Smith County Courthouse in Autumn - Carthage, TN

The two story Smith County Courthouse was built in 1877 in Second Empire Style at a cost of $16,000. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Cordell Hull Bridge (2014 reopened) driving view - Carthage, TN

Originally Built in 1936 and recently reopened, the Cordell Hull Bridge crosses the Cumberland River in Carthage, TN.

Work on the bridge began in 1934 and is named after the former US Secretary of State Cordell Hull who lived in the area. The bridge is a 3 span continuous truss at a length of 1412 ft. with the main span over the river at 316 ft. The southwest side of the bridge reaches highway US70N which runs along a bluff near the river. The northwest side intersects with Main St. near the city's central business district. The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.

The bridge was closed in 2007 when a routine TDOT inspection found the superstructure was in critical condition. Repairs began in August 2011 and they replaced all of the concrete bridge deck and guard rails. The remaining truss, lattice work and rivets were preserved with blast cleaning and then painted white. (It had been green.) The bridge reopened on July 2, 2014.

Cordell Hull Bridge truss detail - Carthage, TN

Originally Built in 1936 and reopened in 2014, the Cordell Hull Bridge crosses the Cumberland River in Carthage, TN.

Work on the bridge began in 1934 and is named after the former US Secretary of State Cordell Hull who lived in the area. The bridge is a 3 span continuous truss at a length of 1412 ft. with the main span over the river at 316 ft. The southwest side of the bridge reaches highway US70N which runs along a bluff near the river. The northwest side intersects with Main St. near the city's central business district. The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.

The bridge was closed in 2007 when a routine TDOT inspection found the superstructure was in critical condition. Repairs began in August 2011 and they replaced all of the concrete bridge deck and guard rails. The remaining truss, lattice work and rivets were preserved with blast cleaning and then painted white. (It had been green.) The bridge reopened on July 2, 2014.

Carthage, TN lighthouse

Near the bank of the Cumberland River in Carthage, TN is this lighthouse. The lighthouse is a masonry tower about 36 ft tall with a spiral staircase leading up to the gallery.

I can't find almost any information on this lighthouse, such as the date is was built. It is not listed with the U.S. Coast Guard, which means it never had the purpose of an aid to river navigation. This means that it was built for recreation or decorative purposes. If you know more, please share in the comments.

Smith County, TN September 11, 2001 Monument

Placed on Sept. 8, 2002, this monument is on the grounds of the Smith County Courthouse in Carthage, TN

Cordell Hull Bridge (2014 reopened) South Street view - Carthage, TN

Originally Built in 1936 and recently reopened, the Cordell Hull Bridge crosses the Cumberland River in Carthage, TN. (The Smith County Courthouse tower is visible on the left.)

Work on the bridge began in 1934 and is named after the former US Secretary of State Cordell Hull who lived in the area. The bridge is a 3 span continuous truss at a length of 1412 ft. with the main span over the river at 316 ft. The southwest side of the bridge reaches highway US70N which runs along a bluff near the river. The northwest side intersects with Main St. near the city's central business district. The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.

The bridge was closed in 2007 when a routine TDOT inspection found the superstructure was in critical condition. Repairs began in August 2011 and they replaced all of the concrete bridge deck and guard rails. The remaining truss, lattice work and rivets were preserved with blast cleaning and then painted white. (It had been green.) The bridge reopened on July 2, 2014.

South Carthage Gazebo in Autumn

This gazebo is at the end of the rails-to-trails walking trail in South Carthage, TN

New home of Carthage Junction, TN Depot

As the Tennessee Central was working on it's rail line to Knoxville, in Smith County a branch split off to reach the industry of Carthage. The spot where the spur split from the main line was about 8 miles southeast of Carthage at a location known as Carthage Junction. 100 years ago, this depot was located there, close to where Preston Rd. meets highway TN141.

After passenger rail traffic ceased, the depot was vacant for many years. Eventually, it was purchased and relocated a couple of miles away along TN56 at the Interstate 40 exit. The depot served as the office for Gordonsville Motor Company.

More recently, preservationists have looked to save this station. The first step was to relocate this depot three miles up the road to South Carthage on Oct. 23, 2014. At this new location, the property has been flattened and now overlooks a park along the bank of the Caney Fork River. The tracks used to run right next to this spot, but now the tracks are torn up and across the street has become the endpoint of a rails-to-trails path.

There is still much work to do, such as rebuilding the roof and restoring the interior. Then, they will improve the grounds around the station. You can follow their progress on their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/CarthageJunctionDepot

Post Card Tuesday: Carthage Cumberland River Bridge

This Real Photo Post Card shows an interesting view of what Carthage looked like from about 100 years ago.

First of all, this bridge was taken from a bridge that looks to me like it was in the same spot of today's Cordell Hull bridge, which was built in 1934. (So this post card is at least older than that.) The bridge has a wooden deck and guard rails that don't look like they could stop much. I'm sure glad bridges aren't like this anymore!

While the Hull Bridge is now closed, perhaps permanently, you can't drive in and get this view anymore. This was made on a winter's day, but even when the trees were in bloom, you could still see the top of the courthouse tower. Below, I have a photo of the Cordell Hull Bridge and the Courthouse Tower.

Cordell Hull Bridge - Carthage, TN

It is the old bridge connecting Carthage to South Carthage over the Cumberland River. On the south side of the river, is just a bluff and an area wide enough for U.S. 70S to pass through. It was built in 1936 and was the second bridge to span the river at this spot. Cordell Hull was Secretary of State for FDR for 11 years. I would have driven over the bridge, like I did last in September 2007 but the bridge was closed in 2008. Hopefully, it's just for repairs and is not permanent.

The Al Gore Store

Carthage, Tennessee's favorite son was Senator Al Gore Sr. Then, Al Gore Jr. came along and became a Congressman, Senator, Vice President and finally Democratic Presidential nominee. This store, which is also a shoe store, has been displaying and selling Al Gore stuff. I first saw this place about 1992 when it said "Clinton Gore Store" on the window, but now it says "Gore Lieberman Store" on the window, although I see no Lieberman stuff in here. This is located across the street from the Smith County Courthouse on Main St. in the town square. Buttons, hats, T-shirts, plates, mugs, post cards, watches and socks.

In the top right is a sign that says "We have the largest selection of Campaign Buttons anywhere."

My favorite thing here is the "Big Bill" flyer in the bottom left. It's for a fishing lure with the tagline "Fish Take it...but don't inhale it."