South Pittsburg in Marion County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Sequatchie Valley Tennessee

Discover Sequatchie Valley

— Welcome to Marion County —

Sequatchie Valley Tennessee Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sandra Hughes Tidwell, August 23, 2025

1. Sequatchie Valley Tennessee Marker

Inscription.

Sequatchie Valley Tennessee. Discover Sequatchie Valley. , (side 1) , Jasper , Jasper's history includes early Native American settlement, the Cherokee Removal, the Civil War, and the rise and fall of the mining and railroad industries. Formed in 1820 on land donated by Betsy Pack, daughter of Cherokee Chief John Lowery, the Downton is situated along the historic Dixie Hwy (US 41), which was a critical Civil War supply route. Jasper City preserves one of the oldest Sequatchie Valley Line railroad depots. Jasper is a popular stop along the way to South Cumberland State Park. Visit the Jasper Regional History Museum to learn more., South Pittsburg , Featuring a quaint downtown with restaurants and shops, South Pittsburg has been home to Lodge Manufacturing since 1890 and features their hometown factory store. Each year, the town hosts the National Cornbread Festival. Located on the Tennessee River, the town's history includes Native American settlements and trails, the Cherokee Removal, Civil War action, and mining and railroad industries. Nearby Battle Creek and the Sequatchie River offer water recreation fun. Visit South Pittsburgh Heritage Museum to learn more., New Hope , A bright blue arching bridge, the Shelby Reinhart bridge, crosses the Tennessee River into New Hop, near where the Old South Pittsburg ferry used to operate. The Cherokee town of Nickajack Cave, which can be visited from the Maple View Public Use Area on Nickajack Lake. The Shrine of Our Lady Virgin of the Poor, a place of prayer and completion, was built in New Hope in 1982 by Benedictine monks as a replica of a Shrine in Belgium., Whitwell , Whitwell was established as a coal mining town in its early days due to the abundance of coal in nearby mountains. In December 1981, an explosion occurred in the mines, killing 13 men. The memory of the mines and the men who worked them is on display at the Coal Miners Museum. Whitwell Middle School is home to the Children's Holocaust Memorial and Paper Clip Project. Visitors from all over the world visit to honor the memory of millions who were murdered during the Holocaust in Europe., Orme , Orme is nestled in the Mountains near Russell Cave National Monument, an important archeological site in the Southeast. The small town is rooted in coal mining and was once located along a branch line of the Nashville, Chattanooga and St Louis Railway. Mining operations shut down after a miner's strike in 1939, and the rail tracks were removed for use in world war two efforts. The historic wooden railroad depot is all that remains from Orme's winning days., Kimball , As a gateway community to the Sequatchie Valley, Kimball is located off I-24 with easy access to restaurants, gas stations, a fireworks store, and the Kimball Crossing Shopping Center. Purchased on the plateaus above Kimball, Jasper Highlands Village features a restaurant, craft brewery and market. Nearby Kimball Park features baseball and soccer fields, as well as a playground and walking trails bordered by the Tennessee River with views of historic Islands., Powells Crossroads , Powells Crossroads is a gateway to the Sequatchie Valley from Chattanooga along the scenic and winding Sack Creek Rd. (TN-27) which passes over Walden's Ridge through Prentice Cooper State Forest and beside the Tennessee River. The historic route along Buck Creek has been used for centuries, including during the Cherokee Removal and the Civil War. Powells Crossroads formed after World War I, when veteran Foster Powell built a small store, garage and other shops at the crossroads, which then attracted other businesses. The town was incorporated in 1876., Marion County 1817, (side 2) , Relax and explore the mountains, valleys, and small-town charm of Marion County, Tenn., which straddles the southern end of the beautiful Sequatchie Valley and Tennessee's south Cumberland region., Marion County's early history includes Native American settlements. In later years, the area was settled by pioneers, and railroad infrastructure and mining industries grew. The Tennessee River traverses the southern end of the county, with access such as Nickajack Lane and the beautiful Tennessee River Gorge, the fourth-largest river gorge in the eastern United States. Marion County is surrounded by numerous sections of South Cumberland State Park, Tennessee's largest state park, and other park systems with opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, off-road adventures, and more., Enjoy local restaurants, shopping, historic sites and authentic Tennessee charming Marion County, part of the national Sequatchie Valley Scenic Byway., Outdoor Adventure , . South Cumberland State Park: , Tennessee's largest state park, made up of 11 land parcels in 4 different counties. This area is a draw for hiking, rock climbing, waterfalls, scenic views, birding, and more., . Little Cedar Mountain Trail: , This loop trail on TVA property in Jasper borders Nickajack Lake. It is a total of 4 miles, including a loop trail and a short 1-mile trail to a tranquil wetland pond located on the ridge summit., . Sequatchie River Byway: , The Sequatchie River begins at Cumberland Trail State Park and winds 115 miles through the Sequatchie Valley before emptying into the Tennessee River near South Pittsburg., . Prentice Cooper State Forest and Wildlife Area The forest has 35 miles of hiking trails and two backcountry camping areas. The multi-use park hosts managed deer hunts in conjunction with the TWRA and has an on-site shooting range for licensed marksmen., . Tennessee River Gorge Trust: , The conservative trust protects 17,000 acres along the Tennessee River between Chattanooga and the Sequatchie Valley with trails scattered throughout., . Bikeways of the Scenic South: , Road cycling routes feature downloadable maps through ride with GPS, featuring routes in Marion County and throughout the region. ScenicBikeways.com. and CycleSequatchie.com, . Sweetens Cove Golf Club: , An award-winning public golf course consistently ranked one of the best Tennessee golf Courses., . Chimneys State Natural Area: , The Chimney is a 33-acre natural area featuring two 200-foot-high towering pinnacles of Pennsylvania Warren Point sandstone., . Water Recreation: , .Tennessee River and Nickajack Lake . Hales Bar Marina and Resort .Historic Nickajack Cave at Mapleview Day Use Area . Campgrounds: , . Marion County Park .Shellmound Campground . Museums and Venues: , . Children's Holocaust Memorial in Whitwell .Coal Miners Museum in Whitwell .Marion County Veterans Memorial Park in Whitwell .South Pittsburg Heritage Museum in South Pittsburg .Princess Theater in South Pittsburg .Jasper Regional History Museum in Jasper, (captions) , Historic Marion County Courthouse in Jasper, Tennessee , South Pittsburg is home to America’s most popular cast iron cookware producer, Lodge Manufacturing. Visit their hometown Factory Store. , Foster Falls is located within the eastern canyon system known as Fiery Gizzard within South Cumberland State Park. , Whitwell Middle School is home to one of the world's most profound remembrances of the Holocaust, the Children's Holocaust Memorial. , Miner's Carbide Lamp on display at the Coal Miners Museum in Whitwell. , The Tennessee River winds through Marion County, forming the stunning Tennessee River Gorge and Nickajack Reservoir, a popular lake for fishing and boating., Marion County 1817

(side 1)
Jasper
Jasper's history includes early Native American settlement, the Cherokee Removal, the Civil War, and the rise and fall of the mining and railroad industries. Formed in 1820 on land donated by Betsy Pack, daughter of Cherokee Chief John Lowery, the Downton is situated along the historic Dixie Hwy (US 41), which was a critical Civil War supply route. Jasper City preserves one of the oldest Sequatchie Valley Line railroad depots. Jasper is a popular stop along the way to South Cumberland State Park. Visit the Jasper Regional History Museum to learn more.

South Pittsburg
Featuring a quaint downtown with restaurants and shops, South Pittsburg has been home to Lodge Manufacturing since 1890 and features their hometown factory store. Each year, the town hosts the National Cornbread Festival. Located on the Tennessee River, the town's history includes Native American settlements and trails, the Cherokee Removal, Civil War action, and mining and railroad industries. Nearby Battle Creek and the Sequatchie River offer water recreation fun. Visit South Pittsburgh Heritage Museum to learn more.

New Hope
A

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bright blue arching bridge, the Shelby Reinhart bridge, crosses the Tennessee River into New Hop, near where the Old South Pittsburg ferry used to operate. The Cherokee town of Nickajack Cave, which can be visited from the Maple View Public Use Area on Nickajack Lake. The Shrine of Our Lady Virgin of the Poor, a place of prayer and completion, was built in New Hope in 1982 by Benedictine monks as a replica of a Shrine in Belgium.

Whitwell
Whitwell was established as a coal mining town in its early days due to the abundance of coal in nearby mountains. In December 1981, an explosion occurred in the mines, killing 13 men. The memory of the mines and the men who worked them is on display at the Coal Miners Museum. Whitwell Middle School is home to the Children's Holocaust Memorial and Paper Clip Project. Visitors from all over the world visit to honor the memory of millions who were murdered during the Holocaust in Europe.

Orme
Orme is nestled in the Mountains near Russell Cave National Monument, an important archeological site in the Southeast. The small town is rooted in coal mining and was once located along a branch line of

Sequatchie Valley Tennessee Marker Side #2 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sandra Hughes Tidwell, August 23, 2025

2. Sequatchie Valley Tennessee Marker Side #2

the Nashville, Chattanooga & St Louis Railway. Mining operations shut down after a miner's strike in 1939, and the rail tracks were removed for use in WWII efforts. The historic wooden railroad depot is all that remains from Orme's winning days.

Kimball
As a gateway community to the Sequatchie Valley, Kimball is located off I-24 with easy access to restaurants, gas stations, a fireworks store, and the Kimball Crossing Shopping Center. Purchased on the plateaus above Kimball, Jasper Highlands Village features a restaurant, craft brewery and market. Nearby Kimball Park features baseball and soccer fields, as well as a playground and walking trails bordered by the Tennessee River with views of historic Islands.

Powells Crossroads
Powells Crossroads is a gateway to the Sequatchie Valley from Chattanooga along the scenic and winding Sack Creek Rd. (TN-27) which passes over Walden's Ridge through Prentice Cooper State Forest and beside the Tennessee River. The historic route along Buck Creek has been used for centuries, including during the Cherokee Removal and the Civil War. Powells Crossroads formed after World War I, when veteran

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Foster Powell built a small store, garage and other shops at the crossroads, which then attracted other businesses. The town was incorporated in 1876.

Marion County 1817

(side 2)
Relax and explore the mountains, valleys, and small-town charm of Marion County, Tenn., which straddles the southern end of the beautiful Sequatchie Valley and Tennessee's south Cumberland region.

Marion County's early history includes Native American settlements. In later years, the area was settled by pioneers, and railroad infrastructure and mining industries grew. The Tennessee River traverses the southern end of the county, with access such as Nickajack Lane and the beautiful Tennessee River Gorge, the fourth-largest river gorge in the eastern United States. Marion County is surrounded by numerous sections of South Cumberland State Park, Tennessee's largest state park, and other park systems with opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, off-road adventures, and more.

Enjoy local restaurants, shopping, historic sites and authentic Tennessee charming Marion County, part of the national Sequatchie Valley Scenic Byway.

Outdoor Adventure
• South Cumberland State Park:
Tennessee's largest state park, made up of 11 land parcels in 4 different counties. This area is a draw for hiking, rock climbing, waterfalls, scenic views, birding, and more.

• Little Cedar Mountain Trail:
This loop trail on TVA property in Jasper borders Nickajack Lake. It is a total of 4 miles, including a loop trail and a short 1-mile trail to a tranquil wetland pond located on the ridge summit.

• Sequatchie River Byway:
The Sequatchie River begins at Cumberland Trail State Park and winds 115 miles through the Sequatchie Valley before emptying into the Tennessee River near South Pittsburg.

• Prentice Cooper State Forest and Wildlife Area The forest has 35 miles of hiking trails and two backcountry camping areas. The multi-use park hosts managed deer hunts in conjunction with the TWRA and has an on-site shooting range for licensed marksmen.

• Tennessee River Gorge Trust:
The conservative trust protects 17,000 acres along the Tennessee River between Chattanooga and the Sequatchie Valley with trails scattered throughout.

• Bikeways of the Scenic South:
Road cycling routes feature downloadable maps through ride with GPS, featuring routes in Marion County and throughout the region. ScenicBikeways.com. and CycleSequatchie.com

• Sweetens Cove Golf Club:
An award-winning public golf course consistently ranked one of the best Tennessee golf Courses.

• Chimneys State Natural Area:
The Chimney is a 33-acre natural area featuring two 200-foot-high towering pinnacles of Pennsylvania Warren Point sandstone.

• Water Recreation:
.Tennessee River & Nickajack Lake . Hales Bar Marina & Resort .Historic Nickajack Cave at Mapleview Day Use Area • Campgrounds:
. Marion County Park .Shellmound Campground • Museums & Venues:
. Children's Holocaust Memorial in Whitwell .Coal Miners Museum in Whitwell .Marion County Veterans Memorial Park in Whitwell .South Pittsburg Heritage Museum in South Pittsburg .Princess Theater in South Pittsburg .Jasper Regional History Museum in Jasper

(captions)
Historic Marion County Courthouse in Jasper, Tennessee
South Pittsburg is home to America’s most popular cast iron cookware producer, Lodge Manufacturing. Visit their hometown Factory Store.
Foster Falls is located within the eastern canyon system known as Fiery Gizzard within South Cumberland State Park.
Whitwell Middle School is home to one of the world's most profound remembrances of the Holocaust, the Children's Holocaust Memorial.
Miner's Carbide Lamp on display at the Coal Miners Museum in Whitwell.
The Tennessee River winds through Marion County, forming the stunning Tennessee River Gorge and Nickajack Reservoir, a popular lake for fishing and boating.

Marion County 1817

Erected by America's Byways.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1817.

Location. 35° 0.681′ N, 85° 42.186′ W. Marker is in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, in Marion County. It is on 3rd Street east of Railroad Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 222 3rd St, South Pittsburg TN 37380, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is 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 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: Birthplace of Jobyna Lancaster Ralston-Arlen (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Christmas Night Shootout (about 800 feet away); James Thomas Fitz-Gerald, Jr. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hiram Beene Moore, M.D. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Marion Post No. 62 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Christ Church Episcopal (approx. ¼ mile away); McReynolds High School (approx. 0.4 miles away); Fort McCook (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in South Pittsburg.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2025, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 239 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 24, 2025, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.