Tasso, Tennessee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tasso, Tennessee
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 Tasso, Tennessee
Location in Tennessee
Tasso, Tennessee
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Tennessee |
| County | Bradley |
| Elevation | 810 ft (250 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
37312, 37323
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| Area code(s) | 423 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1304009 |
Tasso is a small place in Bradley County, Tennessee, that is not officially a town or city. It's called an unincorporated community. Tasso is about five miles north of Cleveland. It sits at an elevation of about 814 feet (248 meters) above sea level. Tasso is part of the larger Cleveland area.
Contents
What is the History of Tasso?
The area where Tasso is located was once known as Chatata by the Cherokee people. Chatata means "clear water." This community has existed since before the American Civil War.
How Did Tasso Get Its Name?
Tasso has had a few different names over the years. First, it was called Fish Town. Then, it became McMillin Station, and later, Chatata. In 1905, the community was renamed Tasso. It was named after an Italian poet who often rode the train through the area.
In the past, Tasso was a busy place. It had schools, a post office, and a train station. There were also two stores, a blacksmith shop, and a flour mill. A doctor even lived there. The railroad was built through Tasso in 1858.
Tasso's Role in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Tasso saw some action. In 1863, Union troops led by General William T. Sherman camped near Tasso. They were east of the community, close to the railroad.
A Cannon Left Behind
It is said that these Union troops had to leave a cannon behind. It got stuck in Little Chatata Creek, south of Tasso, while they were trying to cross. General Sherman's troops also camped at the Blue Springs Encampments and Fortifications in southern Bradley County.
The Train Incident of 1864
In the spring of 1864, a group of Confederate soldiers were camped near Tasso. They learned that a Union train with about 2,000 soldiers was coming. A Confederate train was following it.
The Confederate commander ordered his soldiers to place an explosive on the tracks. They hoped to stop the Union train and capture its cargo. This cargo was rumored to be rifles, ammunition, and three cannons.
However, the Union train passed safely over the explosive. Instead, the Confederate train behind it set off the charge. This destroyed the Confederate train and killed several soldiers. The Confederate soldiers watching from a hill rushed to the wreckage. They were surprised by Union soldiers hiding nearby. The Confederates fled, and some were killed.
The Mystery of Confederate Gold
It is rumored that the Confederate train carried Confederate gold and silver coins. These coins were meant for soldier payroll. People say they might still be buried at the wreckage site. No proof of this treasure has ever been found.
However, in 1970, a teenager found a Confederate sword in Little Chatata Creek. This creek is next to the railroad. After that, other items were found from the wreckage. These included mess kits, silverware, parts of boots, and brass buttons. A few coins were also discovered.
What is Tasso's Geography Like?
Tasso is mainly a place where people live. It is in the northeastern part of Bradley County. It is also next to a large area used for farming. Since the 1980s, the city of Cleveland has grown closer to Tasso.
Important Nearby Natural Sites
Several historic Native American sites are located near Tasso. One is Beeler Spring, about half a mile to the east. Another is Rattlesnake Springs, about two miles northeast. At Rattlesnake Springs, 13,000 Cherokee people were held. This was before they were forced to leave their homes. This sad event is known as the Trail of Tears.
Much of the land around Tasso is still used for farming. There are hundreds of acres of protected land. The soil here is very rich and good for growing crops.
Transportation and Businesses in Tasso
A Norfolk Southern Railway line runs through Tasso. It connects the area to Cleveland in the south. To the north, it connects to Athens and Knoxville. Little Chatata Creek runs alongside the railroad.
No major highways go directly through Tasso. However, two main roads serve the community. Tasso Lane connects to US-11. Dry Valley Road connects Cleveland and Charleston. Other important roads include Old Charleston Road, Urbane Road, and Jenkins Road.
The Cleveland Regional Jetport opened in 2013. It is located on the eastern edge of Tasso. Some companies have warehouses in Tasso. These include Tri-State Truss, Pratt Industries, Owens Corning, Reliance Frame & Furniture, and Cleveland Recycled Fiber. Tasso also has two churches: Tasso Baptist and Tasso United Methodist.
