Historic Cumberland Plateau

 Crestview Farms is located in Clarkrange, Tennessee which is on the Tennessee Cumberland Plateau  This plateau is located in the eastern portion of Tennessee, covering an area of approximately 10,000 square miles, and is known for its unique geography and rich cultural heritage. 

Clarkrange, Tennessee was named after William Clark, a prominent businessman and landowner in the area during the mid-19th century. During the Civil War, Clarkrange was the site of several skirmishes between Confederate and Union forces, including the Battle of Dug Hill, which took place on September 20, 1863. 

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Clarkrange was a center of the logging industry, with numerous sawmills and timber companies operating in the area. Clarkrange was also home to a large number of moonshine distilleries during the Prohibition era, with some estimates suggesting that up to 80% of the community's residents were involved in the production and distribution of illegal alcohol. 

The first high school in Clarkrange was established in 1916, and the community's first elementary school was built in 1927. Further economical development occurred during the 1930s and 1940s, where Clarkrange was the site of several Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps, which provided jobs and training to young men during the Great Depression.

In the mid-20th century, Clarkrange became known for its basketball program, which produced several notable players and coaches, including former University of Tennessee head coach Don DeVoe. In recent years, Clarkrange has become a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and hunting, thanks to its location near the Cumberland Plateau and several nearby state parks. Clarkrange is also home to several notable community events, including the annual Fentress County Agricultural Fair, which takes place each fall and features carnival rides, livestock exhibits, and live music. The community has a rich cultural heritage, with a 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 city of Clarkrange, Tennessee is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,800 feet above sea level, which is typical of the higher elevations found throughout the Cumberland Plateau region. The community is located near the confluence of several major waterways, including the Obed River, Clear Creek, and Dry Creek, which provide important habitat for a variety of aquatic species.

Clarkrange is surrounded by scenic forests, including the Obed Wild and Scenic River and Pickett State Park, both of which offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. The Cumberland Trail, a 300-mile-long hiking trail that traverses the Cumberland Plateau, passes through the area near Clarkrange. The community is located along U.S. Route 127, which connects it to other nearby towns and cities, including Crossville to the south and Jamestown to the north.

The climate in Clarkrange is typical of the southern Appalachian region, with hot summers and cool winters. The area receives an average of around 50 inches of rainfall per year.

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. The 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 is located in 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, which attract visitors from across the region.

The Cumberland Plateau has been the subject of numerous books, films, and other works of art, reflecting its unique beauty and cultural significance.  The plateau is also home to several important cultural and artistic institutions, including the Cumberland County Playhouse, which is 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, 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 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 important part of the American South Region.