Rocky Top in Anderson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Why Miners Fought

Photographed by Tom Bosse, March 4, 2017

1. Why Miners Fought Marker

Inscription. Agricultural land in the region was owned and being farmed by 1880. Younger sons of farmers sought opportunities in mining, learning new job skills from experienced Welsh miners. Mining also offered opportunities for African-Americans who comprised 16% of the local population by 1891.

Most Coal Creek miners and their families owned homes and land. An active social life was available in the form of brass bands, county fairs, baseball leagues, lodges, literary debates, and religious activities. When the convict lease system threatened their way of life, miners went to war with the state government.

Erected by Coal Creek Watershed Foundation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Coal Creek Watershed Foundation series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1880.

Location. 36° 12.883′ N, 84° 10.017′ W. Marker is in Rocky Top, Tennessee, in Anderson County. It is on Vowell Mountain Lane, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located on Militia Hill. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rocky Top TN 37769, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East Tennessee and in Greater Knoxville. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ghosts of Convict Miners (here, next to this marker); Fort Anderson (here, next to this

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marker); Coal Creek War (here, next to this marker); Convict Lease System (here, next to this marker); Militia Hill (here, next to this marker); Breastworks (here, next to this marker); American Chestnuts (here, next to this marker); Fire on Coal Creek (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rocky Top.

Photographed by Tom Bosse, March 4, 2017

2. Why Miners Fought Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 13, 2017. It was originally submitted on March 11, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 552 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 11, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.