Historical Marker

Bus Station

Historical marker location:
2 S White St, Athens, Tennessee
( Marker is at the intersection of South White Street (Tennessee Route 39) and East Bank Street, on the right when traveling south on South White Street.)

2 S. White St

Audiobooks about the history of Tennessee.
The Great Train Robbery of 1866, one of the most famous train robberies in American history, took place in Tennessee. A group of Confederate veterans stole $90,000 from a train traveling from Nashville to Chattanooga.
Tennessee random facts
McMinn County, Tennessee has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Creek, and Shawnee, who thrived in the fertile valleys and along the banks of the Tennessee River. European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, and the establishment of small towns and farms began to shape the region.

During the American Revolutionary War, McMinn County was involved in the fighting between the American colonists and the British. The Battle of Athens, which took place in 1864, is a notable event in McMinn County's history. It was a skirmish between Confederate forces and Unionist residents who rose up against Confederate authorities attempting to control the region. This event highlighted the tension and divisions that existed during the Civil War.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, McMinn County experienced industrial growth with the establishment of manufacturing and mining industries. The arrival of the railroad in the 1890s played a significant role in connecting McMinn County to other regions and facilitating economic development. The coal and marble industries were particularly important during this time, bringing jobs and prosperity to the area.

In more recent history, McMinn County has seen continued growth and development. Today, its economy is diverse, with a mix of industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and tourism. The county is also known for its natural beauty, with attractions like the Cherokee National Forest and the Hiwassee River offering outdoor recreational opportunities. McMinn County remains a vibrant community with a rich history that continues to shape its present-day identity.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of McMinn County, Tennessee.

  • 1819 - McMinn County is established and named after Joseph McMinn, the Governor of Tennessee at the time.
  • 1836 - The first courthouse is built in Athens, the county seat of McMinn County.
  • 1861-1865 - McMinn County suffers during the American Civil War, with numerous skirmishes and the Battle of Athens taking place within its borders.
  • 1878 - The railroad reaches McMinn County, bringing economic development and growth.
  • 1936 - The Battle of Athens, a political uprising against a corrupt local government, occurs in McMinn County.
  • 1960s-1970s - McMinn County experiences industrial growth with the establishment of several manufacturing plants.
  • 1996 - The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga opens, becoming a popular tourist attraction for McMinn County residents and visitors.
  • 2003 - The Great Outdoors Community Caverns, a large underground cave system, is discovered in McMinn County.
  • Present - McMinn County continues to grow and develop, with a focus on preserving its natural beauty and promoting tourism.