Meigs County, TN FAQs
What is the history of Meigs County, TN and what are its notable landmarks?
- established in 1836 and named in honor of Return J. Meigs, Jr., a United States Senator and Governor of Tennessee
- was originally part of the Cherokee Nation, and the Cherokee ceded the land to the United States in 1819.
- In the 19th century, Meigs County was primarily a farming community, with cotton and tobacco being the primary crops
- During the Civil War, the county was the site of several skirmishes and raids, including a raid by Confederate General Joseph Wheeler in 1863.
Meigs County is home to several notable landmarks, including:
- The Meigs County CourthouseÂ
- A historic building, located in downtown Decatur
- built in 1904 and features classic architecture
- The Hiwassee River Rail Adventure
- his scenic train ride takes passengers through the beautiful Hiwassee River Gorge and is a popular attraction for tourists
- The Watts Bar Dam
- This hydroelectric dam spans the Tennessee River
the largest TVA hydroelectric facility in the Tennessee Valley
- This hydroelectric dam spans the Tennessee River
- The Cherokee Removal Memorial Park
- located near the Hiwassee River
- commemorates the forced removal of the Cherokee from their ancestral lands in 1838, an event known as the Trail of Tears.
- The Piney Point Recreation Area
- located on Watts Bar Lake and offers camping, fishing, boating, and other recreational activities.
- The Meigs County Historical Museum
- located in downtown Decatur and features exhibits on the history of Meigs County, including artifacts from the Civil War era
- The Morris Vineyard and Tennessee Mountainview Winery
- this family-owned winery is located in the scenic mountains of Meigs County and offers tastings and tours of its vineyard and winery.
What are the recreational activities available in Meigs County, TN?
- Fishing and boating – Meigs County is home to several lakes and rivers, including the Hiwassee River and Watts Bar Lake, which offer excellent fishing and boating opportunities.
- Hiking and camping – The county has several parks and trails, including the Piney Point Recreation Area, which offers hiking and camping opportunities.
- Water sports – Visitors can enjoy water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing on the lakes and rivers in the county.
- Hunting – The county has several wildlife management areas that offer hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, and other game.
- Scenic drives – Meigs County is located in a beautiful part of the state and offers several scenic drives, including the Cherohala Skyway and the Hiwassee River Scenic Route.
- Golf – The county has several golf courses, including the Dayton Golf & Country Club and the Lakehaven Golf & Country Club.
- Festivals and events – Meigs County is home to several annual festivals and events, including the Meigs County Fair and the Hiwassee River Bluegrass Festival.
- Horseback riding – Visitors can enjoy horseback riding through the scenic countryside of Meigs County.
- Shopping and dining – The county has several shopping and dining options, including locally owned restaurants and boutique shops.
