Wheeler's Raid

Historical marker location:
Dunlap, Tennessee
( Marker is on Taft Highway (U.S. 127).)

OCT. 2, 1863

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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.
Sequatchie County, Tennessee, located in the southeastern part of the state, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Cherokee and Creek. European settlers started to arrive in the region in the late 18th century, with the establishment of a trading post in the 1780s along the Sequatchie River. The county itself was officially formed in 1857, named after the Sequatchie Valley, which runs through the area.

During the Civil War, Sequatchie County suffered from the same divisions that plagued the rest of the state. Although primarily loyal to the Union, the area experienced conflict and guerrilla warfare between pro-Union and pro-Confederate factions. The Battle of Battle Creek, fought in 1863, was one of the key engagements in the region, resulting in a Union victory.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Sequatchie County experienced a period of economic growth with the establishment of various industries, including coal mining, lumber mills, and farming. The county's natural resources attracted businesses and helped to drive economic development. However, the Great Depression of the 1930s hit the area hard, leading to a decline in population and economic decline.

In the decades following World War II, Sequatchie County experienced a resurgence in population and economic activity. The establishment of the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) and infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of highways, brought new opportunities to the region. Today, Sequatchie County retains its natural beauty and is known for its outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping, attracting visitors from both within and outside the state.

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

  • 1806 - Sequatchie County is founded
  • 1836 - The Sequatchie Valley is settled by European families
  • 1857 - Sequatchie County is officially established by the Tennessee state legislature
  • 1861-1865 - Sequatchie County residents participate in the American Civil War
  • 1899 - The railroad reaches Sequatchie County, boosting economic growth
  • 1925 - The construction of the Highway 127 connects Sequatchie County to other parts of Tennessee
  • 1960s - The construction of Nickajack Dam and Reservoir brings new recreational opportunities to the county
  • 2010 - Sequatchie County celebrates its bicentennial