Meigs County, Tennessee
Meigs County, TN, is best known for its outstanding natural spaces, as well as its deep Native American history. Visitors of the Tennessee RiverLine can expect to see a tremendous breadth of wild spaces, plants, and animals, as well as locations that were key to our nation’s history, including Cherokee Removal Memorial Park along the river at Blythe’s Ferry.
Visit Meigs County!
Meigs County History
The land that Meigs County now takes up has been inhabited for thousands of years, and evidence of a settlement from the Mississippian Period has been found around Hiwassee Island dating back to the 11th century. 17 different tribes have connections to the island, and it has also borne the nicknames “Jollys Island” and “Benham Island.”
It was taken over by members of the Cherokee nation, who inhabited the land for hundreds of years. In 1809, a 15 year-old by the (soon to be legendary) name of Sam Houston ran away from his Maryville, TN, home to live on the island for about three years. He was taken in and given the nickname of “The Raven” by Chief John Jolly, who later permitted Houston to marry his niece Diana Rogers Gentry. His ability to build relationships with Native American groups proved useful throughout his political career, no doubt helped by spending his adolescence among the Cherokee.
Houston would go on to be incredibly successful, leading the Republic of Texas to independence from Mexico in the Battle of San Jacinto and becoming the republic’s first president. His long political career included time serving in the U.S. Senate, and he is the only person in American history to have served as governor for two different states, Texas and Tennessee. He is the namesake of the city of Houston in Texas.
The tribe left the island in 1818 and ceded the land to the U.S. government with the Calhoun Treaty in 1819. William Blythe, a local resident loyal to his Cherokee roots, continued to operate his ferry across the Tennessee River as he had in the decade before the treaty.
Blythe would eventually end up ferrying nine Cherokee detachments across the river as they embarked on the Trail of Tears in 1838. Following the infamous Indian Removal Act of 1830–which was signed by Sam Houston’s former mentor President Andrew Jackson–roughly 10,000 Cherokee people were ferried across the river en route to their new homelands out West.
The area was going through a severe drought at the time, and low waters meant that thousands would have to camp out until the river was safe to cross. Those leading the migration were not ready for this delay, and the conditions of the camps were not fit for their purpose. Many did not have food, shoes, blankets, or other necessities. Houston said the removal of the Cherokee would prove to be a case of injustice triumphing over humanity, and he unsuccessfully fought for more rights and better conditions for the Cherokee Nation during and after its forced migration.
Current Day Outdoor Attractions
Cherokee Removal Memorial Park provides a moving and comprehensive experience for visitors who want to learn more and honor the people who traveled the Trail of Tears. The park offers trails parallel to and around the Cherokee route, though walking on the historic path itself is discouraged since the Cherokee consider it sacred ground.
Guests of the park can check out the visitors center, which is full of artifacts and interpretive literature as well as a gift shop with informative and relevant books and keepsakes. Just outside the cabin is a plaza with breathtaking memorials which list the names of thousands of Cherokee people who were forced out of the region. A short walk along a trail designated by the park takes visitors to the site of Blythe Ferry, where there’s a boat launch and dock out to the Tennessee River.
Nearby Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge is famous for its world-class birding opportunities. Each year, up to 20,000 sandhill cranes descend upon the refuge for winter migration, making it the largest winter flock in the American Southeast outside of Florida. The variety of birds that can be seen throughout the year from the refuge’s viewing platform is staggering, as rare species including golden eagles and the critically endangered whooping crane occasionally call the area home. Visitors are not allowed to roam the wildlife property from mid-November through February to protect more sensitive species, but its observation platform is open year-round so nobody misses the chance to get a glimpse of crane-staging at its peak in January. The birds’ annual arrival is celebrated by the community each year with the Sandhill Crane Festival, which includes presentations and demonstrations from wildlife experts, live music, and more.
Watts Bar Dam Boat Ramp and Reservation in Decatur offers a spot to dock your boat and enjoy a public, sandy beach right in front of Watts Bar Dam if you are heading north-to-south. Both are on the edge of Hornsby Spring, which has some ideal bends for fishing.
There are plenty of places to eat just off the water, such as Blue Springs on Watts Bar Lake, Euchee Grill & Brewhouse on the edge of the water in Euchee, and Driftwood Diner, Countryside Cafe, and Mister Twister in historic Ten Mile, TN. Decatur is the place to be if visitors need some variety, as there is plenty of country cooking in addition to Mexican and barbecue joints, fast food, and more. Angie’s Decatur Diner is a local favorite as well.
Camp Willow Outdoor Resort brings the culinary and outdoor adventure worlds together, as it’s not only a scenic place to camp or stay in an RV, but it also offers mini golf, a general store, and a full service restaurant with a varied menu.
Spring and summer are big draws to Meigs County thanks to its outdoor recreation offerings, and Sanctuary Ridge makes the most of this with pick-your-own tulips on its beautiful property, as well as an annual Tulip Festival. Scenic views and 50,000+ tulips make this stop well worth the drive during warmer months.
Meigs County, TN, makes for a great stop on the Tennessee RiverLine for people who want to have a moving or relaxing experience on its abundant waterways. Its unique opportunities to see history and wildlife make Meigs County second-to-none for a quick trip to reflect on our nation’s history and see thousands of stunning waterfowl, perhaps with a scratch-cooked meal from a diner or BBQ joint in between.