Not too long ago, I was honored to get to serve as hostess at the first Big Ridge Park Welcome Center. Many people stopped in during the Big Ridge Park Annual Blue Grass Festival. Some people stopped in just to see inside the building or to talk Union County history. One of the things I learned, or was reminded of, is that this little building was the first building in Union County to have electric lights switched on as a result of establishment of the Tennessee Valley Authority and the construction of Norris Dam. I did say “lights”–the building has two overhead lights. I noticed that the 75-year-old wiring could use an update. If a community minded electrician happens to read this, you might want to volunteer your services to re-wire this building for the park. [ At least check to see if the building has been rewired.] Both staff and funds are in short supply, so help would be welcomed I’m sure. I’m guessing–I did not measure the dimensions–that the building is about 10 ft by 15 ft on the inside. The Welcome or Visitor’s Center was built of stone with pine eves and cathedral-style ceiling. The stone walls are probably 6 inches thick, the windows are wood, and the hardware on the door appears to have been forged by a local blacksmith. A millstone, probably from the local Norton Mill, was worked into the stone wall above the mantle. It is the goal of Big Ridge staff to do a bit more restoration on the building and to add early photographs and memorabilia in the building so that it can serve as a mini museum of the development of Big Ridge Park. There is a tiny restroom with commode and lavatory that could use a plumber’s help as well. This is an adorable historic building that warrants being preserved.

Sarah Leedy, who now manages the park at Warrior’s Path, and the friendly Big Ridge staff as well as staff borrowed from surrounding parks, such as Ranger Wray of Cove Lake State Park, did a great job coordinating the activities and directing traffic to make this festival commemorating the 75th anniversary of the opening of Big Ridge Park special.

Entertainment was provided free by these artists: Pleasant Valley Boys, Ethan Ferguson, Tennessee Brushfire, Gospel Strings, Whitewater, and The Inmans. Park Ranger, Sarah Leedy, served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Artists, crafters, and food venders joined in to make this a successful event.

Big Ridge Park encompasses 3,687 acres and is one of five demonstration parks developed by TVA in cooperation with the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s as an example of public recreation development possibilities along TVA lake shores. TVA operated the park from 1936 until 1949 when the park was deeded to the State of Tennessee. According to park information, from 1932 to 1935 TVA purchased 118 tracts of land, and prior to 1924 there were 95 houses, 6 churches, two schools and 24 cemeteries inside what is now the park. There are 11 walking trails where one can visit the Norton Gristmill and another trail leads to Sharp’s Station. This fort was named for Henry Sharp and is one of two very early forts in this area. The other is James White’s Fort at Knoxville. Pioneers frequently traveled between these two forts to purchase or exchange needed supplies and to learn the latest news.

If you have old photographs of Big Ridge Park and/or its construction, please let me know so that we can get copies to the park staff.

As an after thought, I’m also looking for a picture of the old Maynardville Elementary [four-room Rosenwald design] School. I’m looking for a picture of the school without students.