About Pikeville
The county seat of Pikeville is a picturesque town offering the best in Southern hospitality and friendliness. What began as a small frontier village is still centered around a stately courthouse square. Unique shops dot the streets, offering everything from handmade quilts to antiques and native country crafts. Overnight visitors can stay in one the area's motels or take advantage of bed and breakfast accommodations. The South Main Street Historic District encompasses Pikeville's lovely older homes, preserving a variety of architectural styles.
The Jack-O-Lantern you light each Halloween may very well have come from Bledsoe County - The Pumpkin Capital of the World. Many delicious varieties of apples are shipped by local growers, along with Christmas trees. The Apple House is open seven days a week from August through December. These products highlight the annual Fall Harvest Festival featuring games, foods and crafts. Other annual events include The Nine Mile Bluegrass Festival and Christmas Down Home as well as several horse shows and programs at the newly renovated BCHS Community Theater.
Outdoor Recreation has always been popular in Bledsoe County , home to Fall Creek Falls State Resort Park . Located atop the Cumberland Plateau, the park features Fall Creek Falls - the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains - along with many other scenic cascades and waterfalls. The park offers a wide variety of recreational facilities: an inn and restaurant, campsites, cabins, group lodges, an 18-hole golf course, horseback riding, a fishing lake, a nature center, and of course, miles and miles of wonderful hiking trails.
Pikeville History
The first settlers moved into the Sequatchie Valley, then Roane County, around 1805, soon after the first treaty was signed with the native people. Some of these early settlers were Wilson, Oxsheer, Tollett, Standefer, Griffith and Anderson. Louise Maxwell Anderson is believed to be the first white child born in Sequatchie Valley in September 1806.
The oldest county in Sequatchie Valley, Bledsoe was named for a member of the prominent Bledsoe family of Sumner County. The most likely candidate for this honor is Anthony Bledsoe, a practical surveyor and Revolutionary war patriot.
Bledsoe became a county in 1807, during James Sevier's last term as governor. James Standefer and John Tollett were appointed in 1811 to select a place for the county seat. Alexander Coulter donated forty acres "to erect the town of Madison."
Much of the land acquired by early settlers was a result of laws passed by the Tennessee State Legislature 1806-1809 which allowed a settler to claim the land he was living on as well as other unclaimed lands. Some of these early claimants were John Billingsley, John Hankins and John Narramore.
Sometime between 1816 and 1818 the county seat was moved to Pikeville.
Bledsoe County was and is comprised of many small communities often bearing the name of a church, store, or post office. These are very often family names.
In 1832 Matthew Rhea listed four place names on his map: Pikeville, Big Springs, Madison and Rainey.
In 1836, by an act of the Tennessee State Assembly, Bledsoe County was divided into 10 Civil Districts. The gentlemen responsible for the districting were Isaac Stephens, Samuel McReynolds and Samuel L. Story.
In 1856 the Northern part of Bledsoe County became part of Cumberland County and in 1858 portions of Southern Bledsoe County were given up to Sequatchie County.
Bledsoe County and the Civil War
This time period created much confusion and dissension among the citizens. Bledsoe County voted against withdrawal from the Union and while the state itself voted for secession, much of the eastern part of Tennessee remained loyal to the Union.
Despite the fact that Bledsoe voted against secession, several Confederate companies were organized. The Tulloss Rangers were organized by John Bridgeman in July 1861 and named to honor James A. Tulloss of Pikeville for his contributions to the company. In August, 1861, Weatherston S. Greer also organized a company with men from Bledsoe, Rhea and Roane Counties. Other Confederate units were organized by William J. Hill, Alexander H. Roberson and Oliver P. Schoolfield.
Most of the Bledsoe men who joined the Union forces enlisted in upper east Tennessee, Huntsville, Athens and at Camp Dick Robinson in Kentucky.
During the Civil War the men of Bledsoe County were found fighting for both Confederate and Union units. While no complete list of participants exists, a partial list of Civil War soldiers from Bledsoe county is included here. You can also view the 1890 Veteran's and Widow's Census of Bledsoe County, which happily includes some Confederate entries.
Some general Civil War sites of interest include: Researching People of the Civil War Era , from the Civil War Center, at Louisiana State University.
Geanealogy and Local Cemeteries
The Bledsoe County Public Library is recognized by the Tennessee State Library and Archives as the Bledsoe County Archives and Historical Records Repository. Our genealogy and Tennessee history collection includes research materials for the Sequatchie Valley as well as adjoining counties.
The library maintains many published family histories and a family histories file. Also of interest are the Cherokee and Melungeon books and files, and the Soldiers’ Pension Lists of 1792-1795, 1812, 1820 and 1890.
Helpful records may also be available in the Register of Deeds office open to the public, Monday through Saturday - Closed Thursday and Sunday and major holidays.
Bledsoe County has many old cemeteries, including numerous family plots. The listing below represents most of the identifiable locations.
Antiques and Rare Finds
Interested in antiques? A trip to Pikeville and the Sequatchie Valley will definitely be of interest. In addition to established Antiques shops scattered throughout the valley, estate sales and occasional yard sales offer finds rare just about anywhere else. The best way to locate these antique buying opportunities is to pick up a local paper as there are new opportunities each week.
Lodging
Fall Creek Falls Inn - 423-881-5241 or www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/FallCreekFalls/
Fall Creek Falls Bed and Breakfast - 423-881-5494 or www.fallcreeekfalls.com
Coachman's Inn - 423-447-2424
Mountain Inn & Suites - 423-949-2184
Colonial Bed & Breakfast - 423-447-7183
Hiking
There are many hiking trails and opportunities in Pikeville and the surrounding areas – including the famous Cumberland Trail. The Cumberland Trail (CT), a Tennessee State Scenic Hiking Trail, became Tennessee's 53rd state park in 1998. The construction of the Tennessee hiking and backpacking trail is a public-private partnership, an example of the power of volunteerism.
The Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park contains a core corridor of 300-plus miles of trail beginning in the Cumberland Gap National Park and stretching south to Chickamauga Chattanooga National Military Park and Prentice Cooper Wildlife Management Area just outside Chattanooga. In addition to providing multiple recreational opportunities, this protected greenway will act as a buffer to protect water quality and provide natural habitat for animals.
Cycling
Cycling is an increasingly popular sport among all age groups and Pikeville has perfect routes for all skill levels and abilities. From challenging mountain routes to scenic valley tours, Bledsoe County and the Sequatchie Valley offer best cycling in Tennessee. http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/bikeped/routes.htm
Fishing
Fishing is a popular pastime across the state, but the Pikeville area has a few hidden surprises for those that take the time to search them out. From stocked trout in the upper stretches of the Sequatchie River to large catfish in the lower stretches. Fly fishers and anglers have found Bledsoe County a great place to cast a line. http://www.tennessee.gov/twra/fish/fishmain.html
Horseback Riding
Perhaps the most popular pastime of residents and tourists alike! With hundreds of miles of established equestrian trails, horseback riding is more popular than ever in Pikeville. Annual trail rides, covered wagon camping, or weekend outings, Pikeville is an ideal home for horse lovers. Equestrian trail maps and guides may be available through the Chamber of Commerce. http://pikeville-bledsoe.com or http://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/findapark/horseback.shtml
Photography
The Cumberland Plateau and the Sequatchie Valley is a photographer's delight. Misty autumn mornings, clear winter days, fields of spring wildflowers and green rolling hills in the summer. Every season brings new opportunities to capture one of the most beatiful places on earth. These reasons and more are why, on any given weekend, you'll likely see people taking photos from the side of the road all over the county! It's also why Pikeville and Bledsoe County are becoming a favorite retirement location.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
A park of more than 20,000 acres sprawled across the eastern top of the rugged Cumberland Plateau, Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of the most scenic and spectacular outdoor recreation areas in America. Laced with cascades, gorges, waterfalls, streams, and lush stands of virgin hardwood timber, the park beckons those who enjoy nature at her finest. While Fall Creek Falls, at 256 feet, is the highest waterfall in the eastern United States, other waterfalls in the park are Piney and Cane Creek Falls and Cane Creek Cascades.
The oak and hickory forest that covers most of the park gives way to tulip poplar and hemlock forest in the gorges. The plants and animals of the moist, protected gorges are not unlike the species found in southern Canada. Mountain laurel and rhododendron are abundant throughout the park, as are other plants and animals.
With its many amenities and panoramic natural setting, it is little wonder that Southern Living magazine readers voted Fall Creek Falls the best state park in the Southeastern United States.
The park is located in Bledsoe and Van Buren counties, 11 miles east of Spencer and 18 miles west of Pikeville. It may be entered from Highway 111 or Highway 30.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
2009 Village Camp Road | Rt. 3 Box 300
Pikeville , TN 37367-9803 | Office: 423-881-5298
Inn & Cabin Reservations: 1-800-250-8610
Camping: 1-800-250-8611
World's Longest Yard Sale! Highway 127
Plan now to attend in 2008; August 7-10, 2008.
Hundreds of thousands of people join us each year for this fun-filled event, spanning 630 miles and five states. You'll find homeowners selling stuff they've accumulated throughout the years as well as professional dealers and vendors. It's almost impossible for shoppers to cover the entire route in four days, so be prepared to pick up where you leave off next year! You're going to discover some neat places, interesting people, and quaint stops that you'll probably want to visit again and again. So pack your camera, sunglasses, a good pair of walking shoes, and plenty of cash- you're in for the World's Longest Yardsale!
Fairs and Festivals
The Bledsoe County Fair is held each year in August (dates vary). Our county fair includes 4-H livestock judging of hand-raised cattle, sheep, swine, and goats. There are horse shows, rodeo contests, and a horse-shoe tournament. The carnival petting zoo is a fun feature for children. Older kids enjoy the Fairest of the Fair beauty contest, carnival rides and more.
For musical entertainment there is a Battle of the Bands -- for rock, country, and bluegrass-- and a less competitive Gospel Sing. Local bands are featured. Exhibits include flowers, garden produce, home baking and canning, and school and community group projects.
The Fair is at the Bledsoe County Community Complex in Pikeville
The Bledsoe County Fall Festival held annually on the first Friday and Saturday in October. Continuing the sights and sounds of the past, the festival hosts musicians, crafts, food, children’s activities, and much more. The Fall Festival is heald on Main Street in front of the Courthouse.
Wildflower Tours
Organized tours are available through Fall Creek Falls State Park featuring many rare and endangered native plants. If your schedule allows, find time to travel the back roads through Bledsoe County in Spring, Summer or Fall to see many species growing wild in fields and road sides accross the county - truly a sight to remember.
Orchard and Farm Tours
Agri-tourism has become increasingly popular in recent years. Wooden's Apple Orchards and other local orchards and Farms offer visitors a look into how produce is raised and the process from the farm to your table. For participating farms, contact the local extension agent: http://bledsoe.tennessee.edu/
Agriculture has been instrumental in forming every aspect of life in Pikeville and Bledsoe County -its culture, its music, its communities, its history, scenery and recreation. The term "agri-tourism" describes a category for the increasingly popular activities, events and places tied closely to agriculture and Tennessee's rural communities.
These events are fun for the whole family, and not just for farm families-although you'll probably leave feeling a little bit more "country" than you did before you visited. Already, thousands enjoy Tennessee's agri-tourism and fun farm events each year, participating in festivals, farm tours and orchard tours, special school tours, corn mazes and straw mazes, hay rides and wagon rides and "pick-your-own-produce" farms.
Driving Tours
Time spent driving the highways and byways of the county and surrounding areas is time well spent! Audio diving tours featuring historic events like the Trail of Tears and the Historic District of Pikeville are available (more information may be available from the Chamber of Commerce http://www.pikeville-bledsoe.com). For those looking for a less organized excursion, a simple trip through the valley on Highway 127 is picturesque and relaxing - if time allows, consider traveling the valley on East Valley Road which parallels Highway 127.
