history

This is a wonderful little museum nestled at the foot of the Cumberland Mountains that warrants your visit. The museum currently exhibits approximately 1000 interesting, historic railroad and city of Cowan artifacts, model trains of all types, and a full-size train, flat car and caboose located outside.

The Museum is open from May through October, Thursday through Saturday 10 AM until 4 PM, and Sundays 1pm-4pm. Admission is $2 adult, $1 child; $5 family. Free to members & military.

The museum is recognized as the second official railroad museum by the State of Tennessee.

The 1897 brick jailhouse features a collection of fascinating artifacts from the Civil War and pioneer eras, as well as memorabilia from home-town girl turned global celebrity Dinah Shore.

The museum is a unique time capsule and is within walking distance of Downtown Winchester.

You can visit the museum Thursday through Saturday from 10am - 4pm. They are closed November through February.

Admission: Adults $1, children $0.50

David Crockett and his first wife, Polly Finlay, settled with their children on a homestead in Franklin County in 1812.

Polly Crockett died in 1815 following her husband’s return from the Creek War. An access road and small park denote her gravesite and was a Franklin County Bicentennial Commission Project.

Tennessee Historical markers for the gravesite and “Kaintuck”, David’s homestead, are located on U.S. Highway 64 near Belvidere.

Built in 1873 as a cotton and woolen factory, the mill was later converted for use as a cotton gin, then as a wood working shop and grist mill. Today the mill houses the Museum of Power and Industry, Inc. and the 32-foot waterwheel still powers machinery on four levels of the building.

You can take a self-guided tour through the historic building and scenic grounds that include picnic areas, a bed and breakfast and multiple waterfalls. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens, military and students, and $3 for children over 5.

*Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

info@hundredoakscastle.com

Hundred Oaks Castle was originally built in 1830 by Benjamin Decherd, the railroad tycoon for whom the town of Decherd, Tennessee is named after.

It is listed by the SMITHSONIAN as one of the few remaining historic castles in America.

The Castle and its gardens are available for tours of 20 or more people, by prior reservation during the months of May, September, November and December.

Admission: $22 per person - 20 person minimum

Natural Bridge is a 25 feet high natural sandstone arch with a span of 50 feet that provides a scenic overlook of Lost Cove.

It is essentially a giant sinkhole partially eroded to form a large stone bridge. A wet weather spring located behind the bridge in a rock cave probably contributed to the erosion forming the arch.

The natural area is a part of the South Cumberland Recreation Area.