Situated on the Cumberland Plateau at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains is a fascinating mountain town with a deep historical background. Monteagle is recognized as the entrance to the Southern plateau area, and for valid reasons, as it houses the South Cumberland State Park Visitor Center. It serves as a perfect starting point for visitors looking to explore locations such as Lost Cove, which features one of the biggest cave entrances in the state (remarkable given)Tennessee offers more than 10,000 caves for discovery.), and Grundy Lakes. For some, it is known for its occasionally dangerous section of I-24, which features steep, winding roads offering breathtaking vistas, leading to specific driving regulations exclusively for truckers, who have had to rely on the highway’s emergency escape ramps.
Yet, perhaps even more remarkable than its natural and untamed beauty is Monteagle’s significant place in American history. This small town, home to just over 1,800 residents, played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and 1960s. Its renowned social justice center, the Highlander Folk School (now known as the Highlander Research and Educational Center), served as a gathering place and training ground for some of the movement’s most influential figures, including Rosa Parks, John Lewis, and Martin Luther King Jr. It wasn’t only forward-thinking individuals who passed through this mountain town; the world’s most infamous gangster, Al Capone, also visited and operated from a 1920s mansion that now houses one of Monteagle’s finest restaurants. Fortunately for visitors, it’s just one of several top-notch dining choices in this historically rich location.
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The enduring heritage of Monteagle
Monteagle was initially inhabited in 1792, and in 1858, one of the final groups of Cherokees traversed through it on the Trail of Tears. The town was formally founded in 1870, and Monteagle continues to hold traces of its long-standing history, such as the Dubose Conference Center located in the original structure of Fairmount College, a girls’ school that was founded in 1878.
Only 10 minutes beyond the town lies the University of Sewanee, also referred to as the University of the South, featuring a breathtaking mountain campus with impressive stone buildings. Founded in 1857, prior to the Civil War, this institution is recognized for its School of Theology, yet one of its significant contributions was its early leadership in land management and conservation during the late 1800s, when environmental preservation was not widely acknowledged.
Tennessee hosts several of the most significant civil rights locations in America., and it can include Monteagle on that list. Although the Highlander Research and Educational Center is currently located in New Market, its original structures in Monteagle are still standing today. The Highlander Folk School was founded in 1932 to aid the labor movement and meet the needs of the South, later shifting its emphasis to civil rights matters in the 1950s.
Prior to its closure in 1961 at the Monteagle site because of its involvement in civil rights efforts, the Highlander Folk School provided integrated social justice training sessions, such as those that Rosa Parks participated in before she refused to surrender her bus seat, which significantly influenced her activism. Perhaps most well-known is Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit to the Highlander Folk School in 1957 to give hisA Glimpse Toward Tomorrowaddress, a speech still relevant today about the power of being “maladjusted” to systemic oppression.
Delicious dining in Monteagle
Monteagle’s rich history is reflected in at least one of its restaurants, High Point. This mansion, built in 1929, retains original features such as lighting fixtures and wooden floors. However, what truly sets it apart—along with its selection of fine steak and seafood and its beautiful views—is its link to Al Capone, who often visited its famous rooms. It’s said that Capone funded the mansion, which includes hidden tunnels and escape routes used for moving alcohol during the Prohibition period in the 1920s and 1930s.
For a more relaxed vibe, visit the Mountain Goat Market, which was included inYelp’stop dining destinations in the United States during 2019. This creatively decorated market showcases playful murals of its goat emblem, alongside exceptional sandwiches and pastries, making it a must-visit before venturing into the Cumberland Plateau.
Monteagle can only be accessed by car, but fortunately, it is fairly near to some of Tennessee’s main cities, making it easy to include in your plans.A breathtaking drive across the state’s mystical and otherworldly mountain scenery.Chattanooga is just 45 minutes away, whereas Knoxville is 2.5 hours distant. Keep in mind that if you’re traveling from either of these locations, you’ll be moving from Eastern to Central time, resulting in gaining an hour during your journey. Nashville is approximately an hour and a half away. Be cautious when driving on I-24 near Monteagle, as there is a section where truck runaway ramps are located on the left side, allowing trucks to use the leftmost lane, which is usually reserved for passing.
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