National Register Listing

Lea Springs

11 mi. SW of Rutledge off U.S. 11, W on Lea Lake Rd., Rutledge, TN
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Audiobooks about the history of Tennessee.
Tennessee was the birthplace of the Ku Klux Klan, a notorious white supremacist organization that terrorized African Americans and other minority groups throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The group was founded in Pulaski, Tennessee, in 1865.
Tennessee random facts
Grainger County, Tennessee has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The region was once inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, who relied on the waters of the Clinch River for sustenance. European settlers arrived in the late 1700s, led by pioneers like Henry Grainger and Joseph Black. The county itself was established in 1796 as part of the new state of Tennessee.

Throughout the early 19th century, Grainger County experienced a period of growth and development. Agriculture became the dominant industry, with crops like tobacco, corn, and wheat being cultivated by local farmers. The county seat, Rutledge, was incorporated in 1802 and became an important center for trade and commerce in the region.

During the 1860s, Grainger County, like many areas in the South, was greatly impacted by the American Civil War. The county saw its fair share of battles and skirmishes as Union and Confederate forces vied for control over strategic locations and resources. After the war, the county faced a period of reconstruction and rebuilding.

In the 20th century, Grainger County continued to evolve. The construction of Norris Dam in the 1930s brought new opportunities for hydroelectric power and recreation on the nearby Norris Lake. Today, Grainger County remains largely rural, with a strong agricultural presence and a close-knit community. The county is known for its scenic beauty, historic sites, and annual events like the Grainger County Tomato Festival, which celebrates the area's agricultural heritage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Grainger County, Tennessee.

  • 1796 - Grainger County is established by an act of the Tennessee General Assembly.
  • 1801 - The county seat is established in a settlement known as Rutledge.
  • 1839 - The county courthouse is built in Rutledge.
  • 1861-1865 - Grainger County is deeply divided during the American Civil War.
  • 1870s - A railroad line is built in the county, leading to economic development.
  • 1919 - The Grainger County Tomato Club, the precursor to the 4-H Club, is established.
  • 1924 - The famous Grainger County Tomato Festival begins.
  • 1933 - A dam is constructed on the Clinch River, creating Cherokee Lake.
  • 1990s - Grainger County experiences population growth and increased tourism.
  • 2002 - The Grainger County Tomato is designated as the official state vegetable of Tennessee.