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 mountain people in Western North Carolina and their uniquely structured economic, political, social, and cultural systems. The Van Noppens specifically explore 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.

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Written in Robert Leeper’s student days at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and later at Columbia University, The Brindle Mule is a book of stories and poems emphasizing a childhood spent in the mountain country of Western North Carolina. Leeper grew up near Alexander County where his father was a physician and highly involved in the local community. Inspired by the cultural heritage of the region, Leeper decided to write down the stories and poems he heard gathered around the fireside, at picnics, in church, and at friends and family’s homes. Published in 1983, this book is a testament to the local lore of the Western Mountain region of North Carolina.

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Originally published in 1993, this report is a compilation of a survey evaluating issues with the local environment in the Southern Highlands. The report is based on a five-day teacher institute and a 1988-89 school year assessment. Teachers assisted their students in investigating environmental issues in their home communities, and helped the students share their research results through science fair projects, PTO meetings, or articles in local newspapers. Teachers submitted project reports when the environmental unit was completed, and evaluations of the teachers took place during a two-hour phone call. The report published by Bousquet includes the project description and initiative, needs assessment, teacher institute, classroom implementation, outcomes, and dissemination.  

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