Elkton Historical Society

Bridging the Past with the Future

Project List

In 2001, the Elkton Historical Society applied for and received, on behalf of the city of Elkton, federal and state grant money to preserve the Old Iron Bridge in Elkton.  This abandoned structure  is now a pedestrian bridge that crosses the Elk River.  It is in the final stages of landscaping and will include a lighting, rock fence border, planter boxes, and bench seating.  The EHS raised $15,000 towards this ongoing project.

 

Preservation  of  the Old Iron Bridge

 On the last Friday in October, the 7th and 8th grade classes at Elkton School, travel much of the route, learning about locations of historic interest in Elkton. Students  participate in an historical essay contest, sponsored by EHS.  

Trail of Tears AVA Volksmarch 

The oldest section of the Elkton Cemetery, where some of Elkton’s first settlers were buried, was surrounded by a stone wall that was crumbling in many areas.  Thanks to stonemason Jimmy Shannon  the wall was repaired  in 2006, as a project of the Elkton Historical Society.  EHS members, the City of Elkton,  owners  Bill and Carol Carey, and Giles County Work Release Inmates are currently working to clear the Old Cumberland  Presbyterian Cemetery  on the Carey property in Elkton.

Repair of Elkton Cemeteries      

 

On the second Sunday afternoon in December, the Elkton Historical Society hosted a Christmas Tour of area log cabins and homes in 2005 –2007.  A  fourth annual tour is scheduled for  2008.

Christmas Tour of Homes

Mile Long Yard Sale

 

On the third Saturday of April and October, the EHS hosts a yard sale fundraising event, between the old iron bridge on Highway 31 and  TN 273 East (Bryson Road).  Next event will be April, 2008

 

 

Christmas tours of area homes  and churches in 2000 and 2001 included several sites on the National Register.

On the last Saturday in October, the EHS  hosts the  annual Trail of Tears Volksmarch, an AVA sanctioned 10 K event. Volksport participants walk a 10 K route that crosses the Elk River at the site where Benge’s Route of the Trail of Tears also crossed.

We the People of Tennessee:  Stories of Land and Place

 An ongoing collection of oral histories of Elkton and surrounding communities.  For more information see  page six of this web site.