Location: Between Nashville and Cowan on the CSX (ex-L&N,
ex-NC&StL) Nashville to Chattanooga main.
Bell Buckle also displays an ex-C&O caboose painted and lettered
for the L&N RR. where the depot was located. The caboose is
in very good condition, inside and out.
A HISTORY OF BELL BUCKLE
The town of Bell Buckle was founded in 1852 as a railroad town.
Before its settlement, the area was part of the Cherokee territory.
Throughout its history the name of Bell Buckle has been the cause
of speculation. There are many myths surrounding the origin of the
name. One of the most popular myths centers around a beech tree
and an Indian carving. There was a beech tree near a stream located
in the Cherokee territory. On the tree the Indians had carved a
buckle as a warning to white settlers that they would be killed.
Also on the tree was a carving of a bell, which was a warning that
the Indians would kill the settlers' cattle. Another version states
that there was an actual bell and buckle attached to the tree.
For many years Bell Buckle was the center of society for those
living around it; almost everything one needed could be found in
the town. However, as society became less rural and more mobile,
many locals began to travel to larger nearby towns to carry on their
business and shopping.
From an interview with:
Mr. Roy Turrentine
http://volweb.utk.edu/school/bedford/cascade/bbhist.htm
MORE BELL BUCKLE HISTORY
The railroad provided transportation and shipping between Nashville
and Chattanooga. Bell Buckle was one of the largest shipping stops
on the route.
Bell Buckle was affected by the Great Depression. During this
time, the town's stores burned. When they were rebuilt, they faced
the railroad. Before this time, they had faced away from the railroad.
From an interview with:
Mr. Harry Bingham
http://volweb.utk.edu/school/bedford/cascade/bbhist.htm
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