The key industry that shaped the history and culture of the Appalachian region in the 19th and 20th centuries is Coal mining.

Appalachia's economic growth was greatly aided by coal mining, especially in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. In addition to driving the United State's industrial expansion, the extraction of coal resulted in substantial population shifts as many workers moved to the area in search of employment. Appalachian villages' culture, economy, and social structure were shaped by this industry, creating a distinctive way of life marked by familial ties, cultural traditions, and labor disputes. The area is still affected by the economic and environmental effects of coal mining.