Ducktown in Polk County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Discovery of Copper

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, December 6, 2009

1. Discovery of Copper Marker

Inscription. In August, 1843, a prospector named Lemmons, in fruitless search of gold along a branch of Potato Creek not far to the northeast, found a substance which turned out, to his disappointment, to be red oxide of copper. He abandoned it and continued his search for gold, which was never found. The site of his discovery turned out later to be that of the Hiwassee Copper Mine.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2A 49.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1843.

Location. 35° 1.793′ N, 84° 22.822′ W. Marker is in Ducktown, Tennessee, in Polk County. It is at the intersection of State Highway 68 and U.S. 64, on the right when traveling north on State Highway 68. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Copperhill TN 37317, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East Tennessee.

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: Hiwassee Mine (approx. ¼ mile away); Walkway Tunnel (approx. 0.4 miles away); Mine Equipment (approx. 0.4 miles away); Company Houses (approx. 0.4 miles away); Boiler House

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(approx. 0.4 miles away); Shop (approx. 0.4 miles away); Cylindrical Ore Bins (approx. 0.4 miles away); Fire Hose Building (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ducktown.

Also see . . . Mining The Copper Basin In Southeast Tennessee. History and impact of copper mining near this marker. (Submitted on December 10, 2009.)

Photographed by Judith Barber, October 11, 2012

2. Discovery of Copper Marker

Looking North on Hwy 68.

Photographed by Judith Barber, October 111/12

3. Discovery of Copper Marker

Looking South on Hwy 68.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2009, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,603 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 10, 2009, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. 2, 3. submitted on October 12, 2012, by Judith Barber of Marietta, Georgia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.