Eat & Drink
Step Back Into the Past
It’s not hard for history buffs to fall in love with McMinn County. The level of detail in historic preservation is stunning, and there are several cultures, eras, and events to explore. Here is a three-day recommended itinerary for anyone who wants to learn about the history of Eastern Tennessee, from the Civil Rights Movement, to the Industrial Revolution.
The history of the black community in McMinn County is one of resilience under oppression. There are several places to stop on your tour to better understand what living in this part of the country was like throughout the 19th century, and into the modern era. Visitors can learn about schools, churches, and other community centers that remained standing through the years.
Start your day at the marker for Free Hill — A Forgotten Community. This community of free, educated African Americans, was established in the 1850s. The people who lived there were skilled tradespeople who owned property and businesses. The marker honors the community, and the symbol of pride and faith it created.
Next, visit the First United Presbyterian Church at 21 North Jackson Street in Athens. It was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places for its role in educating the black community. Many schools for black students only had one room, but this church set aside three different rooms for educational purposes. It was established in 1889 as a Presbyterian mission.
Continuing the tradition of elite black education, travel to J.L. Cook Memorial Park at 414 Cook Drive in Athens. This is an excellent place for a picnic lunch and to read the historical markers that highlight its namesake. Cook Park was once home to Cook School in the 1950s and 60s. It was known throughout the state as one of the premier black schools in the region. It closed in 1966 following desegregation.
Spend your afternoon at Beth Salem Presbyterian Church, which was established in 1866. This was the first African American church in McMinn, Meigs, and Polk. Visitors can still tour the 1920s-era church, its adjoining cemetery, and kitchen pavilion.
McMinn County is a great place to teach kids about history and engage them in the events of the past.
Stretch your legs in the morning with a free historic walking tour of Downtown Athens. The When Walls Talk Historic Downtown Walking Tour tells the story of the Battle of Athens and brings visitors to the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum.
After visiting the Living Heritage Museum (don’t forget to explore its rotating exhibits!), head to the L&N Depot Museum, home to the Louisville & Nashville railroad. This museum is free to visit and allows guests to enjoy a self-guided tour. It is open Tuesday through Saturday, and operated by the City of Etowah.
Kids and adults who love train history will also want to visit the Niota Depot, built in 1854. This is the oldest train depot in Tennessee and remained in use until 1972. If you visit in April, build your trip around the Niota Train Show, which packs the depot with model trains and other vendors.
Decide whether you want to spend your afternoon learning about trains or planes. Book a Hiwassee Scenic Railroad Adventure and spend your afternoon traveling through the Hiwassee River Gorge. Take in historic vistas and learn about Eastern Tennessee along the way. If you prefer planes, visit The Swift Museum, which has impressive displays of Swift aircraft and discussions of aircraft history.
After an exciting day learning about industrious inventions and innovations, it’s time for a period of remembrance. Spend your last day in McMinn County reflecting on those who lost their lives and suffered through America’s darker historical periods.
Stop at the Trail of Tears Historical Route, which stretches from North Carolina to Oklahoma, passing through McMinn County. Road signs are posted along the route and you can learn more about this tragedy at the Hiwassee River Heritage Center.
From there, visit Veterans Memorial Park and 202 Sunset Drive in Athens. Pause at various monuments along the Veteran Brick Walkway, and see the six-hundred-pound floating globe. There are also memorials to veterans at the L&N Depot, Niota Depot, and Living Heritage Museum.
End your time at McMinn County with one more visit to Athens. See the Battle of Athens Mural at 202 N. White Street, and read the historical marker next to it. This mural serves as a striking reminder that every person’s vote is equal and deserves to be counted.
