Campbell County Historical Society Board Member Bill Claiborne is with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee at Norris Dam on Wednesday afternoon. “The governor endorsed our Volunteer group of 250 activists,” said Claiborne.

CAMPBELL COUNTY, TN. (WLAF)- A multi-county group of citizens representing historical societies, museums, and other heritage-oriented entities have joined forces to celebrate America’s 250th birthday next year (1776-2026).  

Launched in early 2025 by the Campbell County Historical Society, plans are currently underway to highlight the Revolutionary War history in our area with the acknowledgement of veterans graves and programs to publicize the many patriotic stories surrounding our region.  

The group goes by the name: “American Revolution in Tennessee” on Facebook and is centered upon the promotion of area assets through the development of a driving trail called, “The Norris Highlands Freedom Trail.”

Melissa Brown, Campbell County Historical Society President, and Board Member Bill Claiborne are facilitating public meetings throughout the Norris Highlands region of Campbell, Scott, Claiborne, Anderson and Union Counties.

Among the assets being featured are: Cumberland Gap (Lincoln & Boone heritage); Country Music & “Thunder Road” history of Union Co.; the first Tennessee State demonstration parks (Big Ridge, Norris & Cove Lake); the Norris Dam / TVA story; the Coal Creek War; Sgt. York’s home; Historic Rugby; Brushy Mountain Prison; the Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge; the Clinton 12 / Civil Rights struggle (Green McAdoo Center); the Museum of Appalachia; and, the Scott County High School Museum featuring the USS Tennessee memorial exhibit.  

Also being highlighted are Revolutionary War graves such as:  Major James Grant (Grantsborough-founder and Bunker Hill veteran), John Raccoon Miller, Dennis Trammel, David Hall, and Martin Luther Miller.  Efforts are underway to catalog and inventory all of the Revolutionary War veterans in each county.

The Norris Highlands Freedom Trail is a project that involves various community outreach programs and will culminate with a grand 4th of July celebration including exhibits and fireworks at Cove Lake State Park in 2026.

The organizers would like to thank Lansden Hill, Dalan Courtney (Shanghai Resort), Joe Hollingsworth, and Dr. Warren Dockter (State Co-Chair of the Semiquincentennial Commission) for their early support in developing this patriotic campaign.

We would also like to thank Governor Bill Lee for his leadership in celebrating the “250” and making trips to our part of the state. 

Visit American Revolution in Tennessee to find out more.

State information can be found here. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 8/7/2025-6AM)

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