National Register of Historic Places listings in McMinn County, Tennessee facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about old buildings and places that have a special story? In McMinn County, Tennessee, there are many such places! This article is a list of these amazing spots that are so important, they've been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The National Register of Historic Places is like a special list kept by the United States government. It helps protect buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized as a valuable part of our past. There are 18 such places in McMinn County, each with its own unique story. You can even find their exact locations on a map using their special coordinates!
Historic Places in McMinn County
Here are some of the cool historic places you can find in McMinn County:
Beth Salem Presbyterian Church
This church is located on State Route 30 near Watson Road in Athens. Its community started way back in 1866, right after the Civil War. The church building you see today was built in the 1920s. It's a place where people have gathered for over a century!
Elijah Cate House
You can find the Elijah Cate House west of Niota on State Route 1. This historic home was added to the National Register in 1982.
James W. Chesnutt House
The James W. Chesnutt House is at 105 A S. Niota Road in Englewood. This house is special because it's now looked after by the Englewood Textile Museum. It was listed in 2001.
Samuel Cleage House
North of Athens on the Lee Highway is the Samuel Cleage House. It was added to the list in 1975. This house is a historic landmark, but don't mix it up with Cleage's office in Athens!
Clear Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church
This church is on Clear Springs Road in Calhoun. It became a historic site in 2007.
Etowah Carnegie Library
The Etowah Carnegie Library is at 723-725 Ohio Avenue in Etowah. It was listed in 2003. What's cool about this building is that it's not just a library; it also serves as the city hall for Etowah!
Etowah Depot
The Etowah Depot is on U.S. Route 411 in Etowah. This old train station was built in 1906 for the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. It was added to the National Register in 1977.
Etowah Historic District
The Etowah Historic District covers a large area in Etowah, roughly bounded by 5th Street, Washington Avenue, 11th Street, and Indiana Avenue. This whole area is considered historic and was listed in 1996.
First United Presbyterian Church (Athens, Tennessee)
You can find this church at 321 North Jackson Street in Athens. It was recognized as a historic place in 2008.
M.A. Helm House
The M.A. Helm House is located at 149 Ralph Layman Road in Riceville. This house joined the National Register in 2013.
Alexander H. Keith House
The Alexander H. Keith House is at 110 Keith Lane in Athens. This beautiful house was built in 1858. Today, it's a bed-and-breakfast where people can stay! It was listed in 1986.
William Lowry House (Athens, Tennessee)
This house is at 405 East Madison Avenue in Athens. It became a historic site in 1984.
McClatchey-Gettys Farm
The McClatchey-Gettys Farm is south of Riceville on State Route 1. This historic farm was added to the National Register in 1982.
Niota Depot
The Niota Depot is on Main Street in Niota. This old train station was built in 1854. Today, it's used as the Niota City Hall! It was listed in 1975.
Old College (Tennessee Wesleyan College)
Old College is on College Street in Athens. This building was the very first one for Athens Female College, which is now Tennessee Wesleyan University. It's a key part of the university's history and was listed in 1983.
Trew General Merchandise Store
The Trew General Merchandise Store is west of Delano at State Route 163 and Bowater Road. This store was a busy general store from 1890 all the way until 1990! It was added to the list in 1976.
Trinity United Methodist Church (Athens, Tennessee)
This church is at 100 East College Street in Athens. It was recognized as a historic place in 2009.
John A. Turley House
The John A. Turley House is at 505 East Madison Street in Athens. This house was added to the National Register in 1999.
