Kyles Ford, Tennessee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kyles Ford
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Edward R. Talley bridge over Kyles Ford
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 Kyles Ford, Tennessee
Location in Tennessee
Kyles Ford, Tennessee
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Tennessee |
| County | Hancock |
| Settled | 1790s |
| Named for | Robert Kyle Sr. |
| Elevation | 1,175 ft (358 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Zip Code |
37765
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| Area code(s) | 423 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1290427 |
Kyles Ford is a small, unincorporated community in Hancock County, Tennessee. An unincorporated community is a place that doesn't have its own local government, like a city or town.
This community is located along the Upper Clinch River. It's home to a special wildlife area managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). Part of Kyles Ford is also a protected area called the Kyles Ford Preserve. It covers about 850 acres (3.4 square kilometers).
The Kyles Ford Preserve was created to protect rare and endangered species of freshwater mussels. These mussels live in the rivers here. The Upper Tennessee River area, including the nearby Powell River, has more different kinds of freshwater mussels than almost anywhere else in the United States! Sadly, many of these unique mussels are also in danger.
Groups like Clinch-Powell Resource Conservation and Development have worked with the Kyles Ford community. They've helped create places for learning and low-impact ecotourism. This includes spots like The Clinch River Conservation Retreat. These efforts help people learn about the area's unique nature and culture. They also help fund research to protect the local biodiversity and Appalachian traditions.
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History of Kyles Ford
Before European settlers arrived, some Cherokee people hunted along the Clinch River. In 1762, two Longhunters, Elisha and Joseph Wallen, explored this area. Joseph Wallen later received a large piece of land here in 1787. This was a reward for his service in the Revolutionary War.
Early settlers from Virginia began moving to the area in the 1790s. They often followed trails like the Trail of the Lonesome Pine. In 1801, Robert Kyle Sr. and his family moved to the community. A shallow crossing point on the Clinch River was named "Kyle's Ford" after him. By 1860, Kyles Ford was part of the Wallen District of Hancock County.
Kyles Ford used to have its own post office, which opened in 1871. For many years, it was located at Wallen's Grocery. Later, in 1988, mail for Kyles Ford was handled by the Sneedville post office. The original Kyles Ford post office closed in 1997.
Important Structures
The Edward R. Talley bridge crosses the river at Kyles Ford. It was first built in 1928 and replaced an old ferry that people used to cross the river. After many years, the Tennessee Department of Transportation decided to build a new bridge. The new bridge opened on October 12, 2015, right next to the old one.
Learning and Schools
For many years, local churches in Kyles Ford helped teach children. Kyles Ford Elementary was an early public school. It was first located along Highway 70 North. After a fire in 1937, the school was rebuilt at its current spot on Highway 33. A gym and cafeteria were added in the mid-1960s. The school's basketball teams were first called the Indians, then later the Cougars.
By 2001-2002, a new school called Hancock County Elementary School was finished. Students from Kyles Ford then started going to this new, larger school.
Notable People from Kyles Ford
- Ermal Allen, a famous American football player and coach, was from Kyles Ford.
