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Supporters and members of the press gather for a "Ten In Tennessee" list announcement in the State Capitol.
The Tennessee Preservation Trust annually seeks nominations from the public for the "Ten in Tennessee," a roster of some of the state's most endangered historic sites. Begun in 2001, this successful program highlights ten endangered places across the state to help garner support for saving threatened historic resources. Of the sites listed since the program began, only three have been lost. A committee made up of grass-roots and professional preservationists from across the state meets to choose the list each spring.
The 2010 Ten in Tennessee list was announced at a press conference on Thursday, May 20 at 10:00 a.m. in the Old Supreme Court Chambers at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville, and is listed below. A Powerpoint of the list can be found by clicking here.
The 2009 list, as well as previous lists, are provided below. All sites listed since 2001 are provided below with updates on current status, when known. Please note that the listings are made in no particular order of ranking.
K-25 Manhattan Nuclear Project Facility at Oak Ridge (Roane County)
Importance: Internationally important, this was the largest building in the world when constructed during WWII for uranium production that provided the fissionable material for the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. The nuclear age arguably began here.
Threatened by demolition
Memphis Cobblestone Landing (Shelby County)
Importance: Rare, extant example of nineteenth century cobblestone wharf. The most-intact cobblestone landing on the major inland waterways of the U.S., It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and has been in continuous use for more than 150 years
Threatened by neglect and inappropriate redevelopment
Mrs. A.J. Morton and Son Funeral Home (Maury County)
Importance: An important early Civil Rights site for the United States. An armed conflict that began on February 28, 1946 eventually involved Thurgood Marshal and was instrumental in the establishment of President Truman’s Committee on Civil Rights later that year. It was established by ex-slaves and at one time was the longest serving African American Funeral Home in the nation.
Threatened by neglect and demolition
Trenton National Register District (Gibson County)
Importance: This rural national register district once contained 95 contributing structures, many dating from before the Civil War.
Threatened by demolition and neglect; the c. 1837 classic Greek revival antebellum Neil house in the district is currently being demolished to only provide a handful of off-street parking spots for a local church, although the house was willed to the church with a sizeable endowment and a deed restriction. The district is unprotected by Certified Local Government legislation and ironically, in spite of an in-progress downtown redevelopment effort, other structures are targeted for demolition, and the city has no preservation plan for this special West Tennessee district.
DeKalb County Fairgrounds Grandstand (DeKalb County)
Importance: Thought to be the last operational wooden grandstand remaining in Tennessee, this rare National Register agricultural structure is the heart and soul of the 800 person community of Alexandria, and the surrounding county. The community is deeply concerned with its potential loss and is dedicated to its preservation and ongoing active use.
Threatened by insurance abandonment
Admiral Farragut Cabin and Monument site and Lowe’s Ferry Site (KnoxCounty)
Importance: Site is the birthplace of Admiral Farragut, America’s first full Admiral, and a locally important ferry site.
Threatened by development
Friendsville African American Cemetery (Blount County)
Importance: Recently rediscovered 19th century African American cemetery; emblematic of the condition and fate of many early African American cemetery sites across the state.
Threatened by vandalism and neglect
Quaker Valley Agricultural Site (Jefferson County)
Importance: Continually farmed since the 18th century, used as Civil War encampments, and thought to contain multiple slave cemeteries.
Threatened by development
Marugg Stagecoach Inn (GrundyCounty)
Importance: C. 1875 Inn serving the Swiss community of Gruetli and travelers along the McMinnville-Chattanooga stagecoach line; operated until 1915.
Threatened by lack of funding for rehabilitation
Sterick Building (Shelby County)
Importance: At 29 stories, it was the largest building in the south when constructed in 1930. A unique example of a Gothic Style office building with attendant interior and exterior period architectural detailing; this massive structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and has been empty since the 1980s.
Threatened by inappropriate renovations, redevelopment challenges, and a looming land lease expiration
Hufstedler Cemetery/Pinckney’s Tomb, Linden, Perry County
This tomb is a rare example of 19th century vernacular, dry-stone constructed rural cemetery architecture. The foundation has begun to fail and there is a lack of financial resources to provide for necessary repairs. The structure is threatened with eventual collapse if repairs are not made.
Shelbyville Dam on the Duck River, Shelbyville, Bedford County
This site is an early c.1915 electrical power producing facility/plant along the Duck River; there were in fact several dams along the Duck River that produced power for the towns in the Duck River Watershed. In 1924 the old Shelbyville Plant was replaced by a new concrete dam and powerhouse. The Tennessee Electric Power Co acquired the property in 1929; TVA acquired the property in 1939 and operated the plant until 1948. Power was no longer produced at this site after approximately February 1948. It was abandoned by TVA and sold to the City of Shelbyville in November 1950. It is abandoned and open to vandalism.
Graham-Kivette House, Tazewell, Claiborne County
The Graham-Kivette House, built circa 1810, is the oldest home in Tazewell and one of only a few buildings that survived a disastrous fire in 1862. It was built by William Graham, a merchant, and one of the founders of Tazewell. James Kivette acquired the home at the turn of the century from William Yoakam, its then current owner. Kivette was a lawyer and coal mine operator. His daughter, Louise Kivette Redman, was a novelist and had several books published. The Kivette House, built of local cut limestone, is one of the finest examples of Federal style architecture, remaining in upper East Tennessee. The building is unsecured and open to the elements and at great risk of vandalism and deterioration.
Rippavilla Plantation Slave House, Spring Hill, Maury County
This is one of the few original African American slave cabins remaining in Tennessee. Its location on the important Civil War era Rippavilla Plantation is endangered by recent proposals by General Motors to allow roads across the site, and to open the area to unlimited utility easements for the future, thereby endangering this rare structure and its associated early African American archaeological sites.
Dickson County Courthouse Charlotte, Dickson County
The 1833 Dickson County Courthouse is the centerpiece of the Charlotte Courthouse Square Historic District and is still the focal point of Charlotte. The structure is largely intact within this small, isolated rural community square and relatively untouched by modern activities revealing a picturesque townscape. Ranking among the oldest courthouses still in use in Tennessee, this antebellum structure is one of seven courthouses built in TN before the Civil War surviving various degrees of alterations. Because of its continued use as Dickson County General Sessions Court, this 1833 structure is in need of basic maintenance and is currently being considered for rehabilitation including HVAC, electrical, roofing, fenestration remediation and ADA compliance issues.
Niota Depot, Niota, McMinn County
Originally known as the Mouse Creek Depot, the Niota Depot was constructed in 1854 as part of the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad and is part of the earliest development of railroads in Tennessee. This intact rectangular, brick building features a hipped roof and is 112 feet in length and 42 feet in width. Roof drainage problems have damaged the outer layer of brick on parts of the structure and timely historic lime mortar re-pointing is required to avoid a quick and eminent deterioration of the building.
Kingston Springs Hotel Complex, Kingston Springs, Cheatham County
The Kingston Springs Hotel is one of only a few remaining hotel and resort era complexes encompassing health spas established in Middle TN during the early 1890s until 1917. Primarily attracting Tennesseans and prominent Nashvillians, visitors came to access the mineral springs as the main attraction via the railroad, while also boasting a dance hall and bowling alley. Two framed guest cottages built around 1900 provided comfortable accommodations and are located on the property near the hotel. The present Victorian styled hotel constructed in the early 1890s was built by Matt F. Allen from designs by Nashville architect Baxter J. Hodge. This collection of buildings has deteriorated for years as the owners have neglected to maintain and preserve the historic site.
Columbia Train Depot, Columbia, Maury County
The old Union Station in Columbia was built in 1905 replacing an older, long demolished, building that had stood nearby. It served the community until the 1960s when passenger service was discontinued with cancelled freight and parcel service following. This building once served as one of the hubs of the community but is unused and neglected today. It was recently threatened by an offer that would have relocated the structure to St. Louis. It is hoped that Columbia’s tradition of community historic preservation will encourage its rehabilitation and preservation.
Knoxville College, Knoxville, Knox County
The Knoxville College Historic District has significantly contributed to the educational and spiritual welfare of the African American community of Tennessee since 1890, particularly in the fields of industrial and normal education. The College is in a transitional state between presidents. Over the years, the College has had traditional difficulty with enrollment, funding, staff, etc. Some of the Nationally Registered buildings are vacant and abandoned. The buildings that are used are in need of maintenance and are in danger of deterioration and/or vandalism.
Temple Avenue Neighborhood, Knoxville, Knox County
The buildings are significant for their architecture and represent the historic architectural development patterns of Knoxville over the past century.
UPDATES
2009
Dickson County Courthouse (Charlotte, Dickson County)
TPT has met with County officials, participated in public meetings, and partnered with a local preservation organization to begin the process of preservation planning to save and adaptively reuse this early courthouse.
Columbia Train Depot (Columbia, Maury County)
The depot was under renovation within the past year but plans to develop the site have been put on hold.
2008
Clarksville Development District (Clarksville, Montgomery County)
The city council approved plan for potentially Clarksville’s entire historic downtown area, involving broad blight ordinance legislation and eminent domain seizures appears to be temporarily halted. After extensive advocacy efforts by TPT in the city, and failure by the County Commission to partner with the plan and its TIF tax credits, combined with a strong local campaign by the Castle Coalition, a nationally prominent grass roots anti-eminent domain seizure organization to oppose the plan, it appears to have at least temporarily halted the proponents efforts and hopefully laid the groundwork for the development plan’s repeal.
Tipton-Rosemark Academy (Shelby County)
After an heroic fundraising effort by alumni to save the academy the Academy Board of Directors unfortunately chose to demolish the structure. It has been a painful loss to the community.
Fleming Hall (Battle Ground Academy -- Williamson County)
The Heritage Foundation of Franklin and WilliamsonCounty is continuing to work to save the structure. Recent record rainfall heavily inundated the struggling structure and TPT is currently working with the Heritage Foundation to find solutions to preserve the building.
2007
Spring Hill Battlefield (Spring Hill, Maury County)
This battlefield was threatened with what appeared to be two eminent sale and commercial/residential developments in 2007 and 2008, but both proposed developments were unsuccessful. This battlefield was recently listed by the Civil War Preservation Trust as one of the top 10 most endangered battlefields in the U.S., for the third time. The Tennessee Preservation Trust continues to work with preservationists, associated groups, and legislators to appeal to General Motors to continue to preserve this site as a buffer zone, and conservation area around the GM plant, and to develop the site for regional heritage tourism. The most recent communications with GM were rebuffed and unfortunately they appear committed to possible commercial development of this historic site. TPT with groups across the state continue to look for solutions for this vitally important site.
Rural Mount (Hamblen County)
TPT has joined with the Knox Heritage, the East Tennessee Heritage Alliance, and the heritage Alliance of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia as they have planned a work day for Wednesday May 26th to board up and mothball the structure, securing it from further deterioration as we all work with the owners to find a preservation solution.
Franklin Cinema (Williamson County)
The Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson have initiated an extensive historic rehabilitation of the theater after a wildly successful multi-million dollar fundraising campaign. It serves as a national example, and will be one of the most successful historic theater preservation efforts in the nation.
Mount Zion CME Church (Obion County)
This well preserved, modest church has reorganized itself, received a Tennessee Historical Commission grant for roof repairs, and is now conducting regular worship services. TPT has participated with technical advice and advocacy. It is an excellent example of a small community rallying to save an historic structure and return it to its original historic function.
2006
The Colored Hotel (Union City, ObionCounty)
A non-profit 501c3, the Colored Hotel Heritage Foundation has formed, is raising funds, and will rehabilitate and preserve this important African American cultural resource.
2005
The Alvin C. York Institute (Jamestown, Fentress County)
The York Institute was threatened by demolition from the Tennessee Department of Education in January of 2008. Since that time the Tennessee Preservation Trust has worked with the York family, alumni, and preservationists statewide to halt the demolition and search for resources to save this state owned structure. After over a year of complex negotiations between the Tennessee State Building Commission and the York Patriotic Foundation, the state and the foundation entered into an agreement that includes joint funding that has provided for the official stabilization and mothballing of this monument to rural secondary education. Construction is complete for the mothball stage and the building is well on its way to a successful rehabilitation. This project is the result of the combined efforts of a broad-based statewide preservation community in Tennessee and has established the groundwork for effective statewide interagency preservation coordination. This irreplaceable structure recently appeared to be doomed to a hasty demolition and the efforts of an enervated statewide preservation community have been central to its preservation.
Mount Olivet Cemetery Office/Chapel (Nashville, Davidson County)
TPT is working with Historic Nashville, Inc., the Nashville Metro Historical Commission, the Tennessee Historical Commission and the New Orleans based owners of the cemetery, Stewart Enterprises, Inc. to find a solution to preserve the chapel. Stewart Enterprises has cordoned off the building and is working with the preservationists involved to develop a preservation plan.
Battle of Franklin Sites (Franklin, Williamson County)
Franklin’s Charge and other preservation groups in Franklin have mounted a nationally prominent campaign to purchase, rehabilitate, and preserve critical battlefield sites across the area, and with the community conduct a yearly “Illumination” event featuring 10,000 lighted candles commemorating the historic Battle of Franklin. The Carter House and Carnton Plantation boards have recently merged creating an even stronger interpretation and presentation of the history surrounding the battle. The newly formed organization, the Battle of Franklin Trust, has recently appointed a new CEO, the Jennifer Esler to develop and guide the future for these two great institutions.
Central Elementary School (Union City, Obion County)
The Boys Club of West Tennessee has developed plans to relocate and expand their organization and adaptively reuse the school. They have been fundraising and plan to commence construction as the economy improves.
2004
Cumberland Homesteads Historic District (Crossville, Cumberland County)
The Cumberland Homesteads Tower Association continues to work to preserve the Cumberland Homesteads. A demonstration house has been opened and they continue to support the organization with their yearly Apple Festival.
2002-2003
Tennessee's Historic Stone walls (Statewide)
Although numerous stone walls have been recently damaged by historic flooding across Middle Tennessee, local stone wall conservation groups have formed, and the Dry Stone Conservancy in Kentucky has worked for years to provide certified training for craftsman level repairs. Extensive repairs are currently underway after the floods with the historic Belle Meade Plantation leading the way with repairs to over a mile of their historic fencing, some of which intersects the historic Natchez Trace.
Drane-Foust House (Clarksville, Montgomery County)
Officials representing Austin-PeayUniversity have applied for removal of the National Register status of the property in preparations to demolish the structure, even after having in the past received a Tennessee Historical Commission grant to preserve the building. This is classic “demolition by neglect” by an institution with vast resources and extensive encouragement and support of the preservation community. This is an unfortunate example of bureaucratic and institutional neglect.
2001
Robert E. Lee School (Paris, Henry County)
The school has undergone a wonderful adaptive reuse as a community center in a project led by a local preservation leader, and TPT board member, Ray Harding. The redeveloped project has turned into a statewide example of a successful redevelopment of an abandoned historic school into a vibrant local cultural center.
Ten in Tennessee Listings, 2001-2008
*Updated Where Noted
2008
1. Clarksville Historic Districts (Montgomery County)
2. Tipton-Rosemark Academy (Shelby County)
3. Fleming Hall (Battle Ground Academy -- Williamson County)
4. Murfreesboro Old City Cemetery (Rutherford County)
5. Kimsey Junior College (Polk County)
6. Shofner's Chapel Lutheran Church (Bedford County)
7. John Geist Blacksmith Shop and Residences (Davidson County)
8. Beth Salem Presbyterian Church (McMinn County)
9. S. S. Eaves House (Meigs County)
10. Franklin P. Blue Municipal Building (Warren County)
2007
1. Spring Hill Battlefield (Maury County)
2. Natchez Trace Parkway Corridor (Davidson, Williamson, Maury, Hickman, Lewis, Lawrence, and Wayne Counties)
3. Rural Mount (Hamblen County)
4. James Brown House (Hamilton County)
5. Franklin Cinema (Williamson County)
6. Mount Zion CME Church (Obion County)
7. Ragland Court Subdivision (Rutherford County)
8. Dandridge Historic District (Jefferson County)
9. Taylor Home at Sabine Hill (Carter County)
10. Morristown College (Hamblen County)
2006
1. Hawkins County Courthouse (Rogersville)
2. Zippin Pippin Roller Coaster and the Carousel at Libertyland (Memphis, Shelby County) SOME PROGRESS
3. Hiram Jenkins House (Murfreesboro, Rutherford County) DEMOLISHED IN 2006
4. East Side of Brownsville Court Square (Haywood County)
5. Harrison-Goyer-Lee House (Memphis, Shelby County)
6. Commonwealth House (Ruskin, Dickson County)
7. Walker-Sherrill House (Knoxville, Knox County)
8. Jacob Brown Historic Site (Washington County)
9. The Colored Hotel (Union City, Obion County)
10. Sen. Estes Kefauver Boyhood Home (Madisonville, Monroe County)
2005
1. Alvin C. York Institute (Jamestown, Fentress County)
2. Mount Olivet Cemetery Office/Chapel (Nashville, Davidson County)
3. Anderson-Coward House (Memphis, Shelby County)
4. Shake Rag (McNabb Mines -- Marion County)
5. Battle of Franklin Sites (Franklin, Williamson County)
6. Central Elementary School (Union City, Obion County)
7. Matt Gardner Homestead (Elkton, Giles County)
8. Mining Sites of Coal Hill (Scott County)
9. Middle Tennessee State University's President's House (Murfreesboro, Rutherford County)
10. Crosstown Sears (Memphis, Shelby County)
2004
1. State-owned Historic Sites (Statewide)
2. Historic Neighborhoods Adjacent to Urban Campuses (Statewide)
3. The Sons and Daughters of Charity Hall (Boliver, Hardeman County) GOOD PROGRESS
4. The Public Promenade (Memphis, Shelby County) LITTLE PROGRESS
5. Evergreen Place (Nashville, Davidson County) DEMOLISHED IN SEPTEMBER 2005
6. Henry Bradford House (Hendersonville, Sumner County) SOME PROGRESS
7. Elkmont Historic District (Sevier County)
8. Terminal Hotel (Chattanooga, Hamilton County)
9. Cumberland Homesteads Historic District (Crossville, Cumberland County)
10. James D. Hoskins/H. B. Jarnagin Bridge (Dandridge, Jefferson County) SOME PROGRESS
2002-2003
1. Tennessee's Historic Stone walls (Statewide) SOME PROGRESS
2. J. Allen Smith House (Knoxville, Knox County) DEMOLISHED IN DECEMBER 2004
3. Gager Lime Manufacturing Company (Sherwood, Franklin County) NO PROGRESS
4. Drane-Foust House (Clarksville, Montgomery County) NO PROGRESS
5. Alexander Inn (Oak Ridge, Anderson County)
6. The Historic Mills of Washington County
7. The Chisca Hotel (Memphis, Shelby County) SOME PROGRESS
8. Trotter-McMahan Farm (Sevierville, Sevier County)
9. St. Paul AME Church (Columbia, Maury County) NO PROGRESS
10. Native American Archaeological Sites of Hamilton County GOOD PROGRESS
2001
1. Robert E. Lee School (Paris, Henry County) GOOD PROGRESS
2. Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Charleston, Bradley County) SOME PROGRESS
3. The Trail of Tears (Statewide) GOOD PROGRESS
4. Dixie Portland Cement Pumphouse (South Pittsburg, Marion County) NO PROGRESS
5. Chucalissa Indian Village (Memphis, Shelby County) GOOD PROGRESS
6. CSX Train Depot (Johnson City, Washington County) GOOD PROGRESS
7. Coffman House (Whitesburg, Hamblen County) GOOD PROGRESS
8. Deery Inn (Blountville, Sullivan County) SAVED
9. Melrose School (Memphis, Shelby County)
10. Devon Farm (Nashville, Davidson County) SAVED
*Please Note: the listings are made in no particular order of ranking, (i.e. the "number one" item on each list does not make it the most important or most threatened historic place.)
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©2009 Tennessee Preservation Trust
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