Hidden in the most remote reaches of Appalachia and secluded from the outside world is a fiercely independent culture wary of outsiders. And the king of this world is Billy Taylor. His trade? Digging and dealing indigenous medicinal roots and herbs. It is a fierce and competitive world where poachers are punished, digging spots are secret and allies aren't easy to find. But after Billy created an outlet for the diggers to buy and sell their roots, he became king.

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Tags: National, Geographic, King, the, Mountain