On Monday, March 25th, Cherokee Sierra Club had the pleasure of learning about the Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association. We were visited by Tennessee Overhill’s enthusiastic and knowledgeable Executive Director, Scott Schroeder. He shared with us the goals of the association, as well as more about its history and what they do.

The Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association was founded in 1990 when the land was selected as a pilot area for the Heritage Tourism Initiative of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It spans across 3 East Tennessee Counties: McMinn, Monroe, and Polk. These 3 communities banded together with the goal of taking the natural resources they have to protect and preserve their history. The aim of the communities and the Association is to keep historical experiences available to people so we don’t forget it. History is not always pleasant, but it is good to remember what happened so that we can learn from the past, and not repeat the same mistakes in the future.

Tennessee Overhill embodies some incredibly important qualities. Its first tenant is Nature. Nature is full of immense beauty, and East Tennessee boasts some amazing scenery. Polk County alone is 63% National Forest. The Association aims to preserve and foster connection to the natural beauty of the communities it works with. The next tenant is Connection. Tennessee Overhill fosters connections with the land and the community. The Association was named after the Overhill Cherokee Native Americans, who lived in and around the communities it serves. In fact, Overhill Cherokees would often meet in these areas to trade, both with each other and settlers. Connections are a part of this area’s history, and Tennessee Overhill looks to keep the connection alive today. The last tenant is Community. Tennessee Overhill celebrates history, seeking to preserve the history and nature of these beautiful counties. As Scott Schroeder put it, “Tennessee Overhill is a museum without walls. You can go out and explore history”.

There are numerous ways to connect with nature and learn about the history of McMinn, Monroe, and Polk Counties. You can explore the Lost Sea just outside of Sweetwater, visiting one of the nation’s largest underwater bodies of water. The caves leading to the water hold historical significance, serving as an important site for Native Americans many years ago. There is also the Hiwassee Rail, which is the only circular train track East of the Mississippi. The train departs from Etowah and goes on an expansive tour, showing off the scenic countryside along the Hiwassee River, and going up Bald Mountain, taking the famous loop.

Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association is an amazing organization that promotes connection to history, nature, and the community. Its goal is to keep history alive, keep history moving, and keep history meaningful. The good news is, all of this amazing history and scenery is right in our own backyard!