Southern West Virginia's complex and often chaotic history still impacts many areas of modern-day life for Mountaineers. This historical text examines fundamental elements of late 19th and early 20th century Appalachian existence such as the predominance of subsistence farming, the coming of the Industrial Revolution, the rise of company towns, growing coal company influence, and the resultant expansion of political corruption. Topics covered regarding the modern era in Appalachia include how the region's Appalachian culture and identity has adapted to, and been affected by, these factors, as well as how stereotypical perceptions of those outside the region have created both opportunities and barriers to modernization for southern West Virginians.)