Big Spring, Meigs County, Tennessee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Big Spring, Tennessee
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 Big Spring, Meigs County, Tennessee
Location in Tennessee
Big Spring, Meigs County, Tennessee
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Tennessee |
| County | Meigs |
| Elevation | 699 ft (213 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Area code(s) | 423 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1307408 |
Big Spring is a small, quiet community located in Meigs County, Tennessee, in the United States. It's not a big city with a mayor or city council; instead, it's an unincorporated community. This means it's a place where people live together, but it's part of the larger county government, not its own separate town. You can find Big Spring along Tennessee State Route 58, nestled between the towns of Georgetown and Decatur. It's also just a short distance, about two miles, north of the beautiful Hiwassee River.
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Discovering Big Spring
Big Spring is a peaceful area in eastern Tennessee. It's known for its natural beauty and connection to the Hiwassee River. The community is part of Meigs County, which is named after Return J. Meigs Jr., an important governor of Ohio.
Where is Big Spring?
Big Spring is situated in a lovely part of Tennessee. It's easy to find along Tennessee State Route 58, a main road that connects different towns. The community is positioned roughly two miles north of the Hiwassee River. This river is a major waterway in the region, flowing through parts of North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community like Big Spring is a group of homes and businesses that don't have their own local government. Unlike a city or town with its own mayor and city council, Big Spring is governed by the larger Meigs County government. This means county officials handle services like roads, schools, and public safety for the residents of Big Spring.
Famous People from Big Spring
Even small communities can be home to people who make a big difference. Big Spring is known for one such person, Jordan Anderson, whose story is an important part of American history.
Jordan Anderson's Story
Jordan Anderson was born in Tennessee around 1825. He lived a difficult life for many years. However, in 1864, during the American Civil War, he found his freedom. He then moved north to Ohio, where he started a new life with his family.
The Famous Letter
Years later, in 1865, Jordan Anderson received a letter from his former owner. This letter asked him to return to work. Jordan Anderson's reply was amazing. He dictated a letter that became very famous. It was published in newspapers and showed his cleverness and dignity.
In his letter, Jordan Anderson asked many questions about his family's safety and whether he would be paid fairly. He also asked for money he believed he was owed for his past work. His letter was a powerful message about freedom, fairness, and respect. It showed that even after difficult times, people can stand up for themselves with intelligence and wit. Today, this letter is still studied and admired for its historical importance and strong message.
