Rocky Top, Tennessee, is a town in the northeast of Tennessee, USA, surrounded by the stunning Appalachian Mountains. The town called Rocky Top deeply connects with the surrounding area’s history. Before the European settlers arrived, Native American tribes such as the Cherokee and Shawnee lived there.
The city’s name comes from a popular bluegrass song called “Rocky Top,” written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant in the late 1960s. The popular song swiftly gained widespread popularity and soon became an informal symbol for Tennessee state. As a tribute to the song’s fame, the town of Lake City changed its name to Rocky Top in 2014.
A long time ago, before the Europeans came, different Native American tribes lived in the region where Rocky Top is now. One of these tribes, the Cherokee, was essential in the area. The city of Rocky Top is located near several important Cherokee landmarks, including the Ocoee River and the Tellico Blockhouse.
A long time ago, around 200 years ago, many people from Europe came to the region where Rocky Top is now. They wanted to live there because the land had many useful things like coal, trees, and soil for growing crops. These settlers established several small towns and communities throughout the region, including what would later become Rocky Top.
During a big war called the Civil War, the people who lived in the region where Rocky Top is now had a big argument. Some people wanted to be part of the Confederate side, and others wanted to be part of the Union side. This caused a lot of trouble and division. Significant battles were fought in the area, including the Battle of Campbell’s Station and Fort Sanders. The city of Rocky Top itself played a relatively minor role in the conflict, although many of its residents undoubtedly served in the Confederate Army.
Following the war, the region underwent a reconstruction period. Many small towns and communities, including what later became Rocky Top, flourished and developed into thriving centers of trade and commerce by the early 1900s.
Throughout the 20th century, Rocky Top continued to expand and transform, welcoming new enterprises and industries to the area. With a strong dependence on the coal mining sector, the town was home to several large coal mines for decades.
Today, Rocky Top is a small but vibrant city home to just over 2,000 residents. Lately, the way people make money in Rocky Top has changed. It’s not just about one thing anymore; more items like healthcare and tourism are becoming more important for the city’s economy.
We trust you found Rocky Top, TN’s fascinating history and background intriguing. The Michael Keith Team can be invaluable if you’re interested in delving deeper into the real estate market and exploring housing options. To discover more about our real estate services, please CLICK HERE. We welcome you to schedule a free consultation with your Rocky Top TN realtor.
