In light of the upcoming Fireworks Display in McCaysville, GA/Copperhill, TN, I thought I would add a few notes about the area.  By the way, the “new” bridge has some of the best spots- come early and bring your lawn chairs.

In the corner of Polk County, Tennessee, lies Ducktown and Copperhill, Tennessee’s copper district which has been famous for nearly a hundred years.  Known for some seven or eight decades simply as Ducktown, then for a number of years as the Ducktown Basin, but now more often referred to as the Great Copper Basin, or Copper Basin, this locality boasts a history and reputation unique in the annals of southern growth and development.

The area of the Ducktown Basin is approximately one hundred square miles, though the commercial and mining area covers only about twenty-five square miles. The state lines of Tennessee,Georgia, and North Carolina meet on a hill near the ancient church of Pleasant Hill, three miles east of what was once the Basin’s principal town, Copperhill. From there the Georgia-Tennessee state line runs diagonally across the Basin to Big Frog Mountain on the west. Several square miles of the Basin extend southward into Fannin County, Georgia.

Once a booming mining community, the sleepy little town of Copperhill, TN is the terminus of our local Scenic Railway.   There’s a great little Irish pub on Main Street (or Hwy 68) that serves Fat Tire- go figure!  One of the local establishments, known as Mayford’s (but previously known as Ralph and Grady’s), still sports bullet holes in the 100 year old tin ceiling from the some of the rowdier days of of the mining company.

Another point of local interest, the Ducktown Basin Museum is located just down the road in Ducktown, TN.  The museum, owned and operated locally, highlights Copper Basin’s history through exhibits and examples of the kinds of equipment used in the mines. The history of the Cherokee Nation, including an in-depth discussion of the “Trail of Tears” is also included in the tour.  They can be reached @ (423) 496-5778.  If you’re visiting the area this weekend, it’s worth treating yourself to this tour.