Near Crab Orchard in Cumberland County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Thomas "Big Foot" Spencer
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, February 14, 2026
1. Thomas "Big Foot" Spencer Marker
Thomas Sharp Spencer first visited Middle Tennessee in 1776. In the spring of 1778 he became the first Caucasian to clear land, build a cabin, and grow corn in the area. The following winter he resided in a giant hollow sycamore tree south of Bledsoe's Lick. His great stature and solitary life earned him his nickname. Thomas Spencer was ambushed and killed by Indians near Crab Orchard in 1794.
Erected by Tennesse Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2C 12.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1776.
Location. 35° 53.213′ N, 84° 50.329′ W. Marker is near Crab Orchard, Tennessee, in Cumberland County. It is on U.S. 70, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Crab Orchard TN 37723, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau. 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 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 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Veteran's Memorial (approx. 3½ miles away); Kemmer Stand / Tavern (approx. 5.1 miles away); Tennessee Civil War Trails (approx. 5.1 miles away); a different marker also named Tennessee Civil War Trails (approx. 7.2 miles away); In Memoriam
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. Champ Ferguson (was approx. 5.1 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); "Tinker Dave" Beaty (was approx. 7.2 miles away but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Tom Bosse, June 13, 2015
2. Thomas "Big Foot" Spencer Marker
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 16, 2020
3. Thomas "Big Foot" Spencer Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2015, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 2,125 times since then and 115 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 15, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. 2. submitted on June 14, 2015, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. 3. submitted on June 14, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A clear wide view photo of the marker and the surrounding area together in context. • Can you help?
