary here.