Roan Mountain State Park Visitors Center

Located in Carter County along the Doe River is the Visitors Center for Roan Mountain State Park. (the center is not actually on the mountain.) The parking area is along highway TN143 and connects via the pedestrian bridge seen in the middle. Also seen here is an old mill and a wagon wheel. Also, the Peg Leg Iron Ore Mine is just a short walk from here along a trail.

Carter Co. Courthouse - Elizabethton, TN

In 1852, Carter County had the need to build a new courthouse. Built at a cost of $7,100 was this three story building. At the time it was first built, there was a recessed portico with pedimented gable. The roof had stepped end gables with domed octagonal cupola in the center.

In 1901,a major wind storm in March followed by a great flood in May did damage to the courthouse and destroyed many nearby buildings. Plus, a couple of additions have been added to the back.

In 1933, a fire caused damage to the building and it was rebuilt with a number of design changes. A projecting portico was added with a one story base was added along with the stairways along either side. The gabled roof was changed to a hip roof and the cupola was removed.

In the News: Ten in Tenn: Bonnie Kate Theater - Elizabethton, TN

A few days ago, the Tennessee Preservation Trust released their 2015 list of endangered historical sites in the state. This week on the blog, we are talking about some of the properties on this list. Here is how TPT describes the list:
"The Tennessee Preservation Trust’s Ten in Tennessee Endangered Properties List Program is TPT’s strongest advocacy tool for the state’s most endangered historic sites. Each year, TPT seeks nominations for the “Ten in Tenn” from the public from each of Tennessee’s nine Development Districts."

You can also see past entries on their website here:
http://www.tennesseepreservationtrust.org/ten-in-tn/?ref=archive



From the Elizabethton Walking tour brochure (Stop #29)

The Bonnie Kate Theater, another Classical Revival Design, formally opened on May 16, 1926. All 500 of the seats were filled and the audience enjoyed the showing of a silent film. A local music program "Barrels of Fun" originated here in the 1930s and in the 1940s was broadcast by two radio stations (one next door) to a listening audience of 3.2 million people in the southeast area. This was the first theater East of the Mississippi to have rocking chair seating (1969).

From TPT:

The Bonnie Kate Theater from 1926 is the last surviving movie house in Elizabethton and both part of the local Elizabethton Historic District and the National Register Historic District. It embodies
the distinctive architectural characteristics of theaters built during the 1920s and fully sat houses up to 500. Unchecked roof deterioration has led to multiple leaks and subsequent water damage. Despite strong community and local government interest to save the building, no action has been taken by the building owners to make necessary repairs or correct the damage caused by the leaks.

For more, see this WCYB news report.

The last steam train used in America

I suppose the distinction of "The last steam train in use in America" can be up for debate, but it's the claim of this Historic Marker. This steam locomotive was used by North America Rayon from 1936-1992. North American switched its plant in with fireless 0-6-0F #1 until some time in 1992. #1 was a well-known fireless steamer, which interchanged regularly with steam engines from connecting East Tennessee & Western North Carolina RR until they dropped the fires in 1967. After that, #1 continued toiling away in the plant, until an anonymous date in 1992.

This steam train is located in Elizabethton, TN next door to their visitors welcome center along US19E & US321. Here's what this locomotive looked like while in use: www.steamlocomotive.com/colored/narc1.jpg

Carter Mansion - Elizabethton, TN

From the historic Marker:
"The Mansion" was built before 1780 by John Carter and his son Landon. John Carter was chairman of the Watauga Association, a court of five men elected by settlers of the Watauga County in May 1772. "to govern and direct for the common good of all the people." Carter County is named for Landon Carter and Elizabethon is named for his wife Elizabeth Maclin. The family cemetery is located to the east of the house.

Also of note: This is the oldest frame house in Tennessee. Little is known about John Carter as many records have since been destroyed by fire. Landon Carter is also the great-grandfather of brothers Alf & Robert Taylor who ran against each other for Governor. The property is also on the National Register of Historic Places.

For more info about this house:
www.oldhouseonline.com/carter-mansion-tenneesees-oldest-f...

Hello to anyone who found this photo here:
www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/historic-houses-tn/
Everyone In Tennessee Should Visit These 20 Houses For Their Incredible Past

State Line Drive in Theater sign - Elizabethton, TN

Elizabethton, TN
Along highway US19E/321
By my best guess, it's about 15 miles from the TN/NC state line

Range House - Elizabethton, TN

in the 1880's, this house was owned by Robert Taylor of the famous Alf & Robert Taylor governor brothers. The house was built by Dr. Abraham Jobe who was a local postmaster and in the mercantile business.

Watauga Lake in East Tennessee

Watauga Lake is located in the mountainous region of far East Tennessee. (It is located between the cities of Bristol, Elizabethton and Mountain City)

The Lake was formed after the creation of the TVA Watauga Dam in 1948. The entire area is in the Cherokee National Forest. This specific vantage point is at Watauga Point just off highway US 321.

The Doctor Bowers House - Elizabethton, TN

From the brochure entitled the Elizabethton Walking Tour, this home is listed as stop #4:
The house known as the Doctor Bowers House was built around 1906 by Dr. E.E. Hunter and his wife, Mollie Jobe Hunter, daughter of Dr. Abraham Jobe, after a fire destroyed their previous home. One of Elizabethton's most beloved physicians, Dr. Hunter, also operated a drug store in the city, served for a short time as Postmaster, and oversaw the construction of the Covered Bridge. The house is primarily Greek Revival Style with various other architectural style influences, particularly Classical Revival. The north bay of the interior stair landing features beautiful stained glass windows.

Southern Railroad Caboose - Elizabethton, TN

Not far from the center of town is a small park with a couple of train cars underneath a small shed. Southern went through E-ton from 1911-1940.

World's Tallest (decorated) Fraser Fir Christmas Tree

Located in the heart of Elizabethton, TN, in front of the 1861 Folsom House is a 78 foot tall Fraser Fir Tree. The tree was planted by Henderson Folsom, who was a Confederate Major in the Civil War.

Since a typical Fraser Fir grows to about 40-50 feet, townsfolk wondered just how special their 78" fraser fir was. After searching for similar trees, this tree was declared the tallest Fraser Fir tree in the world.

Unfortunately, a taller Fraser Fir was eventually found. Undaunted by this discovery, the townsfolk strung some Christmas Lights on it in 1988 and declared this to be the official Elizabethton Christmas Tree. Now, they can claim this is the tallest decorated Fraser Fir tree in the world!

Doe River Covered Bridge Festival this week - Elizabethton, TN

Built in 1882, this is the oldest covered bridge in Tennessee.

Constructed at a cost of $3,000 by contractor Dr. E.E. Hunter, George Lindamood and three carpenters, it spans the Doe River for 134 feet, resting on earth and limestone abutments. Hunter hired Colonel Thomas Matson, who had engineered the narrow guage Tweetsie Railroad, to design the bridge and serve as construction chief. Hunter made a profit of $5 on the bridge, so one of its names is the "Five Dollar Bridge"

The original structure was made almost entirely of wood; mainly mountain oak and white pine beams that were hauled down the steep slopes of the mountains by draft horses and mules, weatherboard of mountain poplar, and shingles cleaved by mallet and fro from chestnut. Hand forged steel spikes and hand threaded bolts fastened together the massive pieces of oak flooring. Termed an engineering feat, and listed in the Historic Engineering Record, the Covered Bridge survived numerous floods, including the great May flood of 1901, which destroyed all the other bridges in the county that crossed the Doe River. It is one of two bridges in Tennessee identified by a Tennessee Historical marker and is included on the National Registry of Historic Sites. The Covered Bridge remains the most photographed and most admired historical structure in Carter County.

The bridge contains one span and is of Howe Truss design. Inside the bridge is one lane of vehicle traffic, plus a pedestrian walkway, although the bridge is now closed to motor vehicles. Each end of the bridge features a projecting truncated gabled roofline.

Two other nicknames of this bridge are "Queen of the South" and "The Kissing Bridge." Every year in June, Elizabethton has a festival called the Covered Bridge Celebration. Learn more about the festival that starts this weekend at the link here:
http://coveredbridge.elizabethtonchamber.com/

Doe River Covered Bridge - Elizabethton, TN

Built in 1882, this is the oldest covered bridge in Tennessee.

Constructed at a cost of $3,000 by contractor Dr. E.E. Hunter, George Lindamood and three carpenters, it spans the Doe River for 134 feet, resting on earth and limestone abutments. Hunter hired Colonel Thomas Matson, who had engineered the narrow guage Tweetsie Railroad, to design the bridge and serve as construction chief. Hunter made a profit of $5 on the bridge, so one of its names is the "Five Dollar Bridge"

The original structure was made almost entirely of wood; mainly mountain oak and white pine beams that were hauled down the steep slopes of the mountains by draft horses and mules, weatherboard of mountain poplar, and shingles cleaved by mallet and fro from chestnut. Hand forged steel spikes and hand threaded bolts fastened together the massive pieces of oak flooring. Termed an engineering feat, and listed in the Historic Engineering Record, the Covered Bridge survived numerous floods, including the great May flood of 1901, which destroyed all the other bridges in the county that crossed the Doe River. It is one of two bridges in Tennessee identified by a Tennessee Historical marker and is included on the National Registry of Historic Sites. The Covered Bridge remains the most photographed and most admired historical structure in Carter County.

The bridge contains one span and is of Howe Truss design. Inside the bridge is one lane of vehicle traffic, plus a pedestrian walkway, although the bridge is now closed to motor vehicles. Each end of the bridge features a projecting truncated gabled roofline.

Two other nicknames of this bridge are "Queen of the South" and "The Kissing Bridge." Every year in June, elizabethton has a festival called the Covered Bridge Celebration.

Bonnie Kaye Theater - Elizabethton, TN

From the Elizabethton Walking tour brochure (Stop #29)

The Bonnie Kate Theater, another Classical Revival
Design, formally opened on May 16, 1926. All 500 of
the seats were filled and the audience enjoyed the
showing of a silent film. A local music program
"Barrels of Fun" originated here in the 1930s and in the
1940s was broadcast by two radio stations (one next
door) to a listening audience of 3.2 million people in
the southeast area. This was the first theater East of
the Mississippi to have rocking chair seating (1969).

Watauga Old Fields marker - Elizabethton, TN

Located on the lawn in front of the Carter County Courthouse in Elizabethton, TN it reads

Where the Watauga Association was formed in 1772, being the first place west of the Alleghenies where men joined together in a written compact for civil government and for the preservation of their ideals of liberty.

(then it lists the thirteen elected commisioners)

Erected by the Tennessee Daughters of the American Revolution October 1923

Doe River Covered Bridge - Elizabethton

Built in 1882, this is the oldest covered bridge in Tennessee.

Constructed at a cost of $3,000 by contractor Dr. E.E. Hunter, George Lindamood and three carpenters, it spans the Doe River for 134 feet, resting on earth and limestone abutments. Hunter hired Colonel Thomas Matson, who had engineered the narrow guage Tweetsie Railroad, to design the bridge and serve as construction chief. Hunter made a profit of $5 on the bridge, so one of its names is the "Five Dollar Bridge"

The original structure was made almost entirely of wood; mainly mountain oak and white pine beams that were hauled down the steep slopes of the mountains by draft horses and mules, weatherboard of mountain poplar, and shingles cleaved by mallet and fro from chestnut. Hand forged steel spikes and hand threaded bolts fastened together the massive pieces of oak flooring. Termed an engineering feat, and listed in the Historic Engineering Record, the Covered Bridge survived numerous floods, including the great May flood of 1901, which destroyed all the other bridges in the county that crossed the Doe River. It is one of two bridges in Tennessee identified by a Tennessee Historical marker and is included on the National Registry of Historic Sites. The Covered Bridge remains the most photographed and most admired historical structure in Carter County.

The bridge contains one span and is of Howe Truss design. Inside the bridge is one lane of vehicle traffic, plus a pedestrian walkway, although the bridge is now closed to motor vehicles. Each end of the bridge features a projecting truncated gabled roofline.

Two other nicknames of this bridge are "Queen of the South" and "The Kissing Bridge." Every year in June, Elizabethton has a festival called the Covered Bridge Celebration.

Oldest Church Building in Tennessee

The Sinking Creek Baptist Church building was built in 1783 and remained in use until 1924. They now have a relatively more modern building next door, but keep this one well maintained. It's located on highway TN91 (Old Us321), the older road from Elizabethton to Johnson City in Carter County.

World's Tallest (decorated) Fraser Fir Tree

Located in the heart of Elizabethton, TN, in front of the 1861 Folsom House is a 78 foot tall Fraser Fir Tree. The tree was planted by Henderson Folsom, who was a Confederate Major in the Civil War.

Since a typical Fraser Fir grows to about 40-50 feet, townsfolk wondered just how special their 78" fraser fir was. After searching for similar trees, this tree was declared the tallest Fraser Fir tree in the world.

Unfortunately, a taller Fraser Fir was eventually found. Undaunted by this discovery, the townsfolk strung some Christmas Lights on it in 1988 and declared this to be the official Elizabethton Christmas Tree. Now, they can claim this is the tallest decorated Fraser Fir tree in the world!

Rhudy House - Elizabethton, TN

This brick home in the middle of Elizabethton, TN was built buy Capt. L.H. Rhudy in 1894 and remained in the family until 1992. He was a businessman and industrialist and developed much of downtown Elizabethton along with his brother-in-law Judge Dungan.

The interior and exterior walls of this Queen Anne style home are solid brick. The home has been remodeled often over the years, but the interior still retains most of the original oak and maple woodwork and 8 original fireplaces.

Today, the home is part of the Elizabethton Historic Distric entry on the National Register of Historic Places and is stop #1 on the Elizabethon Downtown Walking Tour

Carter County Courthouse - Elizabethton, TN

In 1852, Carter County had the need to build a new courthouse. Built at a cost of $7,100 was this three story building. At the time it was first built, there was a recessed portico with pedimented gable. The roof had stepped end gables with domed octagonal cupola in the center.

In 1901,a major wind storm in March followed by a great flood in May did damage to the courthouse and destroyed many nearby buildings. Plus, a couple of additions have been added to the back.

In 1933, a fire caused damage to the building and it was rebuilt with a number of design changes. A projecting portico was added with a one story base was added along with the stairways along either side. The gabled roof was changed to a hip roof and the cupola was removed.