Blount and Beyond Online Magazine - Magazine - Page 109
Brief History of Sequatchie County Tennessee
Sequatchie County is a county located in the state of Tennessee. In the 2020 census, 15,826 people lived
there. It is part of the Chattanooga, Tennessee-Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Sequatchie County was formed in 1857 from two districts of Marion County and one district of Bledsoe
County.
It was named for the Sequatchie Valley. The valley was named for a Cherokee chief. The word sequachee in
Cherokee means 'opossum' or 'he grins. In the 19th century settlers were drawn to the area by the fertile land
in the valley.
Sequatchie was divided over the issue of secession during the Civil War. Citizens of Sequatchie County voted in
favor of Tennessee's Ordinance of Secession,
In the late 19th century, the Douglas Coal and Coke Company conducted mining activities in the Dunlap
area. The company built 268 beehive ovens, now known as the Dunlap Coke Ovens. The ovens converted
coal into coke. The company9s name was changed to the Chattanooga Iron and Coal Corporation. The
beehive ovens are now part of a local park.
Day Trip 3 Dunlap Coke Ovens
The Dunlap Coke Ovens are open year-round from Sun-up to Sun-down for hiking or
exploring. When visiting the area take time to discover this almost forgotten piece of history.
Visit the museum where you will find photos and artifacts from the early 19009s.
Free admission and parking but donations are accepted and appreciated. Parking is available
on Mountain View Road at the Coke Ovens Museum. You will find picnic tables for small
group lunches. Groups of over ten individuals should reserve shelter space and restroom
facilities prior to their visit. Call 423-949-2156 for reservations. Restrooms are also situated
in Museum when it is open.
The entire Park is in the Central Time Zone. Museum Hours: Summer hours Sat. 10:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.
Parents must accompany all children under age 18 on park grounds. NO PETS.