Shows
Stories of AppalachiaStories of Helene: David Biddix, Spruce Pine, North CarolinaThis week, we wrap up our commemoration of the first anniversary of Hurricane Helene by talking with Mitchell County’s David Biddix, who documented the effects of the storm and its aftermath in that hard-hit part of North Carolina. From his home in Spruce Pine to small communities like Poplar, and along the Nolichucky where CSX rail lines were washed away, he shares what he saw as the area endured the flooding of September 2024.Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast. You’ll find us on your favorite podcast app.Thanks for listening.
2025-10-0146 min
We Are MitchellOctober 28, 2024 Week PreviewDavid Biddix and Bruce Ikard are on today’s podcast with a reset of where Mitchell County is in terms of recovery efforts from Helene. A review of new information about the Spruce Pine water and sewer system, along with details about the burn ban in Mitchell County are featured.
2024-10-2928 min
Carolina InsiderPItt preview, Des Evans joins, First hand reports from Western NCCarolina begins a crucial two game stretch by hosting a revamped Pitt team in Chapel Hill...we preview the match-up with the Panthers (4:37)Des Evans joins to talk the season, leadership and his art (37:00)Mike Wheless joins to talk about his visit to Western NC to deliver aid (51:02)David Biddix, the Public Information Officer for MItchell County, North Carolina joins to give an update on the current situation, info on how to help and the next steps in the process (1:00:22)Plus: 5 Second Challenge (1:08:38), a Life Well Played (1:14:02), Super League (1:33:16), and an...
2024-10-041h 51
Rabbitt Stew ComicsEpisode 228Comics Reviews: Superman Giant 1 by Robert Venditti, Paul Pelletier, Andrew Hennessey, et al Diana: Princess of the Amazons by Dean Hale, Shannon Hale, Victoria Ying Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Louise Simonson, Leigh Bardugo, Kit Seaton Hawkeye: Free Fall 1 by Matt Rosenberg, Otto Schmidt Star Wars 1 by Charles Soule, Jesus Saiz, Arif Prianto Tarot 1 by Alan Davis, Paul Renaud, Paul Mounts Thor 1 by Donny Cates, Nic Klein, Matt Wilson I Can Sell You a Body 1 by Ryan Ferrier, George Kambadais Stabbity Bunny: Emmet's Story Richard Rivera, Dwayne Biddix Doll Island by Mira Mortal, D.N.S. Kringle by David...
2019-12-312h 32
Footsteps for FreedomEpisode 31 - Battle of Kings Mountain RoundtableJoin Jonathan Bennett, David Biddix, and Rhonda Gunter, three of the contributors to the Footsteps for Freedom podcast, as they hold a roundtable discussion on the Battle of Kings Mountain and the Overmountain Men. The discussion will explore topics not featured in the regular program and also the three presenters will share their thoughts and opinions on their findings. There is a discussion of items not covered in the podcast plus trivia, and we close the discussion with a topic dangerous to most historians: a "what if" about the battle and those who fought it.
The questions...
2019-10-271h 08Footsteps for FreedomEpisode 30 - In ConclusionAs we conclude our series on the Battle of Kings Mountain, we thought we would take some time to note a couple of veterans of the battle that ended up in the Toe River Valley, along with ones from other battles that are buried in our area.
There will be one more special episode available in the podcast feed only. A roundtable discussion featuring Jonathan Bennett, David Biddix, Rhonda Gunter, and Chris Hollifield will discuss the research behind the series, our picks for the most misunderstood character, those who weren't at all like we expected them to...
2019-10-1107 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 29 - Robert Sevier & The Walking WoundedSometimes the dead are the lucky ones. The weapons each side in employed during the Battle of King’s Mountain inflicted grievous and dreadfully painful wounds that the comparatively primitive state of medicine at the time could not always heal. There was no such thing as germ theory and pain-relieving anesthetics largely lay to a future generation to invent. Bleed, blister, vomit and purge were the four treatments employed by most doctors for basically all that ailed you. Today, we will learn that a famous name doesn't save you in battle and much, much more.
2019-10-1007 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 28 - The AftermathThe thick clouds of black powder smoke that obscured Kings Mountain's battlefield began to lift revealing a scene of horror. Dead and dying men littered the ground. The groans of the wounded were heard in every direction causing one of Lieutenant Colonel William Chronicle’s men, James Potter Collins, to tear up and exclaim, “Great God! Is this the fate of mortals?” Learn more about the aftermath of the battle and the fate of Patrick Ferguson in today's episode.
2019-10-0908 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisodes 26 & 27 - The Battle of Kings Mountain (combined)Night had fallen at the Cowpens on October 6th, but the camp of the Patriot army bustled with activity. Scouts had finally confirmed the location of British Major Patrick Ferguson’s army. It lay on King’s Mountain roughly 35 miles away to the northeast with Cornwallis’ main British army camp in Charlotte just an additional 30 miles beyond. They mount up 900 of their best riflemen and they ride through the night, arriving at Kings Mountain shortly aftern 2:00 p.m. on October 7, 1780 and the battle commences.
Our podcast feed features a combined episode so listeners can hear t...
2019-10-0718 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 25 - The Cow Pens and Prelude to the Battle of Kings MountainThe morning of October 5, 1780 finds the Over Mountain Men breaking camp at Gilbert Town and preparing for their date with destiny. Officers and volunteers both are beginning to feel the moment. This is IT. Ferguson and his troops could appear at any time and battle would be given.
2019-10-0406 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 24 - Gilbert Town and The Broad RiverDuring the time in camp, both Patriot and Tory forces had scouts looking for the enemy, but neither side had luck in locating the other. The rain had finally let up on October 3, 1780, and the combined army prepared to move from Bedford Hill southward toward Gilbert Town, some 15 miles away. *SPOILER ALERT* Ferguson is not there. So the Overmountain Men set out in pursuit.
2019-10-0306 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 23 - South Mountain Pass and Trouble in the RanksOctober 1, 1780, a Sunday, the combined army of Patriot militia broke camp at Quaker Meadows. We have followed and discussed the militias of McDowell, Shelby, Sevier and Campbell extensively as they made their way across the Blue Ridge Mountains to this rendezvous at modern-day Morganton. Now we will meet troops from Northwestern North Carolina and begin moving out toward Gilbert Town, North Carolina, the last-known location of Patrick Ferguson's forces.
2019-10-0208 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 22 - Down the Blue Ridge to Quaker MeadowsThe Overmountain Men arose on September 29th, 1780 at Cathey’s Plantation just south of present-day Spruce Pine. They break camp and prepare for the next leg of their journey. Their leaders, William Campbell, Isaac Shelby, and John Sevier met to discuss the best route to take off the mountain that would ensure protection for the force from Ferguson. They were concerned with the narrow trails heading down the Blue Ridge Escarpment, fearing that Ferguson could set up an ambush at a narrow point and take out the army as it tried to descend, attacking from above. So, the decision wa...
2019-10-0108 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 21 - Grassy Creek, Gillespie Gap, and a Split of ForcesThe first crisis of the Overmountain Men’s march to Kings Mountain occurred on the morning of September 28th. As the men fell in for roll call, it was discovered that two of their party, Samuel Chambers and James Crawford, were not in camp. John Sevier immediately became suspicious that the two had deserted to warn Major Patrick Ferguson of the impending attack upon him. But, the march must go on. So, the leaders decide to take a more southerly route, through the Toe River Valley as they head to the Blue Ridge Escarpment to descend to Quaker Meadows in...
2019-09-3008 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 20 - Down The Yellow Mountain RoadSeptember 27th dawned gray and cool along the Doe River. The Overmountain Men began preparations for what many consider to be the most strenuous part of their journey. On this day, they would get on the famed Yellow Mountain Road and climb the heights of Roan Mountain, crossing the spine of the Appalachians at Yellow Mountain Gap. No other army in the Revolutionary War would pass over an obstacle higher in elevation.
2019-09-2705 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 19 - To The Doe River and the Shelving RockThe first day of the march to Kings Mountain was fairly uneventful and surprisingly slow going considering the Overmountain Men only marched a little over three miles after leaving Sycamore Shoals. The group stops, slaughters a few animals for food, and picks up the pace, arriving at the Doe River where they make camp. Meanwhile lots of things are happening in the Piedmont of North Carolina.
2019-09-2605 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 18 - Sycamore Shoals and the Start of the MarchSycamore Shoals, also known as the Watauga Old Fields, had long been considered as a strategic location militarily. The land was relatively flat and cleared of trees and made for a perfect settlement location, plus the shoals made for an easy location to wade across the river. Fort Watauga’s stature as a major military location was established in the Cherokee wars, as it became part of a thriving settlement and a refuge for Patriots seeking safety from the Loyalists. So when the call went out for volunteers to track down and engage Patrick Ferguson’s forces, the Fort was...
2019-09-2506 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 17 - Ferguson's Challenge and Battle Preparations BeginOn September 10, 1780, Ferguson issued his fateful challenge to the Patriot forces in the region, calling for them to lay down their arms, or he would march over the mountains, hang their leaders, and “lay waste to their country with fire and sword.” Obviously, his declaration didn’t set well with the Overmountain Men. When word reached them of the challenge, Colonels John Sevier and Isaac Shelby met to decide how to answer Ferguson. The decision was made to raise an army to go after him, and preparations began.
2019-09-2406 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 16 - The Summer of 1780 Campaign - Part IIIn the Summer of 1780, war raged in the backcountry of South Carolina. It was truly America’s first Civil War, as most men on both sides had never been to Great Britain which meant it was American fighting American, and the style of battle between them was particularly brutal and gruesome, a trait their descendants would emulate some 80 years later. The Battle of Musgroves Mill was a tipping point of sorts, leading Patrick Ferguson to make a declaration that angered the backcountry woodsmen and led them to form up in militia to deal with him.
2019-09-2305 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 15 - The Summer of 1780 Campaign - Part IWe begin our look at the Battle of Kings Mountain with a review of several battles and skirmishes that took place in the summer of 1780. This is the first of a two-part episode about these battles. Today we discuss the Battles of Fort Thicketty and Wofford's Ironworks.
2019-09-2006 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 14 - Patrick FergusonToday’s episode is about the one individual who would be considered the villain in our story, but it is more complicated than that. Major Patrick Ferguson was a noted officer in the British army, and even invented a rifle that was named after him, but we’ll get to all that as we tell his story.
2019-09-1905 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 13 - John SevierProbably more than any other, John Sevier is synonymous with the Battle of Kings Mountain. A flamboyant politician, solider, and statesman, Sevier was a driving force in organizing and leading the charge against Patrick Ferguson and the Tories.
2019-09-1806 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 12 - Jonathan TiptonThe beauty of the virtually untouched wilderness that the Overmountain Men saw as they marched through the Toe River Valley on their way to King’s Mountain must have been quiet stunning. One of these soldiers, Major Jonathan Tipton, returned to the valley after the war and made it his home for 27 years. The Tipton Hill community of Mitchell County was named for him and thousands of his descendants still live in the valley to this day.
2019-09-1706 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 11 - William CampbellWilliam Campbell and his forces from southwestern Virginia were considered to be tough, rugged mountaineers who were perfect soldiers for a battle like Kings Mountain.
2019-09-1605 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 10 - Quaker Meadows Joseph McDowellOne of the more confusing aspects of American Revolutionary War History is how different individuals may have the same name and even fight in the same battle. Such is the case with “Quaker” Joseph McDowell, a major who led one of the forces at the Battle of Kings Mountain and “Pleasant Gardens” Joseph McDowell who was Quaker Joe’s second cousin, and served as a major under him at the battle.
2019-09-1307 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 9 - Benjamin ClevelandBenjamin Cleveland was one of the more colorful characters that fought in the Battle of Kings Mountain. He led forces organized in Wilkes County as part of the Patriot army gathered to battle Patrick Ferguson.
2019-09-1206 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 8 - Joseph DobsonToday, we are discussing Joseph Dobson who, while not a leader of men at the Battle of Kings Mountain, had a significant role in the campaign and exerted substantial influence in the Toe River Valley after the war.
2019-09-1105 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 7 - Isaac ShelbyWe begin preparations for the Battle of Kings Mountain by presenting brief biographies of military leaders and significant local individuals over the next few episodes. Today, we begin with one of the main organizers of the Overmountain Men: Isaac Shelby.
2019-09-1006 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 6 - Dragging CanoeThe name Dragging Canoe struck fear in the hearts of early settlers in what was then Western North Carolina (now Eastern Tennessee). Considered by historians to be the greatest Cherokee military mind; he led raiding parties that attacked settlements for over a decade following the Declaration of Independence and the signing of the Treaty of Sycamore Shoals that granted lands to white settlers near modern-day Johnson City, Elizabethton, and Greeneville, Tennessee.
2019-09-0906 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 5 - The Cherokee WarsThe threat of Native American attacks on the Southern Appalachian region's settlers was of great concern as the American Revolution began. Following the Declaration of Independence in 1776, tribes began to choose sides in the conflict. The Cherokees cast their lot with the British, and they began brutal raiding parties in which they destroyed settlements, raided crops, and killed and scalped settlers. That summer, the colonies began to fight back. Today, we discuss the Cherokee Wars and the brutalities inflicted by both sides, along with the start of the decline of Native American influence in the region.
Learn...
2019-09-0609 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 4 - King George IIIWhile there were many individuals, groups, and policies that led to the American Revolution, the figurehead that many pin the strife to for starting the war would be King George the Third, also known as George William Frederick. He ruled England from October 25, 1760 until January 1, 1801, after which he became the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland until his death on January 29, 1820. George was a complicated figure and we share his biography on this episode.
2019-09-0505 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 3 - The Dangerous FrontierLife in the mountainous region of Western North Carolina, Eastern Tennessee, and Southwestern Virginia was fraught with peril in the American Colonies in the 1700s. In addition to small settlements and danger from disease, attacks on the settlers by Native Americans were a constant threat. Today's episode takes a look at the practice of scalping in the region, including the reasons behind the attacks, who instigated them, and the reasons for the undeclared war between the two groups.
Visit the Mitchell County Historical Society's Overmountain Men page to learn more about them and the famous Battle of...
2019-09-0407 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 2 - The Proclamation of 1763Today, we explore the beginnings of the American Revolution by discussing King George III's Proclamation of 1763, one of the overlooked triggers that helped provoke hostilities 12 years later.
2019-09-0305 minFootsteps for FreedomEpisode 1 - Trouble Brews in the Back CountryThe Revolutionary War in the American Colonies was just over 5 years old in 1780 and things weren’t going well for the British. With the loss at Saratoga, New York and concerns with the French entering the Patriot side, the Redcoats turned their attention to the south, which they considered to be a Loyalist stronghold.
As Lord Cornwallis commenced his Southern Campaign, Major Patrick Ferguson attempted to quell anti-British sentiment in the western parts of North and South Carolina in a heavy-handed way. We introduce the subject of our program by setting the stage with events that would ca...
2019-09-0205 minFootsteps for FreedomIntroductionThe Mitchell County, North Carolina Historical Society presents the story of a ragtag group of backwoodsmen from North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia who, after threats made to their homes and livelihood by British Major Patrick Ferguson and his army, took up the challenge and pursued Ferguson, trapping him and his army atop Kings Mountain in South Carolina. Footsteps of Freedom celebrates these backwoodsmen and their achievement which Thomas Jefferson declared was the turning point in the American Revolution.
2019-09-0100 min
Rabbitt Stew ComicsEpisode 125Top 10 Dec 2017, Harley Quinn: Be Careful What You Wish For, Superwoman 18, New Super-Man 19, Suicide Squad 33, Old Man Hawkeye 1, Avengers 675, Phoenix Resurrection 3, X-Men Gold Annual, Spider-Man/Deadpool 26, Dejah Thoris 0, Battlestar Galactica vs. Battlestar Galactica, Star Wars: Forces of Destiny - Rey, Ninjak vs. Valiant Universe 1, Stabbity Bunny 1, Gao 1, Atlas and Axis 1, Archie 27, Marvel buys Conan, Marvel movie news, Teen Titans Go movie trailer, Crosswind TV show, Neil Gaiman American Gods, Krypton trailer, TMNT cartoon, Sanctuary by Tom King, Secret History of the DC Universe, Exiles 5th member revealed, Joyride, 7 to Eternity, Spider-Man 2099, Miniaturist, Final Girls, Artemis, Chair, Defenders, Punisher, Greatest...
2018-01-212h 34
Astronomy Cast Full Raw FeedWeek 149 (Nov 03 - Nov 09)This week the shows include: Nov 03: ALMA: The building blocks of something great by Adam Avison; Nov 04: The Role of Spruce Pine Quartz in Astronomy by David Biddix; Nov 05: An Inside Look at the NASA Lunar Science Institute by The NASA Lunar Science Institute; Nov 06: Observing With Webb in November 2011 by Rob Webb; Nov 07: Dirty Snowballs & Giant Planets: X-Ray Secrets of Our Solar System Revealed by The Chandra X-Ray Observatory; Nov 08: Open Notebook Astronomy by Sandy Antunes; Nov 09: Encore: Celebrating Carl Sagan's Birthday with Longtime Collaborator Ann Druyan by Matt Kaplan.
2011-11-161h 04