Trade, Tennessee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Trade
|
|
|---|---|
Businesses along US 421 in Trade
|
|
 Trade, Tennessee
Location in Tennessee
Trade, Tennessee
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Tennessee |
| County | Johnson County |
| Elevation | 3,133 ft (955 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
37691
|
| Area code(s) | 423 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1272826 |
Trade is a special community in Johnson County, Tennessee, that isn't officially a town or city. It's the very easternmost community in the entire state! You can find Trade between the towns of Mountain City, Tennessee, and Boone, North Carolina. It sits right along a road called US 421. Many people believe Trade is the oldest community in Tennessee. It started as a place for trading goods way back in the 1700s. Even as early as 1673, English explorers visited this area. Trade is also very high up, at 3,133 feet (955 meters), making it the highest community in Tennessee!
Trade's Long History
Trade is the oldest community in Tennessee that isn't officially a town or city. It began in the 1700s and was known as "The Trade Gap." It was a special trading post where Native Americans, early settlers, and fur traders could buy and sell their items.
This trading post was located on an old path that buffalo used. This path went between Snake and Rich Mountains. It was the easiest way to travel through the mountains to the West. The first English-speaking people visited what is now Trade as early as 1673. This happened when the Needham and Arthur expedition passed through the area.
A person named Tom Dula once hid out in Trade. He was famous because of the folk song "Tom Dooley." Tom Dula was suspected of a serious crime in Wilkes County, North Carolina. He was working on a farm when a group of people caught up to him in Trade and arrested him.
Where is Trade Located?
Trade is located in a valley called the upper Roan Creek Valley. It's surrounded by mountains. To the east, you'll find Snake Mountain. Stone Mountain is to the northwest, and Fork Ridge is to the southwest.
The border between Tennessee and North Carolina runs right to the south of Trade. It also goes along the top of Snake Mountain to the east. Just across the border to the south is the community of Zionville.
Fun Things in Trade
Trade has a rich culture, especially known for its "Trade Days" festival. This festival used to happen every June since 1989. It was a three-day event celebrating Appalachian arts, crafts, culture, and history.
- The festival featured Appalachian music and dance.
- There was also a Native American pow-wow.
- Vendors sold unique items like jewelry and art.
The money earned from the festival helped improve and expand the Trade Community Center and Park. The festival stopped for about ten years. It was supposed to start again in 2020, but it was paused because of Covid-19.
In 2008, the Trade gristmill had its grand opening. A gristmill is a place where grain is ground into flour. Most of the parts used to build this new mill are very old, dating back to before the Civil War. The gristmill is located at the Trade Days grounds and the Trade Community Center. It is open for people to visit. You can even buy different products there, like popcorn grits and art made by local artists.
