Well, we might have just found the creepiest abandoned town in Tennessee. Old Jefferson, Tennessee was the first county seat of Rutherford County way, way back in the day. The town received notoriety as the city that was meant to flood – and never did. Take a look, and learn a little about the history of this Rutherford County legend. Some might say this ghost town In Tennessee holds the most unique history in the record books.

Originally the county seat of Rutherford County, the 1803 crowning glory of the town was usurped when the honor went to the new Murfreesborough (with that spelling) in 1811.
RutherfordTNHistory
The town was actually located at the bend in Stones River. It was a great location, with the Main Street running all the way down to the wharves. With the courthouse on one end and the water on the other, it was truly the best spot.
RutherfordTNHistory
Here you can see the Ephraim-Walter Family, long-ago residents of the town.
RutherfordTNHistory
It was in 1963 that the initiative to build out Percy Priest Lake was cleared, and construction began.
RutherfordTNHistory

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Although it is not noted on this plaque, the town was actually located on the historic Trail of Tears.
RutherfordTNHistory
With four and a half years to build the dam, all of the residents of Old Jefferson were told that their homes would be underwater, only in a matter of years.
RutherfordTNHistory
But do you know what happened next?
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The land was bought up, and the ENTIRE town was burned to the ground.
RutherfordTNHistory
It was when the lake began to fill after completion that it was soon realized - the town of Old Jefferson wasn't going to flood at all. Instead, the water was draining into hidden caves in a place that is now called Long Hunter State Park. The town may have been spared the water, but it didn't escape the fire.
RutherfordTNHistory

There are rumors that you can still find old foundations and remnants of the town, one that was burned by its residents in anticipation of a flood that would never come. Not many folks visit the once-upon-a-town…mainly because it’s not quite there, just the eerie memory of it. We credit all photographs to Rutherford County, and you can find their whole documentation of the town on the Rutherford County, Tennessee Historical Society website. What a beautiful collection of photographs!

This is definitely one of the creepiest abandoned places in Tennessee. Have you visited Old Jefferson, Tennessee: the most fascinating (and likely the creepiest) abandoned town in Tennessee? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

While we can no longer appreciate Old Jefferson, our beloved Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be around for many years to come. It’s the most-visited national park in the country, and this YouTube video will make you fall in love with it all over again:

If you’re interested in hiking in the park, check out our official hiking packing list to see what you should bring with you!

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More to Explore

Creepiest Abandoned Town In Tennessee

Elisa Regulski | September 27, 2019

What other abandoned places are there in Tennessee?

Here are some great abandoned places in Tennesse:

  • Spooky building in Dunbar

There are several strange abandoned places in Tennessee. If you’re looking for adventure, head to Decatur County and visit the town of Dunbar. Here, you’ll find a spooky wooden building that’s been left for nature to reclaim. The dilapidated building is oddly spooky.

Another strange destination sits inside the Great Smoky Mountains State Park. Venture into the woods, and you’ll find the lost city of Elkmont. There’s even a film about this mysterious spot!

No longer passable via car, this old tunnel is the subject of many ghost stories.

You definitely need to see these abandoned places in Tennessee for yourself.

Are there any hiking trails to abandoned places in Tennessee?

Hiking trails to abandoned places in Tennessee include:

You can hike to several abandoned places inside The Great Smoky Mountains State Park. In addition to Elkmont, this massive place is home to Little Greenbrier. This tiny old town sits inside the Metcalf Bottoms picnic area. Here, you can explore an old schoolhouse and dwelling. You’ll really feel like you entered another era.

This trail in Roan Mountain State Park leads straight to an abandoned mine, and it's such a fascinating experience.

What ghost towns can you find in Tennessee?

Two little-known ghost towns in Tennessee are:

There are so many ghost towns in Tennessee. Newsom’s Landing is one of the most fascinating. The original town was built in 1808, but it was destroyed by a flood years later. It was rebuilt in 1862, but once again was left in disrepair. Today, visitors can see the remains of the dam and pieces from an old mill.

  • Sunshine

If you enjoy creepy places, venture to the town of Sunshine. This place once operated as a tourist destination for people visiting from Knoxville. Now, all that remains are pieces from abandoned homes. You’ll see a chimney and fireplace sitting next to the dilapidated foundations of former dwellings.

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Old Jefferson Rd, Smyrna, TN 37167, USA