The culture the Scots-Irish settler brought to Western Appalachian settlements was counter to that of the British Colonies. These settlers immigrated from a rough cultural background that did not include the refinement of tradition British or Colonial societies. Colonials coming over the Appalachians often noted that these Scots-Irish settlements were full of "Low, lazy, sluttish, heathenish, hellish life". This impression was gained by the rough living conditions and often revealing clothing the women wore. Given the Presbyterian religion of these settlers their system of social status was also counter that of the British Colonies.(1)The Presbyterian way was that of whole community involvement and there was no social hierarchy like that of the English Church. Local meeting houses were set up where the local settlements could vote and govern themselves as they say fit.
The men of this Appalachian culture were strong and lived from the land. They relied on long barreled rifles to skillfully hunt deer and other game along the Appalachian woods and trails. Living in the back country meant that only the most skillful could survive and thus this culture was often left to their own ways. (2)
The men of this Appalachian culture were strong and lived from the land. They relied on long barreled rifles to skillfully hunt deer and other game along the Appalachian woods and trails. Living in the back country meant that only the most skillful could survive and thus this culture was often left to their own ways. (2)
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1.Allen, Thomas B. "THE OVERMOUNTAIN MEN." Military History
2.Copeland Draper, Lyman, Anthony Allaire, and Isaac Shelby. King's Mountain and Its Heroes.
2.Copeland Draper, Lyman, Anthony Allaire, and Isaac Shelby. King's Mountain and Its Heroes.