Claiborne County, located in northeastern Tennessee, has a rich history that is often overlooked. Here are 7 interesting facts about Claiborne County history that may surprise you:
1. Claiborne County is named after William C. C. Claiborne, a governor of the state of Louisiana who had previously been a United States senator and a representative from Tennessee.
2. The county was established in 1801 and is one of the oldest counties in Tennessee.
3. The famous frontiersman, Davy Crockett, served as a justice of the peace in Claiborne County in the early 1800s.
4. During the Civil War, Claiborne County was a site of several battles and skirmishes. The Union army under General Burnside occupied the county for much of 1863.
5. In the 1920s and 1930s, Claiborne County was home to a thriving moonshine industry. The area's rugged terrain and abundance of corn made it a perfect location for illicit distilling operations.
6. Claiborne County is the birthplace of several notable people, including country music singer Roy Acuff and basketball coach Pat Summitt.
7. One of the most interesting events in Claiborne County history was the Cumberland Gap Tunnel project, which began in the 1950s and took nearly 30 years to complete. The tunnel, which is over a mile long and connects Kentucky to Tennessee, was one of the largest engineering projects of its time.
While Claiborne County may not be as well-known as some of Tennessee's larger cities, it is clear that this region has played an important role in the state's history. From its early establishment to its role in shaping the modern South, Claiborne County is a fascinating slice of Tennessee's past.
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