Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cordell Hull Birthplace State Historic Park |
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Cordell Hull Cabin
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| Type | Tennessee State Park |
| Location | Byrdstown, Tennessee |
| Area | 58 acres (0.23 km2) |
| Created | 1997 |
| Open | Year around |
| Website | Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park |
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Cordell Hull Birthplace
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| Nearest city | Byrdstown, Tennessee |
| Built | 1850-1874 |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001250 |
| Added to NRHP | 1972 |
Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park is a special state park in Pickett County, Tennessee. This park honors Cordell Hull (1871–1955), who was a very important person in American history. He served as the U.S. Secretary of State for President Franklin Roosevelt. He also played a big part in creating the United Nations in the 1940s, which is an organization that helps countries work together for peace.
Discover Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park
This park is located in a hilly area of Tennessee called the Highland Rim. It's about 4 miles (6.4 km) south of the Wolf River and 4 miles (6.4 km) north of the Obey River. These rivers meet at Dale Hollow Lake, which is about 7 miles (11 km) away. You can find the park along Tennessee State Route 325, not far from Byrdstown. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation takes care of the park.
The park covers 58 acres (0.23 km²). It has a special log cabin that looks like the one where Cordell Hull was born in 1871. There's also a museum filled with many of Hull's personal items. One of the most interesting things you can see is a copy of his 1945 Nobel Peace Prize. This prize is given to people who have done a lot to promote peace in the world.
The History of Cordell Hull's Birthplace
The State of Tennessee bought the original cabin from the Amonett family in 1953. It was then looked after by the Cordell Hull Birthplace and Memorial Association. The cabin was carefully taken apart and rebuilt in the 1950s to preserve it. In 1972, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's recognized as an important historical site. The museum was built in the 1960s to share more about Cordell Hull's life.
Over the years, different groups managed the site. In 1996, the cabin was rebuilt again. This time, they made sure it was as historically accurate as possible. In 1997, the state government decided to create Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park. They provided money for a full-time staff to properly manage and share the history of this important place.
Exploring Bunkum Cave
Bunkum Cave is one of many large caves found in this area, which is rich in limestone. It's located near the Cordell Hull Birthplace, along a stream called Cove Creek. The entrance to the cave is very wide, about 100 feet (30 meters) across and 30 feet (9 meters) high.
In 1992, experts studied the cave and found signs that people lived there a very long time ago, during the Middle Woodland period (around 1000 B.C. to 1000 A.D.). Cordell Hull's father, William Hull, used the cave for some of his activities.
The state bought the cave and the land around it in 2002, adding it to the Cordell Hull Birthplace. Soon after, a 2.5-mile (4 km) loop trail was built. This trail allows visitors to walk to the cave's entrance. If you want to explore deeper inside the cave beyond the lighted area, you need to get a special permit.
