The South Cumberland region of Tennessee is rich with heritage, community pride, and a deep connection to the land. Spanning the storied towns of Sewanee, Monteagle, and the heartland of Grundy County, this region tells a compelling story—one rooted in Appalachian resilience, educational excellence, and the spirit of progress.

Ancient Roots and Mountain Traditions

Long before modern settlements, the South Cumberland Plateau was home to Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Creek, who used these forested ridges and deep coves as seasonal hunting grounds. Archaeological finds reveal the area's importance as a cultural and ecological crossroads for centuries.

The Rise of Mountain Communities

By the early 1800s, settlers began to arrive, drawn by the plateau's natural resources and breathtaking landscapes. Grundy County, established in 1844, became a hub for coal mining, logging, and mountain agriculture. The arrival of the Mountain Goat Railroad in the mid-19th century brought growth and connectivity, carving paths across the steep escarpments and linking small towns to the Tennessee Valley below.

Sewanee & The University of the South

Founded in 1857, The University of the South in Sewanee became one of the South’s most prestigious institutions of higher education. Backed by Episcopal leaders, the university introduced a strong tradition of academic and literary excellence, attracting scholars, artists, and clergy to this remote but inspiring mountain setting. Today, Sewanee remains a vibrant center of culture and education, known for its Gothic architecture, historic stone walls, and scenic domain.

Monteagle: Gateway to the Plateau

Monteagle, perched at one of the highest points on the plateau, has long been a gathering place for travelers, educators, and spiritual leaders. Established in the late 19th century, it became home to the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly, a Chautauqua-style retreat center promoting learning, worship, and civic responsibility. Monteagle continues to serve as a gateway to both the plateau and the values it represents—reflection, education, and community.

A Legacy of Progress and Preservation

Grundy County’s role in the early labor movement and civil rights history is also noteworthy. The region hosted the Highlander Folk School, where leaders like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. engaged in training and dialogue that would shape the course of American history. Meanwhile, local conservationists and citizens helped establish South Cumberland State Park, preserving thousands of acres of natural beauty and ensuring public access to iconic destinations like Fiery Gizzard, Savage Gulf, and Stone Door.

A Region Rooted in History, Growing Toward the Future

The South Cumberland region stands today as a living story—where mountain heritage meets modern opportunity. Whether you're drawn to the academic legacy of Sewanee, the scenic charm of Monteagle, or the resilient heart of Grundy County, our region welcomes you to explore, invest, and become a part of its unfolding legacy.

Timeline of the South Cumberland Region

Sewanee | Monteagle | Grundy County, Tennessee

Before 1700 | Entire Region

Indigenous Hunting Grounds of the Plateau
For centuries, the Cherokee and Creek peoples hunted and gathered across what is now the Cumberland Plateau. Though few permanent settlements existed, the region was considered sacred, and many trails followed seasonal migration routes.
📍 Throughout South Cumberland Plateau

“These were not empty mountains. Our ancestors walked these cliffs long before the first wagon wheel ever scraped the stone.” – Cherokee cultural historian

Late 1700s–Early 1800s | Grundy County

First European Settlement in the Plateau Region

Settlers from North Carolina and Virginia began farming and homesteading around present-day Altamont, Beersheba Springs, and Tracy City. They relied on timber, limestone, and rugged self-sufficiency. The area saw the rise of independent, self-contained communities shaped by frontier values, isolation, and the challenges of mountain life.
📍 Altamont | Beersheba Springs | Gruetli-Laager

“Everything came from the land—and if it didn’t, you did without it.” – Grundy County settler’s diary

1844 | Grundy County

Grundy County Is Formed
Carved from five surrounding counties, Grundy is named for U.S. Senator Felix Grundy. Its remote location and rugged topography made it one of Tennessee's most self-reliant counties. Early infrastructure was limited, and residents often relied on barter, blacksmithing, and small-scale subsistence farming. Altamont, the county seat, was chosen for its high elevation and central location.
📍 Altamont, TN – County Seat

“Grundy’s always been rough and real—and proud of it. These hills teach you how to survive.” – Altamont native, multi-generational family

1857 | Sewanee

The Episcopal Church charters the University of the South to serve the Southern states. Construction began in 1860 but was interrupted by the Civil War. Classes officially started in 1868.
📍 Sewanee – The Domain

“Sewanee was built from the mountain, not just on it. Its stones, its soul—they’re one and the same.” – Sewanee alumnus, Class of 1972

1856–1870s | Sewanee & Tracy City

Mountain Goat Railroad Fuels Growth
Completed in 1856, the Mountain Goat Railroad connected Sewanee and Tracy City to Cowan and the Nashville & Chattanooga line. It enabled coal transport and mail delivery to the plateau. This rail line was a lifeline for trade and travel in the region and dramatically accelerated economic development.
📍 Rail corridor from Cowan through Sewanee to Tracy City

“When the Mountain Goat came whistling through the hills, it didn’t just bring coal—it brought connection. It tied these mountain towns to the world.” – Railway historian, Grundy County Heritage Society.

1860s–1890s | Tracy City

Coal Boom and the Rise of the Coke Ovens
The Tennessee Coal and Railroad Company fueled economic development, employing hundreds of immigrant laborers. Over 120 beehive coke ovens in Tracy City once processed coal into coke for steel production. The town became the industrial center of Grundy County and drew workers from Switzerland, Germany, and other parts of Europe, whose cultural legacies remain visible today.
📍 Tracy City – Grundy Lakes Historic Area

“You could smell the smoke before you saw the ovens—whole families built their lives around those fires.” – Tracy City resident, 1940s oral history

1882 | Monteagle

Monteagle Sunday School Assembly Established
Founded as a Methodist summer retreat inspired by the Chautauqua movement, the Assembly brought religious and cultural leaders to the mountain each year. The cool climate and scenic vistas made Monteagle a destination for seasonal residents and spiritual renewal. Victorian cottages and wooden chapels still echo the town's original purpose as a moral and intellectual refuge.
📍 Monteagle – North Bluff Circle

“It was like stepping into another world each summer—music, morals, and mountain air.” – Monteagle Assembly attendee, 1903

1932 | Monteagle

Highlander Folk School Originates Here
Founded in 1932 at the edge of Monteagle, the Highlander Folk School served as a training center for labor and community education. Though its national impact grew after relocating, its earliest years were rooted here on the plateau. Its presence reflected a broader spirit of reform and idealism present in the Monteagle community during the early 20th century.
📍 Monteagle – North Bluff Circle

“You came to Highlander to learn—but also to unlearn. It made you look at your neighbor differently. That was its power.” – Monteagle resident, 1950s oral history

1978 | Region-wide

South Cumberland State Park is Established
Tennessee creates one of its most ecologically diverse parks, spanning multiple counties and protecting Fiery Gizzard, Savage Gulf, Stone Door, and other iconic natural landmarks.
📍 Savage Gulf | Fiery Gizzard | Greeter Falls | Stone Door

“We’re not just preserving trails. We’re protecting stories etched into every bluff and branch.” – Park Ranger, South Cumberland.

Present Day | Entire Region

Living History and Thriving Community
From Gothic stone chapels to historic rail beds and artisan fairs, the South Cumberland region blends mountain heritage with creative energy and natural splendor. Monteagle continues to serve as a seasonal haven and cultural hub, while Grundy County thrives on a legacy of resilience, natural beauty, and deep Appalachian roots.
📍 Monteagle | Sewanee | Tracy City | Altamont | Beersheba Springs

“Monteagle has always been a little off the beaten path—and that’s exactly why people fall in love with it.” – Local shop owner, 2023