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No region has undergone more dramatic changes in the last century than Western North Carolina. Published in 1973, Western North Carolina Since the Civil War takes a look at the mountain people and their uniquely structured economic, political, social, and cultural systems. The Van Noppens specifically explore the different qualities of the mountain people such as their institutions, traditions, customs, and arts and crafts. Beginning with a dark period of social and economic disintegration after the end of the Civil War, the study traces the mountain peoples' lives from isolation to economic booms all while maintaining their traditions and cultural heritage.
About the author
Ina Faye Woestemeyer Van Noppen (1906-1980) and John James Van Noppen III (1906-1975) were professors of History and English, respectively, at Appalachian State Teachers College from 1947 to 1972. Ina taught history and was one of the campus' earliest female professors with a doctorate. The Van Noppens co-wrote
Daniel Boone, Backwoodsman: The Green Woods Were His Portion (1966) and
Western North Carolina Since the Civil War (1973). Ina won the 1962 Thomas Wolfe Award from the Western North Carolina Historical Association for her
Stoneman's Last Raid. In 1973, the couple also won the 1973 Thomas Wolfe Award.
