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If you enjoy discovering places untouched by commercial development and Cherokee History,
 then you'll love
Meigs
County
.
Established in 1836 from lands ceded by the Cherokees, the county is ten miles wide and follows the Tennessee River system from
Chickamauga
to Watts Bar Reservoir.
Decatur, the county seat, is about 45 miles northeast of
Chattanooga
. The town is built around the courthouse square, where folks still meet to while away the hot summer days under the shade of massive trees. The Meigs County Courthouse, built in 1903, has undergone a major restoration to show the detail, craftsmanship, and materials originally used.
Across the street, there are more historic places to see. The interesting 'Old Law Office' now serves as a Wedding Chapel next door to the
Meigs
County
History
Museum
. Built in 1880, the 12 x 32 Gothic-styled building is owned by the Meigs County Historical Society and served as museum for 11 years. The new Meigs County History Museum displays furniture, photos, and records from the early settlers and tells the story of the good old days.
As you cross the new bridge on Hwy 60, you can see Jolley's
Island
, one of 46 prehistoric sites in the county. The Cherokee town of 'Cayoka' thrived on the island in the late 18th century, and it was here that young Sam Houston lived among the natives and received the name 'The Raven.'
Spring on the Square is held the first Saturday in May on the Courthouse Square. The festival features traditional music, arts, crafts and plants.
The Sandhill Crane viewing-Cherokee heritage event is held the first weekend in February at Birchwood. Thousands of Sandhill Cranes and a small group of Whooping Cranes, which are migrating, stop at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge in
Meigs
County
. Educational speakers on wildlife and Cherokee heritage are part of the program. For events information call 423-334-5850. Cranes can be viewed from the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park and the Tennessee Wildlife Refuge from December thru February.
Meigs County Chamber of Commerce
http://www.meigscountytnchamber.org/
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