What It's Like in America's Poorest Region

We spent 24 hours driving through McDowell County, visiting Bluefield, Welch, Thurmond, and remote Appalachian communities shaped by the decline of coal mining. We met Dave and Tess, who showed us abandoned buildings, local landmarks, a mountain spring, and the difficult realities of poverty, addiction, polluted water, and limited opportunities. We also discussed the region’s history, isolation, and what might help West Virginia build a better future.