History
History runs deep in Tennessee's South Cumberland. Explore our communities to discover important historic sites stretching back to early Native American history and early European settlement, the Civil War era, coal mining, railroads, industrial booms, and important black history sites.
MONTEAGLE
Highlander Folk School
The Highlander Folk School campus was first established in 1932 in Monteagle. The school began by organizing unemployed and working people, and working toward a more just and inclusive society. It also focused on fighting segregation. The school campus is presently closed to the public, as it undergoes restoration.
TRACY CITY
Roundhouse Park
Fortunate enough to have an intact historical district and access to recreational amenities, Tracy City is undertaking a serious effort to become the gateway community to the region’s outdoor and cultural assets for travelers. The new Roundhouse Park, in downtown, is now open!!
MONTEAGLE
The Werner Military Museum
The Sam (“Bud”) H. Werner Military Museum showcases Mr. Werner's extensive collection of military vehicles and other artifacts. His collection encompasses items from WWI to the present. The museum is closed during the winter, but open spring, summer and fall. Check the museum’s website (“more info,” below) for current hours.
BEERSHEBA SPRINGS
Beersheba Springs Assembly
The Beersheba Springs Assembly is a retreat center unlike any other -- the perfect blend of intriguing history, pristine natural settings, and modern hospitality. Our location offers pre-Civil War buildings, scenic views of the Collins River Valley, and space for church retreats, family reunions, conferences, events, and personal retreats year round.
TRACY CITY
Grundy Lakes Historic Area Trailhead
There are 8 trailheads within South Cumberland State Park. At the Grundy Lakes Historic Area, you can see remnants of this region’s coal mining industry, and learn how state convicts provided labor for the hundreds of coke ovens that ‘cooked coal’ at this site for nearly 50 years after the Civil War…
GRUETLI-LAAGER
Historic Stoker-Stampfli Farm & Museum
The Historic Stoker-Stampfli Farm tells the story of Swiss immigrants who came to the this area in the mid-1800s. The farmhouse, farm buildings and museum are all available to tour by appointment. All tours are free, but donations to maintain and restore the farm’s buildings are gratefully accepted.
SEWANEE
University of the South Ralston Listening Library
The state-of-the-art facility offers an unparalleled audiophile resource, housing the world-class collection of recordings of the late Father William Ralston. The Library's mission is entirely philanthropic, designed to spread a love and appreciation for great music and audio to all. Operating hours in accordance with DuPont Library hours; visitor parking available in marked space in the lot located behind the library.
MONTEAGLE
High Point Restaurant
Built inside a 1929 mansion that presumably once was financed by Al Capone, the restaurant serves a menu of traditional gourmet dishes including Brie en Croute, Blackened Salmon Oscar and Black Thai Duck. The mansion that houses the restaurant was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997 and still features the original escape hatches and underground tunnels that were used by Capone to transfer liquor during the Prohibition Era.
SEWANEE
Laurie Museum & Archives
The Museum Collection contains a wide array of unique and interesting objects donated to the university and collected by the Archives. Often used in exhibits and research, these items lend a striking visual component to our holdings and serve to put many of our print and manuscript collections in their historical context.
