Most historical markers in the east commemorate Revolutionary War and Colonial era skirmishes. Most…read morehistorical markers in the south commemorate Civil War battles. This marker points out a much more contemporary battle, the 1946 McMinn County War, more familiarly called The Battle of Athens. It took place in August 1946. It was a rebellion of a tyrannical local government accused of political corruption and voter intimidation. As World War II veterans returned to their homes at the end of the war, they encountered a corrupt sheriff who preyed on tourists and travelers. There are documented cases of buses passing through the county being pulled over and random passengers ticketed for drunkenness regardless of their intoxication. But they could pay a "fee" to be released. The local sheriff had a system of electoral fraud where ineligible voters were permitted to vote for him and others who might have opposed him were intimidated from voting. When the GIs returned, they organized an opposition party. And as the election came up, the sheriff carried off some of the ballot boxes to the local jail to "count" them. The GIs surrounded the jail after breaking in to the local armory to take guns and other weapons. When the GIs demanded the ballot boxes be brought outside and the deputies refused, there was a firefight. According to local news, "In the end, the door of the jail was dynamited and breached. The barricaded deputies--some with injuries--surrendered, and the ballot boxes were recovered." The next day, the election results were properly counted and certified. The incumbent (corrupt?) sheriff had lost. This was the only successful "modern" rebellion in US history making this a case study of what empowered citizens can do against a government they feel does not represent them. Some more information: https://www.americanheritage.com/battle-athens https://youtu.be/-7KroeJmWHs The historical marker is here. The jail is gone, replaced with an office building and a coffee shop. [Review 18177 overall - 303 in Tennessee - 1699 of 2022.]

TELLIQUAH is a beautiful modern day covered bridge that stretches 230 feet across the Tellico…read moreRiver. It is a Cherokee name that is spelled Tailkwa when properly written and sometimes spelled Telliquo, Tahlequah and Tellico. While the original meaning has been somewhat lost, the word "Talikwa" is thought to be "the open place where the grass grows". The covered structure is approx. 125 feet, but the approaches add an additional 100 feet to the overall length. Completed in June of 2006, this steel and wood bridge sits on a stone-clad arching foundation that makes it very attractive and photogenic. It is actually gated (a covered bridge first for me) because it is a private entrance for the home just across the river, so be respectful and don't block it. We passed it on our way to Bald River Falls and sat eating nearby it @ Iron Works Grille, but I totally forgot to stop and take close up pics when passing it again on our return. Oh well, with the numerous waterfalls in the area, I'm sure I will be back sometime soon for a hike and I'll get better pics then. But if you happen to love covered bridges and find yourself on the 43-mile National Scenic Byway known as Cherohala Skyway (a blended word from Cherokee & Nantahala), its worth stopping. ENJOY! 2022 / 89

What a great place! The facility is impressive…read more The resources are thorough. The people are what really make it! Thoroughly integrated into the community, the library is a great resource. Groups gather for gaming, book clubs and events. Like everything in Athens, it's within 5 minutes of downtown. Adjacent to walking trails and across the street from a community pool and racquet courts. We look forward to seasonal events.

The librarians charged me for books I had already returned. They kept charging me for the books I'd…read morereturned for weeks. They also refused to talk to me about this issue, and seemed to have a bit of a mood when I tried reasoning with them. I haven't been back since. But anyway... The looks of the place are quite alright, though they did some moving about in the past year and it's been a challenge finding some of the books I had read before. Despite that, the place has a good look about it. Some areas do seem a bit dirty, but overall it's very easy to find a place to sit and read without much trouble. The older librarians I'd met seemed rather fine to talk with, and very friendly. I think a few quit some time before the book accident, though, bless them. The movies are also rather fun to watch and look at, but a lot of them are scratched or irreparable, and leaves one with a tiny fear they would be to blame for the damages. (If you are like me, anyway.) My favorite place in there is the back rooms, but only because it's very quiet there, and they showcase people's artwork. Many a talent is nice to look at. Not sure if they allow anyone back there much, but it's still my favorite place, even if I haven't been back in a long while. The internet last I'd been in there had this rather annoying thing where it would just shut off every 30 minutes and you would have to verify yourself or something. It made it hard for me to work and almost impossible to make large downloads. Hopefully they figure that out some. Still, it is how you think it is. Go take a look yourself and have a fun time with it. They have many books to browse over and they have some fine internet. Also there's a sweet desk in the corner by the back next to a plug. It's the best seat there. The holy corner seat. Have the seat of ultimate privacy, friends. B)