Harry M. Caudill, 1962 - 1987
Scope and Contents
Caudill, Harry M. Dark Hills to Westward. Circa 1968. (Box 3, files 1-2)
Caudill, Harry M. Darkness at Dawn, A. 1975. (Box 3, file 3)
Caudill, Harry M. Lester’s Progress. Circa 1985. (Box 3, file 4)
Caudill, Harry M. Mountaineer, the Miner, and the Lord, The. Circa 1979. (Box 4, files 1-2)
Caudill, Harry M. My Land is Dying. (Two copies)(Box 4, files 3-4) Circa 1970.
Caudill, Harry M. Night Comes to the Cumberlands. Circa 1962. (Box 5, files 1-3).
Caudill, Harry M. Senator from Slaughter County, The. Circa 1972. (Box 6, files 1-2)
Dates
- Creation: 1962 - 1987
Biographical / Historical
Harry M. Caudill (1922–1990) was an American writer, lawyer, historian, and environmental activist from Whitesburg, Kentucky, best known for his influential book Night Comes to the Cumberlands (1963), which exposed the deep poverty, environmental destruction, and social challenges of the Appalachian region. A graduate of the University of Kentucky and a World War II veteran, Caudill practiced law and served in the Kentucky House of Representatives before dedicating much of his career to writing about Appalachia’s struggles with coal mining, land exploitation, and economic inequality. His powerful advocacy drew national attention to the region, inspiring President John F. Kennedy to initiate federal anti-poverty programs later continued as part of Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty.” Throughout his life, Caudill wrote several other books and essays addressing history, folklore, and environmental issues in Eastern Kentucky, making him a central voice in Appalachian studies and a passionate defender of its people and landscape. (Written with AI assistance, 2025)
Extent
From the Collection: 11 Linear Feet
From the Collection: 27 boxes_(general)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Repository Details
Part of the Berea College Special Collections and Archives Repository
Hutchins Library
100 Campus Drive
Berea Kentucky 40404 US
859.985.3262
special_collections@berea.edu