Rock Island, Tennessee facts for kids
Rock Island is a small community located in the northeastern part of Warren County, Tennessee, United States. It's called Rock Island because of a large island in the Caney Fork River. This island is just where the Rocky River joins the Caney Fork.
Rock Island is famous for the Great Falls Dam and Rock Island State Park. You can find many homes, places to eat, and boat docks here. It's a very popular spot in the summer. People love its beautiful waterfalls and tall cliffs. You'll often see boats cruising on the river. The state park has lots of hiking trails and even a sandy area that feels like a beach!
Contents
A Look Back at Rock Island
How Rock Island Started
Long ago, a path called the Chickamauga Path crossed the Caney Fork River at the big rock island. This path went from north to south through Middle Tennessee, connecting places like Kentucky and Alabama. Later, this path became the Old Kentucky Road, which is similar to today's State Route 136. Another trail, the Black Fox Trail, also passed near Rock Island, going from east to west.
In 1793, during a time of conflict called the Cherokee–American wars, a small fight happened at Rock Island. Some soldiers were chasing a group of Chickamauga people who were said to have taken horses. A historian named J.G.M. Ramsey wrote about it. He said the soldiers found a large camp near the Rock Island river crossing. They took many things and then moved to a hill to rest for the night. The next day, the Chickamauga group attacked the soldiers, but the soldiers fought them off.
Early Settlers and Important Visitors
Some of the first people to settle in Middle Tennessee came to Rock Island in the late 1790s. Among them were William "Rock" Martin and Joseph Terry. In 1806, Rock Island became the main town for the new White County. Court meetings were held in Joseph Terry's cabin. This new county was very large, covering all of what is now White and Warren Counties, plus parts of many other counties. Rock Island was the county seat for three years.
General John D. Rodgers, who fought in the War of 1812 and the Seminole Wars, owned a tavern and ran a ferry boat service just above the island. Even General Andrew Jackson, who later became president, held court sessions here. Rock Island stayed an important stop along the Old Kentucky Road until the railroad arrived in 1881.
The Webb Hotel
The Webb Hotel was built in 1909. It was a beautiful Craftsman-style house made to welcome the growing number of tourists visiting Rock Island. The hotel was famous for its delicious homemade Sunday dinners. A well-known country music star, Uncle Dave Macon, who was part of the Grand Ole Opry, often visited the hotel. On March 27, 2020, the Webb Hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which recognizes important historical places.
Fun Things to Do
Rock Island is home to Rock Island State Park and the Great Falls Dam. These places offer many outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
