Friendsville in Blount County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
The Underground Railroad
Friendsville Quakers and Cudjo's Cave
After the passage of the Confederate Conscription Act in 1862, Friend William J. Hackney began using a cave near his house to aid these efforts. The cave, across the creek from the meeting house, remained undetected because the entrance was beside a little-used road and was hidden by thick overgrowth. The narrow opening led to a large room that could accommodate about 50 people. A nearby spring provided water, and Hackney supplied bedding and provisions for his guests. His wife shared her husband’s faith and supported his humanitarian efforts by cooking meals and assisting the travelers.
After the Federal army occupied East Tennessee, Hackney was offered a reward for his services and a position on the staff of Union Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside in Knoxville. Despite assisting more than 2,000 people, Hackney refused all honors. Although Confederate soldiers confiscated the Friends’ horses, fodder, and other supplies, the pacifist farmers continued to treat both the Federals and Confederates with equal kindness.
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While Burnside’s guest in Knoxville, Hackney described the cave and his work to writer John Townsend Trowbridge. Trowbridge based his popular 1863 novel, Cudjo’s Cave, on this account, and since then the Friendsville cave has been known by this name.
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Escaping slaves, 1864 - Courtesy Library of Congress
Friends Meetinghouse, by John Collins, 1870 Courtesy George B. Henry Collection
John Townsend Trowbridge Courtesy Library of Congress
Cudjo’s Cave Courtesy George B. Henry Collection
Erected by Tennessee Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Churches & Religion • Peace • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Quakerism, and the Tennessee Civil War Trails series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.
Location. 35° 45.674′ N, 84° 8.219′ W. Marker is in Friendsville, Tennessee, in Blount County. Marker is at the intersection of West Hill Avenue and Church Street, on the right when traveling east on West Hill Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 503 W Hill Ave, Friendsville TN 37737, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Friendsville (approx. 0.2 miles away); Friendsville Marble Industry Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cloyd's Creek Presbyterian Church (approx. 4.6 miles away); Sam Houston American Giant Homesite (approx. 5 miles away); The Marcus Warren House (approx. 5 miles away); Medal of Honor 17th Michigan Volunteer Regiment (approx. 6.8 miles away); The U.S. Veterans Memorial (approx. 6.8 miles away); Samuel Henry's Station (approx. 6.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Friendsville.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,716 times since then and 183 times this year. Last updated on March 12, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 17, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.