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 |
The Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park is a special place in Pickett County, Tennessee. It celebrates the life of Cordell Hull, an important American leader. He was born here in 1871.
Cordell Hull later became the U.S. Secretary of State for President Franklin Roosevelt. This means he was America's top diplomat. He also helped create the United Nations, an organization that works for world peace.
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Where is the Park Located?
This state park is in a hilly area of Tennessee called the Highland Rim. It's about 4 miles (6.4 km) south of the Wolf River. The park is also about 4 miles (6.4 km) north of the Obey River.
You can find the park along Tennessee State Route 325. It's just a few miles west of Byrdstown. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation manages this park.
History of the Park and Its Features
The park covers 58 acres (0.23 km²). It has a rebuilt log cabin, which looks like the one where Cordell Hull was born. There's also a museum filled with items from his life. You can even see a copy of his 1945 Nobel Peace Prize there.
The Historic Cabin
In 1953, the State of Tennessee bought the original cabin. It was carefully taken apart and rebuilt in the 1950s. This helped preserve it for future generations. In 1972, the cabin was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site.
The museum was built in the 1960s to share Cordell Hull's story. Later, in 1996, the cabin was rebuilt again. This time, experts made sure it was as accurate as possible to how it looked in 1871.
Creating the State Park
In 1997, the state officially created Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park. They provided money for a full-time staff. This ensured the park would be well-cared for and educational.
Exploring Bunkum Cave
Just south of the birthplace, you'll find Bunkum Cave. It's one of many caves in this limestone-rich area. The cave's entrance is quite large, about 100 feet (30 m) wide and 30 feet (9 m) high.
Ancient History of the Cave
A survey in 1992 showed that people lived in Bunkum Cave a very long time ago. Evidence suggests it was used during the Woodland period. This was a time between about 1000 B.C. and 1000 A.D.
Cordell Hull's father, William Hull, also used the cave. He stored various goods inside it. In 2002, the state bought the cave and 29 acres (0.12 km²) around it. This made it part of the state park.
Visiting the Cave Today
A 2.5-mile (4 km) loop trail was built to help visitors reach the cave's entrance. You can explore the lighted area of the cave. If you want to go deeper, you need a special permit. This helps protect the cave and its history.
