Historic Cumberland Plateau

Crestview Farms is situated in Clarkrange, Tennessee, which lies on the Tennessee Cumberland Plateau. This plateau, located in the eastern part of Tennessee, spans approximately 10,000 square miles and is renowned for its distinctive geography and rich cultural heritage. Clarkrange, Tennessee, was named after William Clark, a significant businessman and landowner in the region during the mid-19th century. During the Civil War, Clarkrange TN was the scene of numerous skirmishes between Confederate and Union forces, including the notable Battle of Dug Hill that occurred on September 20, 1863. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Clarkrange emerged as a hub for the logging industry, with many sawmills and timber companies operating in the vicinity. Additionally, Clarkrange was home to numerous moonshine distilleries during the Prohibition era, with estimates indicating that as much as 80% of the local population was engaged in the production and distribution of illegal alcohol. The first high school in Clarkrange was founded in 1916, followed by the construction of the community's first elementary school in 1927. Economic development continued in the 1930s and 1940s, when Clarkrange served as the site for several Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps that provided jobs and training to young men during the Great Depression. In the mid-20th century, Clarkrange Tennessee gained recognition for its basketball program, which produced several notable players and coaches, including former University of Tennessee head coach Don DeVoe. Recently, Clarkrange TN has become a favored destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and hunting, owing to its proximity to the Cumberland Plateau and several nearby state parks. The community also hosts several significant events, including the annual Fentress County Agricultural Fair, held each fall and featuring carnival rides, livestock exhibits, and live music. With its rich cultural heritage, Clarkrange has a vibrant history of music, storytelling, and other forms of traditional Appalachian culture.

The Cumberland Plateau is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species, making it an important area for conservation and biodiversity. The nearby community of Clarkrange, Tennessee, located at an elevation of approximately 1,800 feet above sea level, exemplifies the higher elevations found throughout the Cumberland Plateau region. Clarkrange, TN, is situated near the confluence of several major waterways, including the Obed River, Clear Creek, and Dry Creek, which provide vital habitat for various aquatic species. Surrounded by scenic forests, Clarkrange offers access to the Obed Wild and Scenic River and Pickett State Park, both of which present opportunities for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. Additionally, the Cumberland Trail, a 300-mile-long hiking trail that traverses the Cumberland Plateau, passes near Clarkrange. The community is conveniently located along U.S. Route 127, connecting it to other nearby towns and cities, such as Crossville to the south and Jamestown to the north. The climate in Clarkrange, Tennessee, is typical of the southern Appalachian region, featuring hot summers and cool winters, with an average annual rainfall of around 50 inches. The geology of the area around Clarkrange is characterized by sedimentary rock formations, including sandstone and shale, which were formed millions of years ago when the region was covered by shallow seas. This region is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including several rare and endangered species, such as the Tennessee purple coneflower and the Indiana bat. Clarkrange, TN, falls within the eastern time zone, which is one hour ahead of the central time zone used in nearby cities like Nashville. The community is surrounded by scenic vistas, including the rolling hills and deep gorges typical of the Cumberland Plateau, attracting visitors from across the region.

The Cumberland Plateau, which includes areas like Clarkrange, Tennessee, has inspired numerous books, films, and other works of art, showcasing its unique beauty and cultural significance. This plateau is also home to several important cultural and artistic institutions, such as the Cumberland County Playhouse, one of the largest and most active professional theaters in rural America. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to explore and settle the Cumberland Plateau, including Clarkrange, TN, drawn by its fertile soil and abundant natural resources. The region became known for its production of tobacco, corn, and other agricultural products, which were transported down the Cumberland River to markets in Nashville and beyond. The early 19th century brought a new era of development to the Cumberland Plateau, as the construction of the Tennessee State Road and the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad made transportation and commerce easier and more efficient. The region's abundant coal reserves also began to be exploited, leading to the growth of the mining industry and the development of mining towns throughout the plateau. Today in 2023, the Tennessee Cumberland Plateau, including Clarkrange, continues to be an important and vibrant region, rich in history, culture, and natural resources. Its unique geography and diverse communities make it a fascinating and significant part of the American South.