Lillard's Mill Hydroelectric Station

This historic mill on the Duck River is in rural Marshall County, TN and the unincorporated community that was built nearby was known as Milltown. This dam was completed in 1928 and is historically significant as one of three dams on the Duck River to predate TVA. You can read it's entry on the National Register of Historic Places here: npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/NRIS/89002370

Today, the area is considered a park and popular with the locals. To get here, follow there is a gravel driveway that leads off of Milltown Rd. This driveway leads to a parking lot, and you can then walk the gravel to the Duck River. This is a calm spot in the river 1000 ft past the dam, and it is popular for swimming and rafting. To the east, you can walk along the rocky terrain to get a closer view of the dam. If you take a close look, there are some adventurous teens that have climbed onto it.

Burial Site of Gov. Buford Ellington

Earl Buford Ellington (June 27, 1907 – April 3, 1972) was an American politician who served as Governor of Tennessee from 1959 to 1963, and again from 1967 to 1971. With term limits, and along with his political ally, Frank G. Clement, he helped lead a political machine that controlled the governor's office for 18 years, from 1953 to 1971. Ellington was also a supporter of President Lyndon B. Johnson, and worked as the Director of the Office of Emergency Planning during the Johnson Administration in 1965.

Ellington (as well as Gov. Jim McCord) is buried in Lone Oak Cemetery in Lewisburg, TN. Once at the cemetery, look for the flag poles. There are about 5 of them and one is right next to this grave.

A couple of years ago, an associate challenged me to find all of the Tennessee Governor's burial sites. This is number 13 in my quest, so I am finally taking it seriously. My list: 1) John Sevier 3) Willie Blount 9) James K Polk 13) William Trousdale 15) Andrew Johnson 17) William G. Brownlow 22) Alvin Hawkins 23) William B Bate 25) John P. Buchanan 35) Austin Peay 36) Henry Horton 42) Buford Ellington 44) Ray Blanton. See all of them here.

First Marshall County Court House (1836) - Lewisburg, TN

According to the TN Historic marker:
In this room of the original Abner Houston home the first court of Marshall County met October 3, 1836. Moved and restored by Robert Lewis Chapter DAR October 6, 1957.

Abner Houston was a pioneer of Lewisburg, and this home originally stood on Haynes St. two blocks north of the town square and current Marshall County Courthouse. Today, it is located in front of Lone Oak Cemetery in the triangle formed by US31A and Yell Rd.

Learn more here:
www.marshalltribune.com/story/2134723.html

Berlin Spring - Marshall County, TN

Berlin Spring, or Big Spring is a cave spring that begins Cedar Creek in northwest Marshall County. Over 170 years ago, the small town of Berlin formed around the source of water. The small park which is located just off US431 is also home of the once famous Berlin Rock (or Pulpit Rock). The Berlin Rock at it's scenic location made for a popular spot for all local politicians to give campaign speeches.

For more info, see the text of this 40 year old newspaper article:
freepages.school-alumni.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~bethlehemc...

Berlin Pulpit Rock - Berlin, TN

In Marshall County, TN, a small community called Berlin grew around the Big Cave Spring. Near the entrance to that cave was this set of stacked rocks. Since it was located in front of a natural amphitheater, it made for a convenient podium, rostrum or pulpit. (Hence the name "Pulpit Rock.")

In 1844 when running for President, James K. Polk delivered a campaign speech here. Andrew Johnson also spoke here, making two U.S. Presidents that have orated from the behind the natural rostrum at the entrance to the big spring. Eventually, this spot became a popular spot for candidates over the next 80 years as another two U.S. Senators, four U.S. Congressmen, six Governors and seven judges are recorded on the marker next to the rocks.

In 1925, Marshall County wanted to give more prominence to its significant stone. The Pulpit rock was jacked up and placed onto a wagon, which was pulled by a team of four mules into Lewisburg. The Rock was placed on display on the grounds of the Marshall County Courthouse facing in the direction of the site of James K. Polk's law office on the town square. Then, the marker was created to list off all of the politicians who spoke at Berlin Springs over the years.

After sitting in the square for six decades, local historian Ralph Whitesell used his influence to have the rock returned to it's original location. This happened in 1986 as the rock was placed back at Berlin Springs as part of Gov. Alexander's "Tennessee Homecoming '86" project. You can still visit it today at the small park just off highway US431 at Old Berlin Road.

Want to know more? See this article:
freepages.school-alumni.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~bethlehemc...

Fun on the Duck River - Milltown, TN

This is a wide and shallow area of the Duck River, which makes it a popular location for swimming and kayaking. While I was here, several buses dropped off kayakers who will pick them up somewhere downstream. I took this photo on Memorial Day but am sure it is just as popular on July 4th weekend.

This spot is about 500 feet downstream from Lillard's Mill. There is a gravel lot which can hold about 30 cars off of Milltown Road. It's not too far off of highway TN272 north of Verona in Marshall County.

8 New listings on the National Register of Historic Places - Dec. 2019

There are 8 new Tennessee listings on the National Register of Historic Places, including the two places pictured below. Text is from the press release



Bank of Loretto (Loretto - Lawrence County)

The Bank of Loretto was chartered in 1910 and after the original bank building burned circa 1924, the current building was constructed. C.K Colley and Company Architects from Nashville were the architects of the building. Colley practiced from 1899 to 1956, but the C.K. Colley and Company was only in operation from 1922-1928. Local lumber company Augustin Lumber, established in 1900, built the new bank building. The Classical Revival style bank is sheathed in stone veneer and distinguished by its symmetrical façade and pedimented entrance. Semi-circular arched windows flank the single-door entrance. The interior retains historic flooring and skylights. The Bank of Loretto moved to a larger building in 1967 and the building is now used as a restaurant.



Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. (Lewisburg –Marshall County)

Better known today as the Water Street Abbey, the historic church building was constructed in 1910 for the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. Rev. E. L. Orr drew plans and made suggestions for the structure, but the actual architect is unknown. The first services in the new sanctuary were held on January 11, 1911. Situated at the corner of Water Street and 3rd Avenue in Lewisburg, it is a prominent example of the Late Gothic Revival style. The exterior of the brick building features a corner bell tower delineated by Gothic arch openings with y-tracery, a steep pitch roof, and large windows. The interior retains its Akron plan, with moveable doors that allow for classroom spaces or a larger sanctuary when needed. When the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. disbanded in 1939, the building was purchased by the Water Street Church of Christ, who held services here until 1967. In 2007 the current owners purchased the building and plan to rehabilitate it for an event venue.

The list also includes a boundary increase for the Jonesborough Historic District and the world's largest bomb shelter which is in a gated community in Memphis.

See the entire list here.

Wilhoite Mill 1902 Wheel

Located along the Duck River in Marshall County was the site of three mills over the years. This wheel was part of the 1902 mill constructed on higher ground after the original was destroyed by a flood. A belt attached to the wheel transferred power from the turbines below to the mill building. A passage for the belt was trenched through the limestone and can still be seen in the area.

Wilhoite was a community that was built up around the area of the mills. Today, all that remains are the building blocks of some of those buildings plus a few pieces of the mills. A trail has been built to access these places. This area is adjacent to and across the river from the main part of Henry Horton State Park along highway US31A.

Neat old house - Lewisburg, TN

In Lewisburg, this house is at the corner of Church St. & Hill St. It is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (However, The house across the street is. If you have any more info, I'd love to hear it.

Chapel Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church

Located on Horton Highway (U.S. 31A) in Chapel Hill, TN (Marshall County). Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Building - #85001897, significant because of it's Greek Revival Architecture from the 1870's

"Ladies Rest Room" - Lewisburg, TN

Serving an unusual purpose is this brick building at the Lewisburg town square in Marshall County, TN. My understanding of the idea is that when men would come into town on business, they'd bring their wives who would socialize here. I'm not quite sure how popular the idea was, but if it was really successful every town would have had one.

The Ladies Rest Room building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. At the time of its listing, it was still being used for its original purpose. For the full story: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ladies_Rest_Room

Church Street Church of Christ - Lewisburg, TN

The city of Lewisburg was organized in 1836 and according to county history a church of Christ was established the same year. Their first building opened in 1845. When congregation growth meant they needed a new building, this one opened in 1886. The building is located about a block from the town square.

www.churchstreetchurchofchrist.org/index.php

Deteriorating Barn

What makes this one seem so unusual is how most of the wood along the bottom has disappeared with the rotting moving up to the middle. Yet, the wood that makes up the frame seems to be intact. There is some snow on the roof and a little on the ground. Seen somewhere in Marshall County, TN

Deteriorating Barn

What makes this one seem so unusual is how most of the wood along the bottom has disappeared with the rotting moving up to the middle. Yet, the wood that makes up the frame seems to be intact. There is some snow on the roof and a little on the ground. Seen somewhere in Marshall County, TN.

Remains of the 1846 Wilhoite Mill

The remains of the original penstock piers can still be seen along the bank of the Duck River in Marshall County. Here, water was diverted to turn two turbines. The mill was rated at 60 barrels of flour and 150 bushels of corn per day. The Mill and a nearby bridge were destroyed by a flood of March 28, 1902, but a newer mill was built higher up along the bank, and some of those remains also survive today.

After the Civil War, a small community sprung up around the mill, which included a general store, a blacksmith, a post office and some housing. Today, little remains of the Wilhoite community other that what is left of the two mills. This can be seen as part of the Wilhoite Mill trail at Henry Horton State Park, and is across the duck river from most of the rest of this park. The entrance to the parking area can be seen along US31A.

The Ledges - Lewisburg, TN

The Ledges, also known as the Joe Chase Adams House is on the National Register of Historic places, notable for it's Queen Anne architectural style.

Post Card Tuesday - Marshall County Courthouse

The present Colonial Revival style courthouse was completed in 1929. This was the third to occupy this location in Lewisburg, TN. The first was built in 1838 an then burned in 1873. The second was completed in 1874 and burned in 1927. This courthouse was designed by the Nashville firm of Hart, Freeland and Roberts, and the same firm renovated and modernized the building in 1974.

Marshall County is named after Supreme Court Cheif Justice John Marshall.

Marshall County Courthouse - Lewisburg, TN

The present Colonial Revival style courthouse was completed in 1929. This was the third to occupy this location in Lewisburg, TN. The first was built in 1838 an then burned in 1873. The second was completed in 1874 and burned in 1927. This courthouse was designed by the Nashville firm of Hart, Freeland and Roberts, and the same firm renovated and modernized the building in 1974.

Marshall County is named after Supreme Court Cheif Justice John Marshall.

Hi-Way 50 Drive-in - Lewisburg, TN

What I suppose used to be TN Highway 50 south of Lewisburg is now US431 which goes to Fayetteville. Would the metal shield be there to keep the lights from the neon signs from interfering from the moviegoers? It seems not long enough to block headlights from highway motorists. Here's a response I got from a worker there:

We call the shield a "blind" and yes, it's to block the lights of the sign. It also houses the letters for the sign and the ladder to reach the ledge. The land owner will not allow a "tree" blind to block the traffic lights, but if you choose your spot wisely, it doesn't detract from the experience. We did experience a fire in March of 2007, but we were closed for only one night. The concessions stand suffered the most damage and was gutted and upgraded from it's 1946 wiring! Thanks for expressing interest in our Drive In. The web address is hiway50drivein.net .

Wyatt Archaeological Museum

Here's a Tennessee tourist attraction you may not be familiar with, located right off the interstate 65 south of Columbia, TN (At the Lynnville & Cornersville exit, TN129)

Ron Wyatt was a self taught archaeologist who claims to have found several important Biblical discoveries. He has a lot of devoted followers, but also several who claim his work was fraudulent.

I first learned of him when he spoke at my middle school. (yes, it was a private school.) He brought with him what was called a piece of Noah's Ark, the remains of a piece of "fire and brimstone" that destroyed Sodom and a working model of how he thinks the Pyramids were built.

Wyatt died in 1999, but his legacy lives on in the museum. For a balanced look at his story, check the wikipedia article:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Wyatt

Here's the museum's website:
www.wyattmuseum.com/