GINSENG DIGGERS: A HISTORY OF ROOT GATHERING IN APPALACHIA | History Professor | Luke Manget

Luke Manget is an author, historian, and assistant professor of history at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina. After a reading from an 1870’s newspaper about a strange race of beings known as “saugers,” we dive straight into the significance of ginseng on the American frontier [1780’s], specifically in southern Appalachia: Va, WV, NC. We get into such topics as: the commons vs private property; old world mandrake folklore; & deterring poachers with traps. Luke then describes the ginseng digger stereotype as perpetuated & mythologized by newspapers of the late 19th-century, opening a discussion about class in Appalachian society. For the last third of the episode we hear about the other roots and herbs that were dug for profit besides ginseng; the counter-medical-establishment herbalism movement of the 1800's; and lastly, newspaper accounts of The Wild Man of the Woods.Reading from Ginseng Diggers: A History of Root and Herb Gathering in Appalachia by Luke Manget. Check out Luke's site The Southern Highland where you can purchase his book, Ginseng Diggers. Music:"Ginseng Sullivan"Written by Norman BlakePerformed by Andy & Graham FerrellCourtesy of Old Home Place Recordings"Ginseng Blues"Written by the Kentucky RamblersPerformed by The Bird Family Band"Weary Blues"Traditional SongPerformed by Andy & Graham FerrellCourtesy of Old Home Place RecordingsSupport Our Numinous Nature on Patreon.Follow Our Numinous Nature & my naturalist illustrations on InstagramCheck out my shop of shirts, prints, and books featuring my artContact: [email protected]