Union City in Obion County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

The Smokehouse

Photographed by Sandra Hughes Tidwell, May 21, 2025

1. The Smokehouse Marker

Inscription. Without refrigeration, preserving meat was a problem solved by salt curing and smoking. Fresh cuts of meat were packed in salt, which drew the moisture out of the meat. The meat was then hung in a small, enclosed wooden shed, a smokehouse, where a low fire produced smoke for several days. The heat and smoke pushed out the remaining moisture from the meat, enhancing its flavor and creating a crust that seals the meat from insects.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 36° 26.376′ N, 89° 4.261′ W. Marker is in Union City, Tennessee, in Obion County. It is at the intersection of Graham Rd and Welcome Circle on Graham Rd. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Union City TN 38261, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Tennessee.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

in the Upper South,

and in the Mississippi Delta.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically,

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it finds itself in what was once 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: Settlement Pavilion (a few steps from this marker); Livestock Barn (a few steps from this marker); David Crockett (a few steps from this marker); Sleeping Beauty Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); The Homra Lodge (within shouting distance of this marker); The Well House and Woodshed (within shouting distance of this marker); The Roosevelt Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); The Loom House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Union City.

Photographed by Sandra Hughes Tidwell, May 21, 2025

2. The Smokehouse Marker

Inside the Smokehouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sandra Hughes Tidwell, May 21, 2025

3. Inside the Smokehouse

Photographed by Sandra Hughes Tidwell, May 21, 2025

4. The Smokehouse Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 28, 2025, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 92 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 28, 2025, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.