Historical Sites & Museums

The Tennessee Overhill in Southeast Tennessee is a region that has retained much of the character that has earned it the designation of a "museum without walls." Museums and historic sites spin tales of miners, railroad towns, Overhill Cherokee Indians, British forts, fur traders, women textile workers, Civilian Conservation Corps Camps, loggers, pioneers and more. When combined, these museums present a microcosm of the history of the settlement of the frontier and coming of the Industrial Revolution which created the towns and divers mix of people that are here today.

Historical Sites

Fort Loudoun State Park Rt. 2, Box 565 Vonore, TN Visit this reconstructed British Fort duplicated the original, which was the first British structure in Tennessee. Water sports, beach, hiking. Across the road from Sequoyah Birthplace Museum. They hold living history weekends and a large 18th century Trade Faire each year. Picnicking and swimming. Free. Hours: 8-Sunset daily Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Years (423) 884-6217
	Fort Marr Benton, TN Located off Hwy 411 in Benton. The fort was built in the early 19th century to safeguard Andrew Jackson's shipping trains. It was also used as protection for the Cherokee Indians, who were fighting the Creek Indians at the time. Ironically, it later became a stockade that was used to detain Cherokee Indians prior to their forced removal on the Trail of Tears. The blockhouse remains.
Niota Depot Built in 1853, the Niota Depot is the oldest standing railroad depot in Tennessee. Now used as offices for the Town of Niota, the depot is open for tours during business hours. While inside, look for the gun slots used during the Civil War. Donations accepted
	Reliance Historic District Reliance, TN Wind alongside the Hiwassee River on Hwy 30 till you reach Webb's Store where you'll find refreshments, a memorabilia display, raft & tubing adventure, and a post office--all under one roof! Or stop in at any one of several bait and tackle shops along the road as it continues on to Hwy 64 and the Ocoee River.