Tennessee is home to a number of ghost towns that whisper stories of the past due to its rough landscapes and rich history. These haunting ruins, which range from vanished towns to deserted mining communities, provide a window into a bygone era. Let’s investigate the secrets of Fork Mountain, Cades Cove, and other places.
Big Greenbrier
In the 1800s, people began to settle in Big Greenbrier, which is located between the Smokey Mountains’ rocky outcrop. The resource-rich area provided a life for the early settlers through farming and timber. At its height, the town had two churches, four grist mills, and a number of shops dispersed across it.
Big Greenbrier is now one of Tennessee’s most genuine ghost towns, with just dilapidated structures and ruins remaining. Explores of the city can retrace their steps to the former Messer Farm and explore the surrounding overgrown stone monuments and cemetery.
Read More: Haunted Routes: Dead Woman’s Crossing and the Ghostly Road of Oklahoma
Fork Mountain
Fork Mountain is a historic mining village and ghost town located in the mountains of East Tennessee. Strangely enough, Ohio senator Bill Harris was born there. There were six underground mines and a sizable population here in the early 1950s.
Established in 1920, the Devonia post office provided service to Fork Mountain until it closed its doors in 1975. As a component of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, the ghost town is currently overseen by the National Park Service.
Read More: Echoes of History: North Dakota’s 5 Abandoned Towns Revealed
Cades Cove
The Elkmont Historic District was constructed in the 1910s as a social hub for affluent families in the highlands. The Wonderland Hotel, the Appalachian Clubhouse, and individual cottages are all located there.
It’s easy to imagine that these locations previously housed prosperous families and bustling workers, even if many of the buildings are dilapidated or abandoned.
Nowadays, Cades Cove is a popular tourist destination; if you’re ever in the area, you should definitely check out its creepy ambiance. Stroll along the Elkmont Nature Trail while you’re there; it passes by the old church and other historic buildings.
Read More: Decaying Beauty: Discovering 5 Oregon’s Abandoned Treasures
Newsom’s Landing
Newsom’s Landing was a prosperous settlement established in the early 1800s that was eventually destroyed by a flood. A huge community emerged and a local mill reopened in the 1860s, sparking the town’s rebirth. The town was only a transient presence in Tennessee.
Newsom’s Landing is an ideal location for history buffs to engage in some metal detecting. In addition to the deserted buildings, there are relics from the 19th century and other traces of this old community.
Read More: Ghostly Journeys: Exploring Ohio’s Haunted Roads
Sunshine
Sunshine is a place to consider if you’ve ever wanted to visit one of Tennessee’s abandoned towns. The once prosperous tourist town had its fortunes turned around when a fire damaged the hotel and the nearby logging mill closed.
Sunshine is a ghost town these days, devoid of any visible residents. The George Jones Missionary Church is the only remaining relic from its former existence. On the hill just south of the roadway, explorers can see several abandoned buildings and explore the historic bridge that spans the Little River.
Read More: Fading Memories: 5 Haunting Ghost Towns in Florida’s History
Final Words
The ghost towns of Tennessee are silent watchtowers telling tales of a bygone era. These abandoned settlements provide a window into the state’s rich past, from the ruins of Big Greenbrier’s thriving industry to the eerie splendor of Cades Cove’s desolate homes.
Tennessee’s ghost towns guarantee a singular and fascinating experience, whether you’re a history buff looking for lost artifacts or a thrill-seeker drawn to the eerie ambiance. So put on your boots, take out your camera, and travel back in time to discover these historical relics.
