Bandmill Coal Preparation Plant in Rum Creek, Yolyn, WV.

I’ve shared some pictures and videos recently of southern WV and Appalachia, and thought this was worth sharing. As bright and beautiful as our region is, there is some dark history involving the coal mines, formation of unions, and genuine war against our people from the government.

I feel like this short (and poor quality due to driving while filming) video captures that eerie, and almost palpable, darkness that you can still feel here at times.

At any given time you could be standing directly above groups of men thousands of feet under the earth, the land of the dead, laboring away to bring energy and life to our world from the coal mines.

The gray skies, crows circling above, run down silos, and coal haulage equipment make you feel a melancholic nostalgia for a time you don’t even remember, or wasn’t born for yet. Our ancestors knew of these hard times, and you can feel it in your bones if you’ve worked in these mines.

I did it for nearly 10 years, worked underground coal mines, and will be the first in many generations to not be retired by the health issues that plague coal miners and end their careers prematurely. So, the song was fitting for the time and place (Old King Coal by Sturgill Simpson).

I love documenting the bliss and beauty of Appalachia, but the reality is, it’s still a fallen world where there still is bloodshed, sacrifice, and sorrow. I feel it’s only fair to capture this ambience and tone when it reveals itself.

One day this world will be transfigured. All things will be restored…and I hope Appalachia is still my home. ⛏️🏔️