Athens in McMinn County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Cleage Corner
13 E. Madison Ave.
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, July 17, 2021
1. Cleage Corner Marker
In the late 1820s, a brick building was constructed by contractors Cleage & Crutchfield. Alexander Cleage was the owner of Cleage Hall, and it was used for temporary court proceedings, balls, and other civic activities. The Franklin Association, which was chartered in 1872, first operated in the back of the building.
By 1887 the original structure had been destroyed by fire.
Bayless and Moody Hardware was in operation here by 1900. The hardware store burned in 1902 and reopened in 1903. John Bayless eventually became the sole owner and added a funeral home business. The last hardware store to occupy this building was Cherokee Hardware.
Erected by Main Street Athens Project.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 35° 26.537′ N, 84° 35.556′ W. Marker is in Athens, Tennessee, in McMinn County. Marker is at the intersection of East Madison Avenue (Business U.S. 11) and South Jackson Street (Tennessee Route 39), on the left when traveling west on
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. McKeldin Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Rice House (within shouting distance of this marker); Crawford Corner (within shouting distance of this marker); Evans Building (within shouting distance of this marker); From Furs to Factories (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hotel Magill (about 300 feet away); Hitching Rings (about 300 feet away); Riddle and Wallace Drug Co. (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Athens.
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, July 17, 2021
2. Cleage Corner
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, July 17, 2021
3. Cleage Corner Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 23, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 168 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 23, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
