In this episode, I’m joined by Jason—the creator behind Instagram's @SpookyCLT, a project dedicated to digging into Charlotte’s folklore, true crime, and dark history. From haunted cemeteries to forgotten landmarks, Jason’s work shines a light on the stories that most folks walk right past without ever knowing they’re there.

Jason is also a passionate historic preservation advocate, serving on the boards of both Historic Elmwood-Pinewood Cemetery and the Charlotte Historic Landmarks Commission. Together, we discuss some of the spooky stories that have shaped the Queen City.

If you’ve ever wondered what secrets lie beneath Charlotte’s skyline—or why preserving history matters just as much as uncovering it—this episode is for you.

Connect with Spooky CLT:

• Instagram
• Website
• Historic Elmwood Cemetery

Sponsors:

• NC/TN High Country WX
• Nascar WX
• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:

• Venmo
• Cash App

Connect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:

• Website
• Instagram
• X
• TikTok

Contact:

• cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

Tags:

#SpookyCLT #CharlotteHistory #NorthCarolinaFolklore #TrueCrime #HistoricPreservation #HauntedCharlotte #QueenCity #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms

In this second part of my conversation with Tim Hamilton—professor of physics and researcher of grist mills in the Great Smoky Mountains—we pick up right where we left off.

This time, we’re diving into some of the Smokies’ most fascinating stories: Mingus Mill, the legendary Quill Rose, and yes—moonshine. From the ingenuity of millwrights to the colorful characters who defined mountain life, these stories remind us that Appalachian history isn’t just something you read in a book—it’s living, breathing, and woven into the land itself.

If you’ve ever been curious about how mills shaped the Smokies, who kept them running, and how traditions like moonshining fit into the larger Appalachian story, you’ll want to tune in to this one.

Connect with Tim Hamilton:

• X
• Website

Sponsors:

• NC/TN High Country WX
• Nascar WX
• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:

• Venmo
• Cash App

Connect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:

• Website
• Instagram
• X
• TikTok

Contact:

• cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

Tags:

#MingusMill #QuillRose #Moonshine #GreatSmokyMountainsNationalPark #AppalachianHistory #NCHistory #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms

In this first part of a two-part conversation, I’m joined by Tim Hamilton, professor of physics and researcher of grist mills in the Great Smoky Mountains.

We dig into the history of the Smokies’ grist mills—why there were so many of them, the unique stories behind the grist stones, and what these mills tell us about Appalachian ingenuity and community life. Tim also shares insights on the TVA’s use of eminent domain in Swain County, how families were uprooted, and the lasting impact of those decisions.

Our conversation doesn’t stop at history, though—we also discuss present-day issues, like the new parking fees in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and how many locals see them as breaking a promise made to Appalachian people generations ago.

If you love Appalachian history—or want to better understand how decisions of the past and present shape daily life in the Smokies—you won’t want to miss this episode.

Connect with Tim Hamilton:

• X

Sponsors:

• NC/TN High Country WX
• Nascar WX
• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:

• Venmo
• Cash App

Connect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:

• Website
• Instagram
• X
• TikTok

Contact:

• cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

Tags:

#GristMills #GreatSmokyMountainsNationalPark #LakeFontana #TVA #EminentDomain #NCHistory #TheRoadtoNowhere #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms