National Register of Historic Places listings in Polk County, Tennessee facts for kids
Did you know that many special places in Polk County, Tennessee, are protected because of their history? These places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps us remember and save important buildings, areas, and sites that tell us about the past of Polk County and the United States. There are 18 such places in Polk County! Let's explore some of them and learn about their stories.
| Anderson – Bedford – Benton – Bledsoe – Blount – Bradley – Campbell – Cannon – Carroll – Carter – Cheatham – Chester – Claiborne – Clay – Cocke – Coffee – Crockett – Cumberland – Davidson – Decatur – DeKalb – Dickson – Dyer – Fayette – Fentress – Franklin – Gibson – Giles – Grainger – Greene – Grundy – Hamblen – Hamilton – Hancock – Hardeman – Hardin – Hawkins – Haywood – Henderson – Henry – Hickman – Houston – Humphreys – Jackson – Jefferson – Johnson – Knox – Lake – Lauderdale – Lawrence – Lewis – Lincoln – Loudon – Macon – Madison – Marion – Marshall – Maury – McMinn – McNairy – Meigs – Monroe – Montgomery – Moore – Morgan – Obion – Overton – Perry – Pickett – Polk – Putnam – Rhea – Roane – Robertson – Rutherford – Scott – Sequatchie – Sevier – Shelby – Smith – Stewart – Sullivan – Sumner – Tipton – Trousdale – Unicoi – Union – Van Buren – Warren – Washington – Wayne – Weakley – White – Williamson – Wilson |
Contents
Historic Mines and Mining Towns
Polk County has a rich history of mining, especially copper mining. Many of the historic places here are connected to this industry.
Burra Burra Mine Historic District
The Burra Burra Mine was a huge copper mine in Ducktown. It's now a historic district, which means a whole area with many important buildings and structures from the mining days. Imagine what it was like when miners worked deep underground to bring out valuable copper! This district helps us understand how mining shaped the lives of people in this area.
Central Headframe
Also in Ducktown, the Central Headframe is a tall structure that used to stand over a mine shaft. It was a key part of the mining operation, helping to lift miners and ore in and out of the ground. It's a reminder of the hard work and engineering that went into copper mining.
Copperhill Historic District
Copperhill is another town with a strong mining past. Its historic district includes many buildings that were part of the town's life during the mining boom. You can see old shops, homes, and other structures that show how people lived and worked in a busy mining community.
Ducktown Historic District
The Ducktown Historic District covers a large part of the town of Ducktown itself. It includes many buildings along State Route 68 and nearby streets. This district helps preserve the look and feel of a historic mining town, showing how it grew and changed over time.
Isabella Managers' Row
In Isabella, you'll find the Isabella Managers' Row. This was a row of houses where the managers of the mining companies lived. These homes show a different side of the mining industry, highlighting the lives of those who oversaw the operations.
Powerful Dams and Rivers
Polk County is also home to powerful rivers and dams that have provided electricity for many years.
Ocoee Hydroelectric Plant No. 2
The Ocoee Hydroelectric Plant No. 2 is a fascinating example of early power generation. Located on the Ocoee River, this dam uses the force of the water to create electricity. It's an important part of the region's history of providing power to homes and industries.
Ocoee No. 1 Hydroelectric Station
Just like Ocoee No. 2, the Ocoee No. 1 Hydroelectric Station is another historic dam that harnesses the power of the Ocoee River. These dams are not just about power; they also show how people engineered solutions to use natural resources for the benefit of communities.
Important Buildings and Town Centers
Many historic buildings and areas in Polk County show us what life was like in the past, from schools to courthouses.
Buzzard's Roost Historic District
This historic district in Ducktown includes several streets with older buildings. It gives us a glimpse into the residential and community life of the town, showing how people lived outside of the mining areas.
Center & Abernathy Store Building
In Copperhill, the Center & Abernathy Store Building is a historic commercial building. Stores like this were the heart of the community, where people bought supplies, met friends, and shared news. It tells a story of local commerce and daily life.
Copeland House
The Copeland House in Parksville is a historic home. Old houses often have unique architectural styles and can tell us about the families who lived there and the way homes were built long ago.
Kimsey Junior College
Located in Ducktown, Kimsey Junior College was an important educational institution. Buildings like this remind us of the history of learning and how schools have shaped generations of students in the area.
Newtown Historic District
Another historic district in Copperhill, Newtown includes several streets with residential buildings. It shows how different neighborhoods developed within the town, often reflecting the social and economic life of the time.
Polk County Courthouse
The Polk County Courthouse in Benton is a very important building. Courthouses are where local government decisions are made, laws are upheld, and community events often take place. This building has been a central part of Polk County's civic life for many years.
Reliance Historic District
The Reliance Historic District in Reliance is roughly bounded by roads and the Hiwassee River. This district helps preserve the historic character of the town, showing how it developed along the river and its connections to local industries and transportation.
William Wiggins House
Also in Benton, the William Wiggins House is another historic home. Like the Copeland House, it offers insights into the architectural styles and daily lives of people from the past in Polk County.
Railroad History
Trains played a huge role in connecting communities and transporting goods.
Knoxville Southern Railroad Historic District
This historic district covers a former railroad line that ran from near Reliance to near Farner. Railroads were vital for moving copper from the mines and connecting Polk County to other parts of the country. This district reminds us of the importance of trains in shaping the region's economy and development.
Honoring Important People
Some historic places are dedicated to remembering important individuals.
Nancy Ward Tomb
South of Benton, you can find the Nancy Ward Tomb. Nancy Ward was a very important woman in Cherokee history. She was a Beloved Woman of the Cherokee Nation, known for her wisdom and efforts to promote peace. Her tomb is a significant historical site that honors her legacy and her connection to this land.
These are just some of the amazing historic places in Polk County, Tennessee. Each one tells a unique story about the people, industries, and events that shaped this part of the world. By protecting these sites, we ensure that future generations can learn from and appreciate the rich history around them.
Images for kids
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The historic Burra Burra Mine in Ducktown.
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The Copeland House in Parksville.
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Main Street in the Ducktown Historic District.
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Kimsey Junior College in Ducktown.
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A view of the Knoxville Southern Railroad Historic District.
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Ocoee Hydroelectric Plant No. 2.
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Ocoee No. 1 Hydroelectric Station.
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The Polk County Courthouse in Benton.
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The Nancy Ward Tomb.
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The William Wiggins House in Benton.
