The Appalachian Move

During World War II, many southerners came to Appalachia to work for the booming coal companies. With the war, coal was in high demand. The coal companies needed workers, as much and the Military needed soldiers. During the war, there was movement North to work for the factories that were making military weapons. However, that doesn't compare to the number of people who moved after the war. 

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Once the war ended, there was no longer a need for all the extra workers, so many coal miners were laid off. This prompted the move North towards Detroit. Using route 23, which became famous for being the "Hillbilly Highway," many Appalachians moved to the Midwest.

 

My great-grandparents are a prime example of this. They moved from Tennessee to Ypsilanti, Michigan for the same reason everyone else did: my great-grandfather wanted a job with the automotive companies. 

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To learn more about the thousands of Appalachians moving to the Midwest: 

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To learn more about my family:  

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