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East Tennessee occupied by Cherokee Indians
Cherokee Indians occupied the area of East Tennessee. Creek Indians lived along the Tennessee River & South Middle Tennessee. The Chickasaws inhabited West Tennessee along the Mississippi River. They all used the land as common hunting ground.
The Native Americans that inhabited this area when the white man came were called Cherokee by the Creek Indians meaning people who live in caves. The Cherokee, uesed the area of the nearby Doe and Watauga rives as hunting grounds and trade.gatherings -
First White Visitors
First documented white settlers visit area. At this time, the area was inhabited by the Cherokee Indians.It is thought that these visitors traveled south from Virginia. -
Carter County Area becomes part of North Carolia
England claimed this territory as a part of the colony of
North Carolina from the Atlantic coast to the MississippiRiver. King George III by proclamation in 1763, after theFrench & Indian War, reserved this land west of the moun-
tains for the Indians. -
European Settlers Inhabit Carter County Region
Although the exact date is not known, the first European settlers first inhabited the Carter County region in the late 1760's. Among the early settlers were William Bean who owned a farm about 8 miles west of what is now Sycamore Sholes , James Robertson, Valentine Sevier Sr., the father of John Sevier. -
John Carter Establishes a Plantation in Carter County
In the early 1770's John Carter, a notable Revolutionary War patriot and father of Landon Carter, established a plantation in Carter County just north of the present day Elizabethton city limits. -
Early Carter County Settlements
By 1772, between 75 and 85 farms were located along the Holston and Watauga Rivers. -
The Watauga Association
John Donelson and Alexander Cameron, Indian agents among the Cherokees for the English, and a group of the Cherokee leaders marked the boundary between the whites and the Indians. Much to the disappointment of the Wataugans, they learned they were not in Virginia, as previously supposed, but were in North Carolina and on lands which belonged to the Indians. Cameron advised the Wataugans to move at once, but they always gave one excuse of another, stalling for more time.
IN 1772 these early sett -
First Independent American Government
In 1772 the settlers along the Watauga River (Commonly referred to as "Overmountain Men" because of their deliberate defiance of a British mandate restricting them from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains) established the Watauga Association. This was the first majority ruled system in American Government. -
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Revolutionalry War
For more information click the link below
For more information on the Revolutionary War click link below. -
Transylvania Purchase
On March 17, 1775, the Transylvania Company, led by Richard Henderson, John Williams, Thomas and Nathaniel Hart, bought from the Cherokee, led by Chief Oconostota, all lands between the Kentucky and Cumberland Rivers. Over 20 million acres sold for 2000 pounds sterling and goods worth 8000 pounds. -
Watauga Purchase
On March 19, 1775, at the Sycamore Sholes, the Watauga Association, Charles Robinson, Trustee, bought from the Cherokee, with Oconostota as chief, lands along the Watauga, Holston, and Great Canaway Rivers. The consideration for the purchase was 2000 pounds sterling. -
The Name Elizabethton Becomes Official
The name Elizabethton was selected to honor the wife of Landon Carter. Landon was the son of John Carter which Carter County was named. Naming the town was the responsibility of the first town commisioners which included Landon Carter, Andrew Greer, David McNabb, Zacariah Campbell, Ruben Thorton, Roland Jenkins, William Cunningham, and Sammy Tipton -
Carter Mansion Completed
The Carter Mansion was built and was the home of John and Landon Carter. The Carter Mansion took 5 years to complete and is the Oldest frame house in Tennessee. -
State of Franklin Formed
Independent State of Franklin was formed -
State of Franklin Extinuished
The State of Franklin was extinuished after only 4 years in existance. -
East Tennesse Population
Population of East Tennesse reaches an estimated 28,000 -
Area Named Carter County
The East Tennessee area was named Carter County after Landon Carter. The area covered what is now Carter, Unicoi, and Johnson counties. -
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Last of Tennessee Land Relinquished
The Cherokee Indians relinquish the last of the Tennessee land. Although the land was relinquished, several members of the Cherokee tribe were not pleased with the decision. -
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Civil War
Civil War' >For more information on the Civil War click the link below</a> -
Great Flood
The earliest recorded flood of the area now know as Elizabethton occurred some time in 1867. -
African Americans given permission to meet for Sunday school
The County Court gave African Americans permission to use the basement story of the Court House for Sunday School. This was the first public gathering of African Americans in the area and probably in the state. -
"Workhouse System" Established
S.A. Cunningham, Chairman of County Court announced the establishment of a "workhouse system" for those convicted of misdemeanors. Prisoners were to work out fines under James J. Angel, Jailor, now also named "Superintendent" of Jail Workhouse. -
Masonic Lodge Dashiel #238 organized
In January of 1876 the first Masonic Lodge of the area was formed. Some early officers: J. C. Smith, WM; J. M. Simerly, SW; William Shell, Jr., JW; L. H. Rhudy, Treas., CA. Pearce., Sec.
William B.C. Smith 87 years old. Mr. Smith was a Civil War vet and pioneer citizen of Main Street. He was buried at Colbough cemetery and funeral was conducted by Masonic ritual. At the time of his death Mr. Smith was the country's oldest Mason. He was in the F&AM for 65 years. Survived by widow and three sons -
Covered Bridge
Completion of the Covered Bridge built over the Doe River in Downtown Elizabethton. The Covered Bridge is 134 feet long. It cost the county $3,000 for the bridge and $300 for the approaches. -
Milligan College granted state charter
Milligan's first graduating class consisted of 8 men and 2 women. -
First ET&WNC Railroad train in to Hampton
Construction of the narrow gauge ET&WNC started in 1881, using an earlier right of way. Regular service from Johnson City to Hampton started August 22, 1881. In 1882, a depot was constructed beside the mainline. -
Roan Mountain Depot Hotel and Cloudland Summit Hotel opens
Altitude 6000'. Hotel on Roan 414' length, 42' wide, 3-story high; largest summer hotel in the South, 218 bedrooms. Invitation to "all who suffer under the burning summer sun, if breath of cool air, if want fishing, if want drink from cool fountains that gush, if want to view the most wonderful scenery in the world, Come--come to the Hills of Tennessee." -
Folsom Printing Company founded
Founded by John M. Folsom (died 1931); Mr. Folsom remained active in company until late 1920's -
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Watauga River Bridge
County Court voted $5,500 "to build a bridge across Watauga River at the northern end of Main Street in town of Elizabethton". The foundations for the bridge can still be seen on the north end of Main Street. -
Hampton Public School opened
153 enrolled; average attendance 140 -
East Tennessee Line and Twine
The East Tennessee Line and Twine Company which wasl located on the north end of town near what is now Sycamore Street, began operation some time in 1892. The Line and Twine satyed in business for several years. -
FIrst Telephone Service in Carter County
The telephone was installed in Burgie Drug Store Building on Elk Avenue. It was a Johnson City to Elizabethton line. Harry Burgie operated first switchboard. -
Watauga Inn
Watauga Inn was built in Carter County in 1892. It was 3 stories and was built at a cost of $30,000 -
Great 1893 fire of Elizabethton
The fire was located downtown and affected 10 buildings in what was then the new part of town. W. H. Underwood's store, W. H. Reynolds', Druggist, store and Mr. Hatterschide's Cigar and Tobacco Store were lost. The loss was estimated at $25,000, but insurance only covered about $14,000. A second fire was discovered before much damage in the C. A. Willis' Temple of Economy and Mr. Weeks' hardware man. The fire greatly hurt the town in many ways. Arson was suspected but not proven. -
City of Allentown Incorporation repealed
When the Tennessee Legislature repealed its Incorporation status, the town of Allentown once again became known as Hampton. -
First Street Lights for Elizabethton
H. F. Perry, C.M. Emmery, Nat T. Perry, and James L. Perry, incorporators, ask Court franchise to erect, maintain, and operate electric plant adjoining Elizabethton and right to erect poles, etc. on streets, including Hattie Avenue and outside 2 miles on all public roads leading into town for 25 years. -
Telephone Lines Erected
Watauga Telephone Company granted petition and franchise to erect lines, etc. along public roads, including streets of Elizabethton and Hampton. Lines were to be operate from Bristol by way of Bluff City, Elizabethton, and Butler to Mountain City in Johnson County and a line from Watauga to Elizabethton. -
Tennessee Cotton Mill begins construction
Built on opposite side of street from Tennessee Line and Twine -
Telephone Lines Extended to Roan Mountain
The Watauga Telephone Company extended the lines from Hampton to the R. L. Bruner's store at Forge Mining works. -
Great Flood of 1901
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Liberty Bell
On Jan 10th 1902, on a heavily decorated flat car, on a special train, the Liberty Bell passed through Watauga from Johnson City. Source: The Mountaineer 1/10/1902 Microfilm, Archive room of the library. -
Charter obtained for East Tennessee Railroad Company
Some time in 1903 a charter was obtained for the East Tennessee Railroad Comaany to operate a line to Hampton up Laurel Fork to Elk River up Watauga to Butler and on the Roan Creek. -
City of Elizabethton is Incorporated.
The City of Elizabethton is Incorporated in 1905 -
The Monument
The Veterans Monument is erected. It measures 65 feet tall and the interior of the base is filled with river rock from the Doe River. -
City of Power Sign Illuminated for first time
A sign was attached to the iron bridge that crossed the Doe Rive into downtown. It was illuminated for the first time in early 1914. The sign was presented by the Watauga Power Company. -
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World War I
World War I (WWI) was a global war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918. It was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until the start of World War II in 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter. It involved all the world's great powers. -
Elizabethton adopts City Manager form of government
City Manager form of government was adopted by a vote of the people. -
Bemberg Plant Opens
American and German flags were raised. Seventy-five officials and visitors attended. -
Bonnie Kate Theater Opens
On July 4th, 1927 the Bonnie Kate Theater opened to the public. The cost of the theater was around $100,000 and had 1000 upholstered chairs, a stage, and lights. The theater is still operation today. -
The Elizabethon Star becomes a weekly Newspaper
The semi-weekly newspaper, Banner, purchased by Frank H Lovette two year prior renames the paper to the Star and announces that it will become a weekly newspaper. -
St. Elizabeth Hospital opens
The three-story building comfortably housed 40 patients with ward space for 10 more. Estimated cost of the facility was around $100,000. It was operated by Drs. J. O. Woods, W. C. Caudill, E. C. Caudill, and Hallie Howard, Head of Nursing. -
Second Unit Bemberg start operation
Dr. Mothwurf of Bemberg sends a letter to the Chamber of Commerce addressing the need for laborers, and "more houses which can be rented at reasonable prices", and "more stores which are efficiently and economically operated…" and the community need for "recreation and athletics." -
American Glanzstoff Company Opens
The American Glanzstoff Company opened in AUG of 1928 due to the success of the Bemberg plant. The facility was owned by the same parent company as Berberg and made the same material but used a different process called Viscos Processing. -
GOP Presidential Candidate Hoover begins southern campaign addressing Elizabethton
People com from miles around to hear Hoover. The town hotels are full with people spending the night in their cars and on the porches of hotels and businesses. -
Broad Street Bridge Approved
Nashville approves Broad Street Bridge construction without vote of the people. -
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The Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in 1930 and lasted until the late 1930s or middle 1940s.[1] It was the longest, most widespread, and deepest depression of the 20th century. -
Roan Mountain Fire
A fire in Roan Mountain leaves one dead: Rev. E. C. Mills, and five businesses destroyed: C. L. Boone Garage, H. L. Moreland Café, Pass Time Theater (operated by Moreland), D. C. Perkins Barber Shop, and Shoe Shop (operated by Mills). -
Elizabethton fire destroys Service Lumber Co
The fire caused an estimated $50,000 in damage. It was called one of the city's largest fires. -
Census results reflect tremendous growth
Elizabethton's population grew from 2749 in 1920 to 8044, an increase of 192%. Carter County's population grew from 21,484 in 1920 to 29,223, and increase of 36%. These increases reveal that Elizabethton had increased more than any other city in Tennessee. Carter County's increase compares to a state growth average of 11.9%. -
New Elizabethton Post Office opens
It was located at E Street and Sycamore and now houses the Elizabethton Public Library. -
Carter County votes to remain dry
Tennessee voted to repeal Prohibition but all of the Carter County precincts voted DRY. -
Carter County gets first Sunday newspaper
Star purchased Elizabethton News Weekly and publishes first Sunday Newspaper for the county. -
The Great Snow of 1936 (Heaviest Snow in 50 Years)
The roofs of Elizabethton businesses were damaged. After 31 continuous hours of snow; Elizabethton has 2 feet, Roan Mountain has 40 inches, 5 feet at Erwin, and 6 feet at Newland. 100 people are marooned at Tipton's Café near Roan Mountain. -
Elizabethton City Purchases Water Company
Mountain Spring Water Co. was purchased for $425,000 to be paid over a 30-year period. They have a daily output of 20,000,000 gallons, 115 miles of pipes. The City Water Commission was created. -
Sale of beer restricted
County Court halts sale of beer from Saturday night at 9 p.m. until Monday morning at 8 a.m. This was "for purpose of reducing the number of arrests for public drunkenness and to raise moral standards of the community." There could also be no dance halls in the community with a beer establishment. A Beer Commission is appointed. -
Rayon plant begins curfew announcement
The curfew horn begin to be heard each night at 10 p.m. The 10 o'clock whistle was heard for several miles in each direction and continued in use for several years. -
Period: to
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War (often abbreviated as WWII or WW2), was a global war that was underway by 1939 and ended in 1945. It involved a vast majority of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. It was the most widespread war in history, with more than 100 million people serving in military units. Up to 73 million people lost their lives because of the war. -
Roan Mountain Park established by the US Forestry Service
The US Forestry Service establishes the park in an area containing the largest naturally growing rhododendron garden in the United States. -
Watauga River Flood of 1940
A devastating flood that reached a depth of 19.7 ft. hit the Elizabethton area. -
Watauga Dam Completed
Watauga Dam Completed in the summer of 1948. The dam is 1000' long and 328' high. -
The first lighting of the Lynn Mountain Christmas tree and Merry Christmas sign.
The tree and sign were designed by Police Captain Henry Elliott. It required over 500 bulbs and was powered by TVA electricity. In 1986 lighted crosses were added for Easter. -
Bill to create Roan Mountain State Park
Governor Clement approves bill not to exceed $50,000 for 100 acres. -
Elizabethton Airport Dedicated
Moody Aviation facilities dedicated in spring of 1970. Moody relocated their aviation program from the suburbs of Chicago after the airspace became too crowed. East Tennessee was selected for it's mountainous terrain that simulated the terrain of mission fields around the world. -
New Elizabethton High School Opens
The Elizabethton High School opens after the Christmas break. The students start their year in the old EHS building and will finish the 1973-1974 in the brand new facility. The old high school became the TA Dugger Jr High at the same time. -
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Franklin Club destroyed by fire
Operated as Raymond's Finest for several years. -
Gulf Oil drills for oil in Carter County
Gulf Oil leases a 92-acre farm in west Carter County on Rock House Road owed by John and Ethel Young to drill for oil. -
First Wataugans Production at Sycamore Shoals State Park
The Wataugans is an outdoor drama depicting the settle of Carter County. -
Bemberg Plant Burns
The flames were as high as 50 feet. One hundred fireman fought the blaze using 20 fire trucks. The flames could be seen miles away. -
NC Lowe's Foods purchases Bemberg land for shopping center
The area later included Western Steer and a shopping center with a Kroger. -
Ground breaking for Betsy Towne Shopping Center
Sometime in 1983 the shopping center located on 19-E was developed by contractor, Ed Street, of Johnson City. The main original tenants were Winn-Dixie and Revco. They were later joined by Mayflower restaurant and Little Caesar Pizza. -
Elizabethton telegram office closes
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Fire destroys Capitol Theater building
Some time in 1984 fird destroyed the Capitol Theater on East Elk Avenue in downtown Elizabethton. Other businesses destroyed or damaged were the attorney offices of David Tucker and Sam LaPorte, the office of D. H. Hampton, surveyor and the Religious Book Store and Betsy Florist. -
Pioneer Furniture Mart and Peters Used Furniture fire
Twenty-four fireman fought the out of control blaze all night. Sandwich Shop also received water and smoke damage. -
State approves 4-tier prison camp at Roan Mountain
One hundred twenty-man for minimum security convicts. The estimated cost was $2.7 million. Although it was fought by local residents. The facility has provied countless hours of free labor for city butification projects. -
Sheriff discovers one of the largest moonshine stills ever discovered in Carter County
The still was 250 gallon capacity still discovered near Forest Service Road on Walnut Mountain. Fifteen barrels of mash, 150 lbs. of sugar, a gas burner, 2 copper cooling coils, and 12 gallons white liquor were confiscated. The barrels and cooker were almost completely buried in the ground beneath a roof of laurel. -
EHS Betsy Band performs in the Independence Day Parade in Washington D.C.
About 100 members travel to Washington, DC to perform on national television. $19,000 cost was raised by the students and the Band Boosters using the "Love that Betsy Band" slogan. -
Fraiser Fur Decorated for First Time
The 78' ft. frisier fur tree that is located on East Elk Ave. near the Carter County Court House was decorated for Christmas with 150' strands of lights. This has become an annual event and is synonomous with the lighting of the Lynn Mountain Christmas Tree. This fur tree is the tallest of its kind in Tennessee and the second tallest in the United States. -
Veterans Wall of Honor Completed
The Veterans Wall of Honor was completed in the summer of 2007. The wall contains the names and branch of service. Cost of bricks were $100 each. There are seven flag poles anchored on the north side. They signify the 5 branches of the military, POW-MIA flag and the American Flag. -
Carillon Clock Installed at War Memorial
A Bronze carillon clock is installed on the South end of the Veterans Wall of Honor. The cost of the clock was $25,601. The clock can be programmed to play over 3,000 melodies in the sounds of bells, chimes and bugles. -
Covered Bridge Repairs
Renovations begin on the Covered Bridge -
Elizabethton-Carter County Veterans War Memorial Dedicated
The Elizabethton -Carter County Veterans War Memorial was dedicate on November 11, 2002 in recognition of those who made the supreme sacrifice. The Memorial lists the names of fallen Carter Countian's that give their lives in service in World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam Conflict, Desert Storm, and Enduring Freedom. A large portion the project was funded by private donations from businesses and individuals. A letter of recognition was received from President George W. Bush.
