Etowah Historical Commission, Tennessee

06/16/2026

The Etowah Historical Commission and Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association will present Our American Story: Voices from Tennessee, a new traveling exhibit that highlights the lives and legacies of remarkable Tennesseans whose stories connect with and contribute to the nation’s history.
Developed by the Tennessee State Museum, the traveling exhibit will be at the Nancy Cantrell Dender Gallery in Etowah, Tennessee from June 18 through July 29, 2026. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
Featured stories include those of Cherokee leader Ostenaco, Battle of Kings Mountain messenger Joseph Greer, TN250 Traveling Exhibit "Our American Story: Voices from Tennessee" Coming to Tennessee’s first governor John Sevier, suffragist Abby Crawford Milton, trailblazing Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Adolpho A. Birch Jr., NASA astronaut Barry Wilmore, Sequoyah, and more.
Created as part of Tennessee's commemoration of America's 250th anniversary, “Our American Story: Voices from Tennessee" explores the people, events, and experiences that connect Tennessee's unique heritage to the broader American story. The exhibit highlights the lives and contributions of remarkable Tennesseans whose stories helped shape both the Volunteer State and the nation.
Seen here, Oconostota, the great Cherokee warrior. He is buried at the Chota Memorial - just outside of Vonore. The memorial is part of the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum

06/16/2026

Oconostota is highlighted in the 250th Anniversary exhibit coming to the Nancy Cantrell Dender Gallery in Etowah. He is buried just up the road at Chota. The Chota Memorial and gravestone for Oconostota are located on land owned and managed by the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum - just outside of Vonroe, TN

06/15/2026

This woman from Chattanooga is featured on the 250th Tennessee State Museusm's traveling exhibition that will be installed in the Nancy Cantrell Dender Gallery this Wednesday. Stay tuned for the dates the exhibit will be open free of charge

Woman suffrage leader Abby Crawford Milton became involved in the suffrage movement after marrying newspaper publisher George Fort Milton, moving from Georgia to Chattanooga, and giving birth to three daughters. Milton received a law degree from the Chattanooga College of Law, and although she never...

06/01/2026

Don't miss this presentation by Brett Riggs about what happened at Hiwassee Old Town (on the Hiwassee River at Delano, TN during the American Revolution. This presentation is part of the 250th Tennessee State Museum traveling exhibit that will be open at the Nancy Cantrell Dender Gallery/https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14eSh5Cftaj/

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05/31/2026

Sandy Brewer owns an original first printing of "The Etowah Cook Book." Published by the Ladies Auxiliary to The Order of Railway Conductors, the ladies from the auxiliary collected favorite recipes from Etowah cooks. The book was reprinted in later years but appears to be out of print at this time. It's fun to see what folks were eating and serving at Etowah parties in the mid-40's. I spotted a recipe from Irene McKinney. She was known for her themed bridge parties.

05/22/2026

This is very cool project underway in Madisonville. One of the many early community leaders are buried there. Morris Harrison rests there. He was an attorney who represented the AK&N and L&N railroads. He bought the 1,200 acres the L&N needed to build Etowah in his name and transferred the property to the L&N Property Company.

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🇺🇸 America 250: Madisonville Stories Part 8

For nearly two centuries, Madisonville City Cemetery has quietly preserved the stories of the people who built our community.

Known originally as the Old Presbyterian Burial Ground, the cemetery is the resting place of Madisonville founders, veterans from every American war dating back to the Revolutionary War, civic leaders, ministers, business owners, and generations of local families whose legacies still shape our town today.

In recent years, incredible work to restore and renew the cemetery grounds and historic tombstones has taken place thanks to the leadership and dedication of the Madisonville Cemetery Committee, led by President Bert Blankenship and Historian Don Browder, along with many volunteers and supporters who continue to care for this sacred place.

Following its designation as an Official Historic Tennessee Cemetery in 2025, major improvements have included restored tombstones, new signage, an information kiosk, and improved parking and accessibility.

Join the community for the first Madisonville City Cemetery Decoration and Discovery Day in over 25 years this Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 10 AM–3 PM at Madisonville Cemetery, located at 112 Warren Street.

Guests will be able to:
• Explore the historic cemetery grounds
• Learn about Madisonville’s early families and veterans
• Access ancestry and genealogy resources
• Discover fascinating pieces of local history
• Honor and remember those who came before us

A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who has worked — and continues to work — to preserve this important part of Madisonville’s heritage for future generations.

05/22/2026

Thanks to our friends at the McMinn County Historical Society.

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We are excited to announce out Summer Genealogy Series "Roots and Branches" hosted by Linda Edmonds, our 2025 Volunteer of the Year! Call, email, or stop by to register! You can also register on our website www.mcminntnhistorical.org

05/20/2026

As Etowah's Boy Scout Troop 74 prepares for its 100th Anniversary Celebration at the Etowah Depot this coming July, we'll share excerpts from a conversation about scouting in Etowah that took place between David Murphy and Linda Caldwell back in 2006. It follows:

David Murphy Interview
Boy Scouts & Joe Brown Highway
Memories shared with Linda Caldwell – 2006

Etowah had a Scout Troop during WWI; in fact, the troop predates WWI. Designated Troop # 1, it was either part of the Cumberland Council or the Chattanooga Council.

The Joe Brown Highway was a regular hiking route taken by the BS from Etowah, TN to Murphy, NC.
The boys spend 2 or 3 nights along the way.

The boys left Etowah went up Burkett Ivans Trail, then up Chilhowee and down the eastern side of Starr Mountain to Bullet Creek

They spent the night at Hamby Barn (the valley was full of Hamby’s). The Hamby’s insisted the boys have breakfast there. David remembered they flavored the coffee with molasses.

The troop followed the Ivy Trail to Ironsburg (near Coker Creek), then followed the Joe Brown Highway to the Hiwassee River. They followed the river (that road is now underwater) into Murphy, NC.

In Murphy, they stayed at the hotel. All the railroad kids with rail passes rode the train back into Etowah on the Old Line.

David said this route was a good way to “try out hiking.”

Note: David’s father, Bill Murphy, was involved but I did not clearly understand how.

Linda Caldwell
Etowah, Tennessee
2006

05/18/2026

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05/06/2026

Thanks so much to Mr and Mrs Paul McGowan of Knoxville for donating a sizeable collection of L&N Railroad artifacts to the Etowah Historical Commission on behalf of Audrey McGowan. Paul McGowan, Sr built the collection. He was the Division Freight Engineer for the L&N. When he retired his office was located in the Historic L&N Depot in Knoxville. The collection includes silver service pieces, china, and linens used on L&N dining cars. There are also documents, photographs, and an assortment of other artifacts. We so appreciate the McGowan Family for their generosity.