Athens in McMinn County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
McKeldin Block
11 N. Jackson St.
In 1835, General William Brazelton of New Market purchased part of this block for his daughter Emily and Irish son-in-law Andrew McKeldin who operated a mercantile store here until his death in 1867.
In 1878, Emily had a brick building constructed that included spaces for three separate businesses. The sidewalk along the front was made of wood and called "the boardwalk."
Through the years several businesses occupied the building: McKeldin & Nixon, Ballew & Farrell, and from c.1940 until 1964, Proffitt's Department Store.
The corner section was destroyed by fire July 1, 2017.
Erected by Main Street Athens Project.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 35° 26.565′ N, 84° 35.558′ W. Marker is in Athens, Tennessee, in McMinn County. Marker is on North Jackson Street (Business U.S. 11) close to East Madison Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11 N Jackson St, Athens TN 37303, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. From Furs to Factories (within shouting distance of this marker); McGaughey Corner (within shouting distance of this marker); Hotel Magill (within shouting distance of this marker); Hitching Rings (within shouting distance of this marker); Cleage Corner (within shouting distance of this marker); GI Headquarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Nankivell-Walthall Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Planters Bank (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Athens.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 139 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 25, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. 2. submitted on January 8, 2023, by Steven D Weiss of Sweetwater, Tennessee. 3, 4. submitted on August 25, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. 5. submitted on January 8, 2023, by Steven D Weiss of Sweetwater, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.