Lancaster in Smith County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Tennessee Central Crash Kills 10

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 30, 2020

1. Tennessee Central Crash Kills 10 Marker

Inscription. At this crossing on April 24, 1949; Tennessee Central Freight No. 81 struck a heavily loaded pickup truck killing ten members of the Bennett Family. The truck was pushed 100 yards west down the tracks. This became Smith County's worst tragedy in modern history and the worst train-motor vehicle collision in Tennessee history. A crowd of 5000 to 7000 people attended the services for nine victims on April 26, 1949, at the Gordonsville Cemetery. The tenth victim was laid to rest on the next day.

Erected 2019 by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3B 85.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 24, 1949.

Location. 36° 9.75′ N, 85° 53.817′ W. Marker is in Lancaster, Tennessee, in Smith County. Marker is at the intersection of Lancaster Highway and Stewarts Bend Lane, on the right when traveling north on Lancaster Highway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 254 Lancaster Highway, Lancaster TN 38569, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Gwaltney Home (approx. 3.7 miles away); Carthage Junction Depot

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(approx. 4.9 miles away); U.S. Senator Albert Gore, Sr. (approx. 5.3 miles away); Tennessee Veterans (approx. 5.3 miles away); Civil War in Tennessee (approx. 5.3 miles away); Center Hill Dam / Center Hill Powerhouse (approx. 6 miles away); Upper Ferry (approx. 6.3 miles away); Jim Denny (approx. 6½ miles away).

Also see . . . Night of unspeakable horror. Wilson Post article detailing the accident and survivors and witnesses' memories of it. Posted March 22, 2018. (Submitted on May 31, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

circa June 2019

2. Tennessee Central Crash Kills 10 Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 31, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2020. This page has been viewed 388 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 31, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 2. submitted on February 24, 2020. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.