Dedicated in grateful tribute to the men and women of Polk County who served and to those listed here who gave their lives in our country's wars.
Let us remember their service and keep faith.
[Roll of Honored Dead from]
World War I • . . . — — Map (db m62569) WM
Died In Active Service
John W. Allred • Emmett Barham • John M. Black • Lawrence V. Boaz • Joseph E. Bush • Willie Cates • Roma O. Drumwright • Ulysses J. Durham • Walter N. Durkee • Homer C. Forcey • David F. Gentry • Arthur Goodrich • . . . — — Map (db m62548) HM
In honor and memory of
those who served in defense
of their country during all
wars and conflicts so that
all might enjoy freedom
Dedicated May 27, 1996 — — Map (db m62547) WM
The early settlement of Polk County in 1867 brings us in close touch with the trail of the pioneer. Then from year to year, others came and settlement advanced. These early settlers came by covered wagon, many with ox team. The nearest railroad was . . . — — Map (db m76945) HM
Nebraska Historic Site Polk County Courthouse Built in 1921-1922 Dedicated October 10, 1922 This property is listed in The National Register of Historic Places Nebraska State Historical Society — — Map (db m188596) HM
In 1873 Horace A. Cowles, Civil War veteran, set up the Cyclone post office in his home one mile east and one mile south of present-day Shelby. A second post office, Arcade, was established one mile east of town in 1879; a year later it moved to . . . — — Map (db m182095) HM
The site for Stromsburg was selected in 1870 by Lewis Headstrom, member of a townsite company from Galva, Illinois. In 1872 the town was platted and named “Stromsburg,” the last syllable of Headstrom’s name plus “burg,” which in Swedish means . . . — — Map (db m181423) HM
Well-known guide and trapper. Helped survey Santa Fé Trail. Guided the ill-fated Fremont expedition of 1848. Was born near here in 1787. — — Map (db m11219) HM
In Commemoration of the
1776
Battle of Round Mountain
(located Northwest of here)
in which Captain Thomas Howard
with his brave followers and
and faithful Indian guide, Skyuka,
won the battle against the Cherokee
Relocated by . . . — — Map (db m81159) HM
In Honor of
Dr. Columbus Mills
Planter and Physician
"Father of Polk County"
After a ten-year effort to create a new county from parts of Henderson and Rutherford Counties, the
North Carolina General Assembly passed . . . — — Map (db m11236) HM
Dedicated as a Bicentennial Tribute to the men and women of Polk County who have perpetuated two hundred years of freedom by serving in the Armed Forces of the United States during times of war and national emergency. — — Map (db m11390) HM
(Preface): On March 24, 1865, Union Gen. George Stoneman led 6,000 cavalrymen from Tennessee into southwestern Virginia and western North Carolina to disrupt the Confederate supply line by destroying sections of the Virginia and Tennessee . . . — — Map (db m53199) HM
This monument marks this highway that we dedicate to the memory of
Levi Butler
Jessie Lewis
Wallace Lankford
Zibo Wilson
Lawson Williams
Ralph Walker
Columbus Donstant
who paid the surpreme . . . — — Map (db m11292) HM
Polk County men & women who
lost their lives fighting to
preserve our freedom
World War II 1941-1945
Arledge, Keith •
Arledge, Otis •
Blackwell, Henry •
Bobo, Alfred •
Byars, Lionel •
Cannon, Watler •
Carson, Marion • . . . — — Map (db m11488) WM
In Honor of The Brave Devoted Patriots from the area that became Polk County who answered that call to fight for Freedom in the great American Revolution May the sacrifice of those who fought and especially those who gave all never be forgotten as . . . — — Map (db m11964) HM
North Carolina. Colonized, 1585-87 by First English settlers in America; permanently settled c. 1650; first to vote readiness for independence, Apr. 12, 1776.
South Carolina. Formed, 1712, from part of Carolina, which was chartered . . . — — Map (db m12251) HM
Governor William Tryon, with a body of militia en route to survey the Cherokee boundary line, camped near this spot June 7, 1767. — — Map (db m12253) HM
The 40,000 square foot Mill Spring School, built in 1924, served children of all
grades in Polk County until 1998. After sitting vacant until 2010, the building is
now serving the community in a new way – the Mill Spring Agricultural Center.
This . . . — — Map (db m240878) HM
On Oct. 5, 1780, about
1400 militia, including
many riflemen, camped
1 mi. S. at Alexander's
Ford and there turned
toward Kings Mountain. — — Map (db m240873) HM
Baty Hall was a faithful and dedicated public official, having served the citizens of Polk County and the city of Saluda in a stately manner.
He served as chairman of Polk County board of commissioners from December 3, 1956 to December 3, 1968, and . . . — — Map (db m44681) HM
Who donated this building for the purpose of creating a Public Library for the enjoyment and enrichment of the community he so prized. His lifelong public service and this generous gift evidence his commitment to the development of Saluda and its . . . — — Map (db m44683) HM
Since 1931 the Tryon Garden Club has
been devoted stewards of this 90-foot
waterfall and botanical sanctuary. This
cove forest is an example of one of the most
diverse habitats of native plants, trees,
birds, and wildlife on earth.
During . . . — — Map (db m240910) HM
Welcome to Pearson's Falls and Glen, a botanical preserve comprised of
268 acres This sanctuary has been owned and maintained since 1931 by
the Tryon Garden Club, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge . . . — — Map (db m240907) HM
This memorial was established to give honor and special commendation to all men and women of the Saluda area who served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. The service they gave in peace and war to their country is eternally . . . — — Map (db m11389) WM
This was a crossroads called Pace's Gap, where drovers passed through
herding livestock to ports in South Carolina. But once the first train came
through on July 4, 1878, the area came to life and, by 1881, had been
chartered as the town of . . . — — Map (db m240919) HM
Here Sidney Lanier Beloved Poet of the South Passed on September 7,1881 "Night slipped to dawn and pain merged into beauty, bright grew the road his weary feet had trod, he gave his salutation to the morning, and found himself before the face of . . . — — Map (db m40928) HM
On a raid through western North Carolina Gen. Stoneman's U.S Cavalry fought Southern Troops at Howard's Gap. 4 Mi. North, April 22, 1865. — — Map (db m11210) HM
Symbol of town. Larger first version with tree-trunk legs was built 1928 for parade at Tryon Riding & Hunt Club show by two boys employed at Tryon Toy Makers. This scaled-down replica is latest version. Represents nationally-famous handcrafted . . . — — Map (db m40927) HM
On its summit in July, 1767
a Treaty was made between English Officers and Cherokee Chiefs.
Establishing there the extreme western frontier for White settlers.
The Mountain was named for
William Tryon
then Royal Governor of the . . . — — Map (db m231272) HM
Constructed 1925 as retail showroom and office for Tryon Toy Makers and Wood Carvers, famous craft enterprise founded by Charlotte Yale and Eleanor Vance in 1915. Designed by Tryon architect J. Foster Searles to evoke the European inspiration for . . . — — Map (db m40924) HM
1842 Pioneers settled the town of Cynthian
1852 Changed name to Dallas
1898 Fire destroyed the entire downtown, but was rebuilt the next year with brick and stone — — Map (db m114267) HM
Indians inhabited Oregon’s inland valleys for thousands of years before Euro-Americans began to arrive in the late 18th Century. In the early 1780s, and again in the 1830s, diseases spread by seafarers and fur trappers swept through Oregon’s valleys . . . — — Map (db m112996) HM
Ritner Creek Bridge, one of the covered bridges remaining in Oregon west of the Cascades, almost became a memory in 1974.
Declared structurally unsafe, it was scheduled for removal.
The children of Pedee School along with the citizens in the . . . — — Map (db m113502) HM
James W. Nesmith, born in New Brunswick, Canada on July 23, 1820, was among the first emigrants to trek the Oregon Trail in 1843.
He filed a land claim near present day Monmouth in 1844, and the following year took part in the formation of . . . — — Map (db m113611) HM
(Seven panels dealing with topics related to the Applegate Trail are found at this kiosk:)
In 1846, Jesse Applegate and fourteen others from near Dallas, Oregon, established a trail south from the Willamette Valley and east to Fort . . . — — Map (db m114352) HM
A System of Forts
Fort Yamhill was one of several forts in western Oregon. Hostilities between Native Americans and settlers led to treaties and the establishment of the Grand Ronde Reservation. Forts such as Yamhill and Hoskins were . . . — — Map (db m112990) HM
Named in honor of William Hinton “Bear” Lawson who lived in this area from Aug. 10, 1842 to June 17, 1913. His generosity created the historic area now known as Benton Station. — — Map (db m178034) HM
Like most of Appalachian Tennessee, Polk County was a divided land during the Civil War.
Residents formed both Confederate and Federal units. Benton, the county seat, was a regional crossroads, but Ducktown, where the Burra Burra Copper Company . . . — — Map (db m178020) HM
In 1906, the L & N Railroad completed a new line through this community (then called Murny) and constructed a station, which also served Benton. William Hinton "Bear” Lawson's generosity made the station possible. He gave the railroad free access . . . — — Map (db m178037) HM
According to legend, Nancy Ward (Nanye’hi or Na-ni) was born in the 1730s at Chota in the Overhill Towns, at a time when Cherokee society was largely traditional despite the extensive fur trade. As the child of a Cherokee woman, Nancy was by birth a . . . — — Map (db m109274) HM
High priestess of the Cherokee and always loyal friend of white settlers, is buried on the ridge to the west. She repeatedly prevented massacres of white settlers and several times rescued captives from death at the hands of her people. She is also . . . — — Map (db m80167) HM
In 1910 J.G. White Construction Company began work on the Ocoee Dam #1. A coffer dam* was built using large timbers and bows of evergreens. These were laid to help hold back the banks of dirt. Tracks were built on top of the coffer dam allowing dirt . . . — — Map (db m178044) HM
Construction began on Ocoee No. 1 in 1910 and 18 months later it was supplying
electricity to nearby Chattanooga. Designed and built by the Tennessee Electric Power Company (TEPCO), TVA acquired both Ocoee No. 1 and No. 2 in 1939.
Located in a . . . — — Map (db m178038) HM
Once called the “Dynamo of Dixie,” Ocoee No. 1 has dependably and efficiently generated electricity for most of this century. When built in 1912, hydroelectric power in the United States was in its infancy.
Over the years the powerhouse . . . — — Map (db m178040) HM
[East side]
Confederate
States
of
America
1861-1865
Dedicated
to
Polk County
Confederate
Soldiers
To remember is to honor
[South side]
Polk
County
unit
Co. E, . . . — — Map (db m178022) WM
Lest we forget
Dedicated to the
veterans of Polk
County who served
during:
Korea 1950-1955
Vietnam 1964-1975
Persian Gulf 1990-1991
November 11, 1993 — — Map (db m178033) WM
[Center]
Dedicated to the memory of
the men of Polk County, Tenn. who
gave their lives and to all who
served in World Wars I and II
[Left wing]
And these our dead
World War I
Adams, James • Breeden, Bascome • Cate, . . . — — Map (db m178023) WM
In August, 1843, a prospector named Lemmons, in fruitless search of gold along a branch of Potato Creek not far to the northeast, found a substance which turned out, to his disappointment, to be red oxide of copper. He abandoned it and continued his . . . — — Map (db m25330) HM
A reconstructed steam hoist engine boiler chimney, originally constructed ca. 1854, marks the site of the discovery of copper in 1843 by a prospector named Lemmons. In 1847 A. J. Weaver leased and dug at this place 90 casks of ore, hauling them on . . . — — Map (db m49539) HM
Mining in the Copper Basin
In 1843, a prospector, hoping to find gold south of the Coker Creek mine fields, instead located one of America's richest copper reserves. Over the next century, American and foreign companies chartered more . . . — — Map (db m116819) HM
100 yards NW, David McNair, Scotch pioneer who married Delilah Vann, daughter of a Cherokee chief, built a home about 1800 near a grove which was a Cherokee council ground and terminus of the Ocoee-Conasauga portage. He commanded a company in . . . — — Map (db m47675) HM
From the construction of the "Copper Road" from Ducktown to Cleveland in 1853 until the coming of a railroad to Ducktown, this was the midpoint of the two-day wagon haul. Wagoners camped near the inn at the mouth of Greasy Creek. Four-mule teams . . . — — Map (db m107963) HM
Andrew A. (1816-1898) and Mary Barnes (1817-1857) McKee came to Texas in 1845 and purchased land here in 1854. Mary, who died in childbirth, was the first person buried here. According to local tradition, just prior to her death Mary marked this . . . — — Map (db m55841) HM
Built 1856 for John S. whitehead, a teacher; in his family ever since.
Of native, hand-hewn pine construction.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark-1967 — — Map (db m100437) HM
Located in piney woods of east Texas. Founded about 1860 by landowner and settler James B. Hendry, who donated property for original townsite.
When the Texas & New Orleans Railroad was built through area in the early 1880s, a prosperous . . . — — Map (db m35440) HM
Goodrich is one of the few existing area schools known to be created through the federal Works Progress Administration (WPA). Construction of the Jeffersonian style building began May 2, 1934 under architect Emory S. White when county commissioner . . . — — Map (db m117553) HM
Founded in 1882 as "East Texas Pinery" by J.M. and J.C. Stockton. Changed name to "Polk County Enterprise" about 1903. when the office installed first linotype machine (1920), school was dismissed so pupils could watch it operate. Ben Ogletree . . . — — Map (db m100496) HM
Washington at Church Street
Built in 1905
Listed in the
National Register of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior — — Map (db m59689) HM
Built 1901 for congregation organized Jan. 6, 1849, by Rev. J. W. D. Creath, among settlers from Louisiana. Membership in early days included the family slaves. First church, located at Colita, an early Polk County town, was moved in 1872 to Bold . . . — — Map (db m215090) HM
World-famed genius of drama. Won Broadway acclaim directing “The Glass Menagerie”. Led move to decentralize American theatre. Established, in Dallas, theatre-in-the-round (first professional, resident, repertory theatre of its kind) and wrote book . . . — — Map (db m201841) HM
The Baptists of Livingston established Ariel Baptist Church circa 1852. The church petitioned for membership in the Bethlehem Association, which consisted of nine Texas counties, in 1855. Ariel Baptist Church belonged to a series of later . . . — — Map (db m161437) HM
John Blount was the son of William Blount, later a U.S. senator, and a Coushatta woman. While in Florida, he became principal chief of the Apalachee or Apalachicola Indians. During the First Seminole War (1814-1815), he achieved a certain level . . . — — Map (db m249608) HM
Alabama and Coushatta Indians of Polk County were trained as cavalrymen in 1861 by Indian Agent Robert R. Neyland as the war between the states advanced. In April 1862, nineteen Alabama and Coushatta, including Chief John Scott, enlisted in the . . . — — Map (db m128580) HM
Formal education for African American children in Livingston started in a building on West Street in the late 1800s. By 1908, the school also offered teaching certificates through one-month institutes. Later, part of a previous schoolhouse for . . . — — Map (db m202090) HM
From 1830 to 1840 five Indian trails (some several centuries old) crossed Polk County. the Coushatta and Alabama tribes started two trails and also traveled Long King's, Kickapoo, and Battise traces. These routes helped settlers map roads; modern . . . — — Map (db m100499) HM
Travel was of great importance in Polk County's early days. Civilized Indians—particularly Creeks, Alabamas, Coushattas and Kickapoos—were numerous and had many trails for intercommunication. Long King's Trace (named for a chief) led . . . — — Map (db m100493) HM
Education has been integral to life in Livingston since the town's inception in the 1840s. Moses Choate's 100-acre donation for the townsite included land for a school. Trinity Masonic Lodge No. 14, A.F. & A.M. financed a free academy that began in . . . — — Map (db m202099) HM
Organized as a private bank -- Polk County Bank -- about 1898, by G. W. Riddle and C. H. Davison. Became Citizens National Bank in 1902, year the town burned. Rebuilt as Livingston's first brick building.
Was reorganized 1910 as First National . . . — — Map (db m202101) HM
Early State Bank of Texas. Organized in 1910 as Guaranty State Bank with H.D. Reynolds as the first President. L. F. Gerlach, second President operated one of city's best-known stores.
The descendants of J.L. Muller, third President, have . . . — — Map (db m161443) HM
By 1905, all the lots in Livingston's Old City Cemetery had been filled, and community leaders began looking for a new cemetery site. Residents established Forest Hill Cemetery Association in 1906 and bought land from James and Arabella Henington . . . — — Map (db m152825) HM
In 1846, local officials designated a block in the central part of Livingston for use as a cemetery for local African Americans. Originally called Livingston Colored Cemetery, the burial ground was bounded by Feagin, Tyler, Sherman and Houston . . . — — Map (db m49731) HM
The Alabama and Coushatta Indians settled near here in the early 1780’s. Through the efforts of General Sam Houston, Texas gave them 1210 acres in 1854. The Federal Government purchased 3071 acres in 1928. — — Map (db m100327) HM
Seat of Polk County, founded in 1846, incorporated 1902. Named by Moses L. Choate, donor of its 100 acre townsite, it became vital trade, educational and social center for people of sawmills and boat landings on the Trinity River. General Sam . . . — — Map (db m161472) HM
Polk County's oldest public utility, the Livingston Telephone Company was organized Aug. 3, 1903, with S. H. Smith as president. The locally owned, independent telephone exchange operated a 24-hour switchboard on the second floor of a building at . . . — — Map (db m202110) HM
Built in 1911 by Philadelphia's Baldwin Locomotive Works, this locomotive was first used to transport timber in Florida. In the 1920's it was purchased for use in Texas' logging industry by the Angelina County-based Carter-Kelley Lumber Company. . . . — — Map (db m49730) HM
This historic graveyard began in 1840 with the burial of four-year-old Josephus Choate, son of Moses Livingston Choate (1794-1867) and Ursula Choate (1807-c. 1880). Early pioneers from Kentucky, the Choates moved to Texas and received a league of . . . — — Map (db m55829) HM
On Long King's Trace, traveled as early as 1834 from the Indian village near Swartwout, on the Trinity, to the principal East Texas town, Nacogdoches. (U.S. 190 follows Trace in this area.)
Cemetery's oldest known graves, from era of Republic . . . — — Map (db m161421) HM
Created from Liberty County
March 30, 1846
Organized July 13, 1846
with Livingston as county seat
Named for
James Knox Polk, 1795-1849
President of the United States
Who favored
the annexation of Texas
Early settlements were . . . — — Map (db m119269) HM
Completed in 1924, this is the fifth courthouse to serve Polk County. Citing "lack of space and modern conveniences," the Commissioners Court hired the Houston architectural firm of McLelland & Fink to design their new building. Contractor Isaac . . . — — Map (db m119270) HM
During Civil War, 1861-65, an area of piney woods, farms, thickets, with an Alabama-Coushatta Indian reservation. Had only 600 voters in 1860 but sent 900 soldiers into the Confederate Army.
Furnished 4 units to Hood's Texas Brigade (Co. B, 1st . . . — — Map (db m119271) HM
Center civic, social and business affairs, early Polk County. Built about 1848 by James Andress, from South Carolina. Contained restaurant, saloon, grocery store, post office, stage station. Had livery stable nearby. Among noted guests was General . . . — — Map (db m71027) HM
86 blocks and 2 public squares were laid out here in 1838 with James Morgan, Arthur Garner and Thomas Bradley as proprietors. Named in honor of Samuel Swartwout (1783-1856), New York speculator and politician who advanced funds in 1836 to the Texas . . . — — Map (db m119265) HM
In 1840 this Masonic Lodge was organized in the pioneer town of Swartout (Swartwout) (6 mi. SW) in what was then Liberty County. After erecting a two-story building, the Masons assisted in organizing the first school in the area and furnished the . . . — — Map (db m202097) HM
Built by "Daddy Poe," in 1856. Has columns made of hollowed pine trees; swinging upstairs porch. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966 — — Map (db m201855) HM
Notorious outlaw who killed over 30 men. Son of a Methodist minister. "Wes" was an ardent southerner. His resistance to Union occupation troops made him a hero and set him on his lawless career. He always claimed he shot only in self defense. He . . . — — Map (db m201866) HM
