Economic Outmigration
During the Great Depression, the harsh economic realities forced a significant outmigration from Appalachia, as residents left in search of employment opportunities beyond their mountainous homes. This mass exodus played a crucial role in disseminating hillbilly culture throughout the United States, embedding the rich traditions, music, dialects, and lifestyle of the Appalachian people into the broader American tapestry.
As these individuals settled in new areas, they carried with them the essence of their heritage, influencing the cultural landscape of the regions they moved to. This period marked a significant chapter in the diffusion of hillbilly culture, making its indelible mark on the nation’s cultural identity.