Jellico in Campbell County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Civil War in Tennessee
War in the Mountains
Confederate commanders struggled to defend Tennessee’s lengthy border with Kentucky and western Virginia. A Confederate fort in LaFollette (Exit 134) overlooked Big Creek Gap, a mountain pass, in case a Federal advance came that way. Other gaps were similarly fortified. Although when Confederate Gen. Simon B. Buckner inspected the posts from Clinton (Exit 122) east to Cumberland Gap in June 1863, he found them “very imperfect.” Buckner strengthened the Cumberland Gap defenses (Exit 134); today, Cumberland Gap National Historic Park preserves both early Confederate fortifications and later Federal works.
The Confederate forts were intended to protect Knoxville, an important transportation center. In the city (I-275 Exit 1A), Knoxville National Cemetery contains remains of white Federal soldiers and U.S. Colored Troops who died in the area fighting. Both Confederate and Unionist leaders are buried in adjacent Old Gray Cemetery. The East Tennessee History Center on Gay Street interprets the region’s divided loyalties and the effects of the war.
Follow the routes of the armies along the Tennessee Civil War Trails. Colorful markers at each stop tell the story of the war’s interesting people, places, and events. A free map guide to the Tennessee Trails network is available in the Welcome Center. Please drive carefully as you enjoy the beauty and history of the Tennessee Civil War Trails.
(captions)
"Drawing Artillery Across the Mountains," Harper's Weekly, Nov. 21, 1863
Cumberland Gap Courtesy Lincoln Memorial University
Union Monument, Knoxville National Cemetery (statue of Union soldier replaced the eagle in 1906) - Courtesy Library of Congress
Erected by Tennessee Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1863.
Location. 36° 35.318′ N, 84° 6.358′ W. Marker is in Jellico, Tennessee, in Campbell County. Marker can be reached from Interstate 75 north of 5th Street (U.S. 25W), on the right when traveling south. Located in front of the Tennessee Welcome Center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jellico TN 37762, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. All Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Tennessee - Campbell County / Kentucky (approx. 1.1 miles away); Kirby Smith Invades Kentucky (approx. 1.1 miles away); Conflict in Campbell County (approx. 2 miles away); "She Jumped the Tracks" Words of Fireman J. W. Tummins (approx. 2.2 miles away); Roy Martis Chappell (approx. 10.4 miles away in Kentucky); Bon Jellico (approx. 10.4 miles away in Kentucky); Cumberland College (approx. 10.8 miles away in Kentucky). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jellico.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,033 times since then and 40 times this year. Last updated on March 28, 2023, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 7, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.