Ewing House
a.k.a. King House
River Rd., Ten Mile, TN Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
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 Battle of Stones River, fought near Murfreesboro, Tennessee, during the Civil War, was one of the bloodiest battles of the conflict. It resulted in over 23,000 casualties, including over 3,000 deaths.
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.
Meigs County Timeline
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.