Boundaries of Appalachia

Since it is situated about 70 miles west of Nashville in Middle Tennessee, the area around Perry County is not considered part of the geographical region of Appalachia by most descriptors. This being my home town, however, I would disagree on the grounds that culturally and economically, it has more in common with Appalachia than, say, Birmingham, Alabama, a city recognized as decidedly Appalachian by the Encyclopedia of Appalachia. Its economy is centralized on small manufacturers, logging, and livestock farming, with some corn, hay and soybean cultivation thrown in for good measure. It has a rich history of bluegrass music, and contains geographic features not very different from those found atop the Cumberland Plateau.Next time you're down towards the area, stop in and decide for yourself.