are happening in Grainger County...
Grainger County,
Tennessee
A little history Lesson
Step back in time and uncover the captivating history of Grainger County, Tennessee, where tales of pioneers, Civil War skirmishes, and legendary feuds await. From its scenic landscapes to its intriguing past, Grainger County invites you to embark on a journey like no other.
Early Settlements and Pioneers:
In 1775, famed explorers Daniel Boone and William Bean traversed the rugged terrain of Clinch Mountain, setting their sights on the fertile Holston River valley. Bean, awarded 3,000 acres for his service in the
Revolutionary War, built a cabin that would
become a hub for settlers and traders alike.
Civil War Turmoil:
Grainger County stood firm against secession, reflecting the divided sentiments of its residents during the Civil War. Witness the echoes of battle at sites like Bean's Station, where Confederate and Union forces clashed amidst the chaos of war.
The Rise and Fall of Tate Springs:
Experience the opulence of Tate Springs, once a beacon of luxury and healing.
Following the Civil War, Samuel Tate erected a grand Victorian hotel near Bean Station, establishing the prestigious Tate Springs resort. Captain Thomas Tomlinson later expanded it, touting the healing properties of its mineral springs. At its zenith, the resort boasted over 30 buildings, a vast park, and an 18-hole golf course, attracting the wealthiest patrons in America. However, the Great Depression brought its downfall, culminating in a catastrophic fire that destroyed the main hotel. Although much of the resort has vanished, the Tate Springs Springhouse endures as a historic site near Bean Station Elementary School.
Geography
Nestled within 302 square miles of scenic beauty, Grainger County offers an enticing blend of lush landscapes and picturesque waterways. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county boasts 281 square miles of land and 22 square miles of shimmering waterways, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Picture-perfect vistas await as you explore the majestic Clinch Mountain range, a prominent geographic feature that divides the county into distinct southern and northern sections. Journey along U.S. Route 25E as it winds its way down the southern slope of Clinch Mountain, revealing charming communities like Bean Station, Blaine, Joppa, and Rutledge. Meanwhile, the northern section beckons with quaint towns such as Washburn, Powder Springs, and Thorn Hill, each offering its own unique charm and character.
Whether you're seeking adventure on the water or tranquility amidst the mountains, Grainger County promises an unforgettable escape into nature's embrace. Start planning your journey today and experience the unparalleled beauty of this hidden gem in the heart of Tennessee!
Indian Cave - Blaine, Tennessee
Located near Blaine, Indian Cave is steeped in history, dating back centuries before European settlement. Evidence of prehistoric indigenous peoples, including cane torch remnants, offers a glimpse into the area's ancient past.
Once home to a Cherokee village in the 1700s, Indian Cave witnessed the passage of the Donelson Party en route to Nashville in 1779. Later, during the American Revolutionary War aftermath, it became a business venture for Confederate general Robert Hoke, who mined bat guano for fertilizer.
In 1916, local businessmen formed the Indian Cave Park Association to develop the cave as a commercial attraction. However, it wasn't until May 30, 1924, that the cave officially opened to the public.
While the cave once drew visitors from across the country, including the infamous "Rave in a Cave" in 2000, it is now closed to the public as of 2005. Despite this, Indian Cave remains a fascinating piece of Grainger County's rich history, offering a glimpse into its storied past.
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Joppa Mountain
Situated in central Grainger County, Joppa Mountain offers breathtaking views from its summit, Buzzard Rock, standing tall at 2,530 feet above sea level. This makes it one of the highest points in the area, granting vistas of neighboring states like Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Virginia, along with iconic landmarks such as the Cumberland Gap and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Once a hotspot for hang gliding enthusiasts worldwide, Joppa Mountain saw its peak in popularity during the mid-1970s to the late 1980s. However, access to Buzzard Rock has been restricted since the 1990s, making it inaccessible to both hang gliders and hikers.
Although currently closed to the public, the allure of Joppa Mountain's stunning scenery and rich history continues to captivate travelers from far and wide. Explore the wonders of Grainger County and uncover the hidden treasures of this majestic mountain!
Get out on the water
Grainger County is blessed with abundant waterways, with Cherokee Lake standing as its primary source. Created in the 1940s as part of the Tennessee Valley Authority's hydroelectric project, Cherokee Lake spans 28,780 acres and boasts 400 miles of shoreline. Fed by natural creeks and runoff, the lake flows through Grainger County, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for visitors.
Further downstream, the Holston River meanders along the Grainger/Jefferson border, passing charming communities like New Corinth, Richland, and Blaine, before joining the French Broad River in Knoxville to form the Tennessee River.
In the northern part of the county, the Clinch River adds to Grainger's natural beauty, passing through Thorn Hill and eventually flowing into the basin of Norris Lake. With 33,840 acres of surface area and 809 miles of shoreline shared with neighboring counties, Norris Lake offers ample space for water-based adventures.
Whether you're fishing, boating, or simply soaking in the scenic views, Grainger County's waterways provide the perfect backdrop for your next outdoor escape. Dive into the beauty of nature and explore the wonders of Grainger's pristine lakes and rivers today!
World famous grainger county tomatoes
In Grainger County, Tennessee, the tomato holds a revered status, known for its uniquely sweet flavor. Few things evoke nostalgic memories of summers past quite like the sight of a juicy red tomato. It's a simple pleasure that epitomizes the essence of summer - slicing it thick and sandwiching it between two slices of soft white bread, generously slathered with creamy mayo.
But how did this humble fruit become the county's top crop? Back in the 1940s, a farmer named Harbin faced a challenge: too many tomatoes were rotting on the ground before they could be harvested. Determined to find a solution, he began staking his tomato plants and implementing the Florida weave technique, using strings to support the plants. Other farmers took notice, realizing the potential for higher yields and profits. Soon, the tomato became the preferred crop, attracting tobacco farmers seeking a more lucrative alternative.
Today, Grainger County boasts over 650 hot houses and 500 acres of field crops, predominantly tomatoes, generating a staggering $10 million in annual sales. And let's not forget the excitement of Tomato Wars at the Grainger County Tomato Festival! It's a lively celebration of this beloved fruit, reminding us to be grateful that it wasn't the potato that took the top spot.
For an authentic taste of farm-fresh goodness, be sure to visit one of the many farms in Grainger County. There's nothing quite like biting into a tomato picked straight from the vine, a true testament to the bounty of this charming agricultural community.
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