About the book
Each year, thousands of tourists visit Mount Mitchell, the most prominent feature of North Carolina’s Black Mountain range and the highest peak in the eastern United States. From Native Americans and early explorers to land speculators and conservationists, people have long been drawn to this rugged region. Timothy Silver explores the long and complicated history of the Black Mountains, drawing on both the historical record and his experience as a backpacker and fly fisherman. He chronicles the geological and environmental forces that created this intriguing landscape, then traces its history of environmental change and human intervention from the days of Indian-European contact to today.
Among the many tales Silver recounts is that of Elisha Mitchell, the renowned geologist and University of North Carolina professor for whom Mount Mitchell is named, who fell to his death there in 1857. But nature’s stories — of forest fires, chestnut blight, competition among plants and animals, insect invasions, and, most recently, airborne toxins and acid rain — are also part of Silver’s narrative, making it the first history of the Appalachians in which the natural world gets equal time with human history. It is only by understanding the dynamic between these two forces, Silver says, that we can begin to protect the Black Mountains for future generations.
Editions of Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807827550
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807854235
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807863145
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890868138
Read an Excerpt
Each year, thousands of tourists visit Mount Mitchell, the most prominent feature of North Carolina’s Black Mountain range and the highest peak in the eastern United States. From Native Americans and early explorers to land speculators and conservationists, people have long been drawn to this rugged region. Timothy Silver explores the long and complicated history of the Black Mountains, drawing on both the historical record and his experience as a backpacker and fly fisherman. He chronicles the geological and environmental forces that created this intriguing landscape, then traces its history of environmental change and human intervention from the days of Indian-European contact to today.
Among the many tales Silver recounts is that of Elisha Mitchell, the renowned geologist and University of North Carolina professor for whom Mount Mitchell is named, who fell to his death there in 1857. But nature’s stories — of forest fires, chestnut blight, competition among plants and animals, insect invasions, and, most recently, airborne toxins and acid rain — are also part of Silver’s narrative, making it the first history of the Appalachians in which the natural world gets equal time with human history. It is only by understanding the dynamic between these two forces, Silver says, that we can begin to protect the Black Mountains for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains about?
Each year, thousands of tourists visit Mount Mitchell, the most prominent feature of North Carolina’s Black Mountain range and the highest peak in the eastern United States. From Native Americans and early explorers to land speculators and conservationists, people have long been drawn to this rugged region. Timothy Silver explores the long and complicated history of the Black Mountains, drawing on both the historical record and his experience as a backpacker and fly fisherman. He chronicles the geological and environmental forces that created this intriguing landscape, then traces its history of environmental change and human intervention from the days of Indian-European contact to today.
Among the many tales Silver recounts is that of Elisha Mitchell, the renowned geologist and University of North Carolina professor for whom Mount Mitchell is named, who fell to his death there in 1857. But nature’s stories — of forest fires, chestnut blight, competition among plants and animals, insect invasions, and, most recently, airborne toxins and acid rain — are also part of Silver’s narrative, making it the first history of the Appalachians in which the natural world gets equal time with human history. It is only by understanding the dynamic between these two forces, Silver says, that we can begin to protect the Black Mountains for future generations.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains?
Earth Sciences, Geography, Environment, Planning > The environment > Applied ecology
Where can I read a sample of Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807827550
How long is Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains and how many pages does it have?
Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains has 352 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains?
Timothy Silver
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807827550) and paperback(ISBN 9780807854235) and ebook(ISBN 9780807863145) and pdf(ISBN 9798890868138)
Where can I buy Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains from below
Where can I buy Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains?