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. Marker 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Hiwassee Mine (approx. ¼ mile away); The Tennessee Overhill Experience (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Madden Branch Massacre (approx. 3 miles away in Georgia); Hiwassee Dam (approx. 10.1 miles away in

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North Carolina); Blue Ridge Park (approx. 11.8 miles away in Georgia); William Clayton Fain: Georgia Unionist (approx. 11.8 miles away in Georgia); North Carolina / Georgia (approx. 11.9 miles away in North Carolina); PFC. Jack Clem Robinson (approx. 11.9 miles away in Georgia). 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 1,252 times since then and 24 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.