Rocky Top in Anderson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Fire on Coal Creek
Photographed By Tom Bosse, March 4, 2017
1. Fire on Coal Creek Marker
Inscription.
Fire on Coal Creek. . Soldiers responded to attack by firing cannons from here into the Miners Nest encampment on Walden Ridge, located south of the Wye Gap. Soldiers also shot cans filled with mud through the Wye Gap into the town of Coal Creek to signal that the town could be destroyed at any time.
Welsh miners who left the area after convicts arrived in 1877 kept close ties with local miners. Coal Creek miners helped stop attempts to bring convicts to mines in southeast Kentucky in 1886, so Kentucky miners reciprocated in the fight against convict labor during the Coal Creek War.
Soldiers responded to attack by firing cannons from here into the Miners Nest encampment on Walden Ridge, located south of the Wye Gap. Soldiers also shot cans filled with mud through the Wye Gap into the town of Coal Creek to signal that the town could be destroyed at any time.
Welsh miners who left the area after convicts arrived in 1877 kept close ties with local miners. Coal Creek miners helped stop attempts to bring convicts to mines in southeast Kentucky in 1886, so Kentucky miners reciprocated in the fight against convict labor during the Coal Creek War.
Erected by Coal Creek Watershed Foundation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Coal Creek Watershed Foundation series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1877.
Location. 36° 12.883′ N, 84° 10.017′ W. Marker is in Rocky Top, Tennessee, in Anderson County. Marker is on Vowell Mountain Lane, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lake City TN 37769, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Militia Hill (here, next to this marker); Breastworks (here, next to this marker); American Chestnuts (here, next to this marker); State Coal Mine
Cannon overlooking Rocky Top (formerly Coal Creek / Lake City), Tennessee.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2017. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 432 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on March 26, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
