The Tri-Cities today is relatively quiet, but it wasn't always this way. "Bizarre Tri-Cities," explores the strange and unusual history of the area through 1950. Beyond the murder and mayhem, there were famous outlaws, mystics, healers and more. The Tri-Cities area encompasses significant portions of Southwestern Virginia and Northeastern Tennessee. The region involves nine counties, all cities therein, and holds a combined population of over 500,000 residents. Some of the information contained in "Bizarre Tri-Cities: " ...
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The Tri-Cities today is relatively quiet, but it wasn't always this way. "Bizarre Tri-Cities," explores the strange and unusual history of the area through 1950. Beyond the murder and mayhem, there were famous outlaws, mystics, healers and more. The Tri-Cities area encompasses significant portions of Southwestern Virginia and Northeastern Tennessee. The region involves nine counties, all cities therein, and holds a combined population of over 500,000 residents. Some of the information contained in "Bizarre Tri-Cities: " Which outlaw lived by bullets as well as omens and portents? Which world-traveling mystic tried to recreate Solomon's Temple from timber with no nails or metal fastenings? What was the mysterious plague that swept through the region, killing most of the exposed, only to disappear? Which outlaw dressed in white for his execution? Who was the mild-mannered Kingsport locksmith who tried to revolutionize the automotive industry? Who endured outlawry and exile, just to protect his murderous wife? Who was the "Birdman of Bristol?" Who was the wealthy Bristol industrialist, found dead in a compromising position during Mardi Gras? Which thief stole tens of thousands of dollars in official funds, only to hide in his father's house for 2 years before turning himself in? Who was the executed man who not only found life after death, he became a mining magnate out west? Who was the swindling Romeo, captured in Gate City, who was involved in crimes across the nation? The book covers a "newly discovered," race of people that we know today as Melungeons. From poltergeists and meteorites, to confessions of a murder which never happened, "Bizarre Tri-Cities," proves that our history is anything, but predictable.
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