7 Out Of The Box Memorials In Tennessee That Will Bring Out The History Buff In You
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Tennessee is chock full of history — there’s practically a historical marker hiding around every corner. And while many of those markers point to the state’s Civil War and pioneer history, there are plenty of other, lesser-known memorials around the state that highlight lesser-known events in Tennessee history. From forgotten acts of heroism to national tragedies, these Tennessee memorials are worth visiting for anyone who loves history.
Shy's Hill is tucked away in a quiet Nashville neighborhood but was once the site of some heavy fighting in the Battle of Nashville during the Civil War. Today, there's a short trail from the road that leads up to the memorial that commemorates the soldiers who fought and died on the hill. Address: 4613 Benton Smith Road Nashville, TN 37215
The largest maritime disaster in U.S. history took place on the Mississippi River when the Sultana, a ship chartered to bring Civil War prisoners home, exploded, killing 1700 people on board. Today, there's a memorial those who died and those who rushed to the ship's aid, but the memorial is all the way on the other end of the state in Knoxville. Address: 2420 Maryville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920
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While Dr. King wasn't from Memphis, it is the site of his assassination. Right below the balcony where he was shot is a small plaque memorializing the Civil Rights leader. Visiting the Civil Rights Museum, located inside the old Lorraine Motel, is absolutely worth it as well. Address: 450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, TN 38103
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While Meriwether Lewis is more known for his expedition to the Western United States, he actually died and was buried on this spot in Middle Tennessee. The monument to him there was erected by Tennessee in 1848 and still stands today. Address: Meriwether Lewis Park Road
Hohenwald, TN 38462
This engraved rock in the middle of the Tennessee woods is the site at which Patsy Cline's plane crashed, killing the country music star in 1963. It's a short hike from the road back to the site, but folks often leave mementos to the deceased singer. Address: 2082 Mt Carmel Road, Camden, TN 38320
Hiding along a Nashville greenway, there's a small plaque and a small pile of metal scraps from the worst train disaster in US History: Dutchman's Curve. Two passenger trains collided head-on at this site in 1918, killing over 100 people who are now memorialized on the site. Address: 15 White Bridge Pike, Nashville, TN 37205
One of the lesser-known memorials in Tennessee commemorates Tom Lee, a man who single-handedly saved 32 people from a shipwreck on the Mississippi just south of Memphis. The memorial is right along the riverfront in Memphis in a park also named after him. Address: 450 Riverside Drive, Memphis, TN 38103
Spend some time out in the beautiful Tennessee wilderness at this incredible rafting adventure through the Great Smoky Mountains.
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