The following events should not to be considered the primary cause of the problems in Appalachia. Many of the problems could be traced to sinful responses to these events rooted in patterns of thinking ingrained long before the coal industry began. Nevertheless, this brief survey does help describe the decline and explain the current conditions.

Coal Mining

In the late 1890s, John C. Mayo secured financial backing from several New York bankers and began buying mineral rights in counties across Southeast Kentucky. Using a Broad Form Deed, he purchased these rights for a mere 50 cents an acre. By 1905, he had purchased an enormous percentage of the mineral rights throughout the region. Shortly after this, Kentucky River Coal Corporation was formed and coal mining began in Letcher County.

Prior to the coal boom, Appalachian settlers were largely self-sufficient. Made up mostly of Scotch-Irish and some English and German, they made their living by trapping and farming. When coal mining began, workers migrated from all over to work in the mines. Many of the locals were given opportunities they had never had before. Instead of relying on their farms, men could guarantee their income by working in the mines. Gradually, they grew to depend upon the wages and goods provided by the coal industry.

In 1912, the railroad came to Letcher County. This marked a turning point for progress. Company stores were established, selling everything from diapers to caskets. Duplex camp houses were quickly built and sold to workers. Entire towns, called coal camps, were constructed to accommodate those who were brought in to work the mines. The coal industry also provided schools, hospitals, restaurants, and other services. It was possible for a person to be born in the company hospital, to work for the company his whole life (which usually wasn't long), and to be buried in a casket from the company store.

As years went by, the local people slowly exchanged their self-sufficiency for dependence on the coal industry. Due to the minimal amount of local ownership, the coal industry did not make long-term investments in the community. By and large, Coal mining in Appalachia has produced an extraction economy. When the coal industry subsided, the main source of employment diminished.

Neon, Kentucky

The city of Neon was built in the 1920s. Its purpose was to serve the surrounding coal camp towns. From the 1920s to the 1940s it was booming. Stores stayed open 24 hours a day and provided the latest clothing and goods. The streets were often crowded with busy shoppers. The local theatre played the latest movies. Barbers and cab drivers were so numerous they eventually formed unions.

Gradually, however, things began to change. The demand for coal diminished. As the "easy coal" was quickly mined out, mining jobs diminished as well. By the late '60s, Neon began to show signs of decline. In the decades following, the population dropped significantly. For a young person who wanted to earn a living there were two options: either stay and work in the mining industry or leave. Many left, migrating to places like Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. Others stayed and took their chances with the unstable coal industry.

Today the population of Neon is around 1000. The town is characterized by abandoned buildings and signs of deterioration. There are some locals who have a vision to beautify the town but the work is difficult and costly. It is hard to justify spending large sums of money on a declining town that cannot support a workforce.

Economy

RELIEF PROGRAMS

In the past, due to the isolation of the mountains, the Appalachian region has tended to stay a step or two behind the rest of the country. Coal mining had brought many opportunities to the mountains that helped bridge this gap. Yet these opportunities were almost exclusively tied to the coal industry. When the industry began to decline in the '50s, the economy followed.

During the '60s, the Appalachian region was "discovered." Commercials were aired depicting extremely impoverished conditions in Appalachian towns. Government relief programs and churches bombarded the area with attempts to wipe out poverty. The "war on poverty" began with good intentions but not so good principles. Entire ministries were formed to meet physical needs. Undoubtedly, some of the help was needed. Yet, misguided zeal to "lend a helping hand" proved, in the long run, to do more harm than good. A region formerly known for hard working people gradually became known for its dependence upon the charity of the state and church. Dependence eventually led to entitlement. Sadly, this entitlement mentality settled in, taking a toll on a once commendable work ethic. Once this cycle began, successive generations naturally looked to the state for subsistence.

Unfortunately, the church did little to counteract this problem. In fact, by failing to address the problem Biblically, many of the church's so called "solutions" have become part of the problem. Today, the area is well known for attracting outside church groups to do work projects for the poor. Most churches are content with short mission trips, being unaware of or not concerned with the real problems lying under the surface. Others are aware and concerned but for what ever reason have failed to address these problems Biblically. All this has contributed to the mentality of entitlement and done little to restore the dignity that comes with hard work and independence.

ECONOMIC RESOURCES

Coal

Coal is still Southeast Kentucky's main active resource. The industry is still the number one employer. Mining jobs generally pay well and are much safer than in times past. They sometimes require relocation and long distance travel. The "boom or bust" cycles in the industry tend to make the industry unpredictable. Employment opportunities depend on coal booms. When coal is in demand, companies are looking for workers, even importing them. When coal drops, companies lay off.

Lumber

Large-scale forest management has just begun to emerge in Appalachia. Most of the lumber cut in this area is shipped out. Recently, there have been efforts to establish sawmills to create local work. One local businessman has even attempted to begin a furniture company. One of his greatest obstacles is a mentality of individualism.

Tourism

The area draws many visitors from all over the country with Appalachian culture, music, crafts, etc. Many volunteer organizations bring in outsiders for various work-camp projects. There are several parks close by that offer recreation and beautiful mountain scenery.