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The True Story of a Friend’s Betrayal that led to a Tragic Death on Mount Mitchell A NEW PLAY BY WILLIAM GREGG AND PERRY DEANE YOUNG  Mountain of Hope focuses on the real-life drama involving the life and death of the beloved UNC Professor, scientist and Presbyterian minister, Elisha Mitchell. Until 1835, Mount Washington in New Hampshire was believed to be the highest mountain east of the Rocky Mountains. However, Mitchell went to Yancey County in that year and determined that the Black Mountain was higher. In 1855, Mitchell’s former student and close friend, Congressman Thomas L. Clingman, attempted to prove that his old professor had never actually reached the highest peak and managed to get the name “Mount Mitchell” changed to “Clingman’s Peak” on all the maps. Outraged by Clingman’s betrayal, Mitchell in 1857 attempted to prove his original claim to the mountain—and fell to his death below a 40-foot waterfall on the side of the mountain. Hundreds of mountain men joined in the 11-day search for Mitchell’s body, which was finally found by a party led by the legendary Big Tom Wilson. The equally legendary Zeb Vance (later our Civil War Governor) was also among the searchers and devoted the next year to discrediting Clingman’s claims, proving his former professor was right, and by the way, getting himself elected to Clingman’s seat in Congress. The play will include an epilogue about how the thick virgin balsam groves on the mountain were clear cut and burned by lumbermen between 1913-1918. This devastation led directly to the creation of Mount Mitchell State Park, the first state park in the southeast. Read more about the play:
REVIEWS OF THE PLAY, FRANKIE  Mountain Xpress: “Frankie is the story of a woman who fought back—and learned that justice only applies to those with the right to speak….though this is a historical play, it was clearly written for modern sensibilities…Ultimately, Frankie wins its attempt to give the title character her day in court. In clearing up the misconceptions produced by countless retellins of this story, the play provides proof of Frankie’s innocence of premeditated murder. History buffs will appreciate the depth of research involved.” Lana Whited, professor of English at Ferrum College, on her website “Frankie Silver Resources” - “Frankie is an important play which raises enduring questions about family and domestic relationships, social class, and violence, including the death penalty. It deserves a wide audience, and I hope that Frankie’s life on stage will exceed her all-too-brief real life.” Links to further information on Frankie Silver:
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