National Register Listings in
Meigs County, Tennessee

Big Sewee Creek Bridge Black, John M., Cabin Blythe Ferry Blythe Ferry (Boundary Increase) Buchanan House Cowan, James, House Decatur Methodist Church Eaves, S. S., House Ewing House Feezell Barn Gettys, James R., House Gettys, James R., Mill Godsey, Jim, House Griffith, James Turk, House Grubb, Jacob L., Store Hastings-Locke Ferry Holloway, Dr. D. W., House Hooper, Scott, Garage Hutsell Truss Bridge Hutsell, Sam, House Johnson, R. H., Stable Kings Mill Bridge MacPherson House McKenzie Windmill Meigs County Bank Meigs County Courthouse Mount Zion Church Oak Grove Methodist Church Patterson, Alexander, House Rice-Marler House Rymer, Bradford, Barn Sharp, Elisha, House Shiflett, G. W., Barn Smith, Robert H., Law Office Stewart, John, House Surprise Truss Bridge Wood, Andy, Log House and Willie Wood Blacksmith Shop
The largest underground lake in the United States is located in Tennessee. The Lost Sea, located in Sweetwater, Tennessee, covers over four acres and is home to a variety of unusual creatures, including blind fish and crayfish.
Tennessee random facts
Meigs County, Tennessee is located in the southeastern part of the state and has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Creek, and Shawnee, who relied on the abundant natural resources found in the region for their survival.

The county was officially established in 1836 and was named after Return Jonathan Meigs Jr., a U.S. Senator and Postmaster General who served under President James Madison. The community of Decatur was chosen as the county seat, and it quickly became a center of commerce and trade due to its strategic location along the Tennessee River.

During the American Civil War, Meigs County and the surrounding area experienced significant military activity. Both Union and Confederate forces recognized the Tennessee River as a vital transportation route, and several skirmishes and battles took place in and around Meigs County. One notable event was the Battle of Athens in 1864, where local Union sympathizers successfully defended the town against Confederate guerrilla forces.

After the war, Meigs County's economy shifted from agriculture to industry, with the establishment of textile mills, lumber mills, and brick manufacturing plants. The county also became a hub for coal mining, and several coal mines operated in the area. However, the decline of the textile industry in the late 20th century led to a decrease in economic activity, and Meigs County is now primarily a rural community known for its scenic landscapes and recreational opportunities.

Throughout its history, Meigs County has preserved its natural beauty and small-town charm. Visitors can explore historic landmarks like the Meigs County Courthouse, visit the Meigs County Historical Museum to learn more about the area's past, or enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking in the nearby Tennessee River and Cherokee National Forest.

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

  • 1836: Meigs County is established on January 11, 1836.
  • 1837: Decatur becomes the county seat of Meigs County.
  • 1861-1865: Meigs County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1889: The Louisville and Nashville Railroad is completed, improving transportation in Meigs County.
  • 1930: The Watts Bar Dam is completed on the Tennessee River, bringing electricity to Meigs County.
  • 1944: The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) takes over the operation of the Watts Bar Dam.
  • 2018: Meigs County celebrates its 182nd anniversary.