Quarry Limekiln

a.k.a. Arlington Lime Company;Rauscher, E.W.;Lime works;; Erin Lime and Stone Company;Metcalf Stone Company

TN 49, approx 0.25 mi. E of Denmark Rd., Erin, TN
Local significance of the structure:
Industry

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

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.

The world's largest freshwater aquarium is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Tennessee Aquarium is home to more than 12,000 animals from over 800 species.
Houston County, TN has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw and Cherokee, were the first inhabitants of the area. These tribes used the land for hunting, fishing, and agriculture. European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, attracted by the fertile soil and abundant natural resources.

Houston County itself was established in 1871 and named after Sam Houston, a prominent figure in Texas history who was born in the neighboring county of Montgomery. The county was formed from parts of neighboring counties, including Stewart and Dickson. The town of Erin was chosen as the county seat, and it remains the largest town in Houston County.

Agriculture played a significant role in the early years of Houston County. Farmers cultivated crops such as corn, tobacco, and cotton, and the county became known for its dairy industry. The Cumberland River, which borders the county, facilitated transportation of goods and served as a vital resource for the community.

In more recent years, Houston County has diversified its economy beyond agriculture. The growth of manufacturing and tourism has brought new opportunities to the area. The county boasts natural attractions, including the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and the Tennessee portion of the Kentucky Lake. Today, Houston County continues to embrace its heritage while also working towards a prosperous future.

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

  • 1802 – Houston County was established on January 17.
  • 1803 – The county seat was established in Erin.
  • 1884 – Lumber and iron ore industries were established in the county.
  • 1890 – The population of Houston County was recorded as 5,170.
  • 1901 – The Cumberland River was dammed, creating Kentucky Lake.
  • 1925 – The Houston County Courier, the county's newspaper, was established.
  • 1944 – The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) constructed the Kentucky Dam.
  • 1959 – North and South Cross Creeks Wildlife Management Areas were established.
  • 1999 – Houston County celebrated its bicentennial.