Rhea Springs, Tennessee facts for kids
Rhea Springs was a small community in Rhea County, Tennessee, in the southeastern United States. It was located along the Piney River. This community was once a popular health resort in the 1800s. However, it was completely covered by water in 1942. This happened when the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) finished building the Watts Bar Dam. The dam created a large lake that flooded the lower Piney Valley.
Contents
What Was Rhea Springs?
Before 1878, Rhea Springs was known as "Sulphur Springs." It grew up around a special spring that many people believed had "healing" powers. This spring flowed into the Piney River. It was about 4 miles (6.4 km) upstream from where the Piney River meets the Tennessee River.
A Popular Health Resort
In the late 1800s, people visited Rhea Springs for its rumored healing waters. It became a popular place for vacations and health treatments. Visitors would come to relax and enjoy the natural spring.
The TVA and Watts Bar Dam
In the late 1930s, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) began looking at the area. They were planning to build the Watts Bar Dam and create a large reservoir (a man-made lake). At that time, TVA surveys showed that Rhea Springs had a big hotel and seventeen small houses.
After the TVA bought the land, most of the people living in Rhea Springs had to move. They found new homes in other parts of Rhea County or in Chattanooga. The community then disappeared under the waters of the new Watts Bar Lake.
Famous People from Rhea Springs
Rhea Springs was home to some important people.
John R. Neal
John R. Neal (1836–1889) was a Congressman who lived in Rhea Springs. A Congressman is a person elected to represent their area in the United States government.
John Randolph Neal, Jr.
His son, John Randolph Neal, Jr. (1876–1959), was born in Rhea Springs. He became a well-known lawyer. He was involved in the famous Scopes Trial. This trial was about teaching evolution in schools.
