Friendsville, Tennessee
History
Friendsville in 1942
Friendsville was founded by Quakers from New Garden, North Carolina who settled in the area in the 1790's. The town is still home to a Friends Meetinghouse. In 1854, a group of British Quaker elders stayed here whilst promoting the abolitionist cause with American leaders. During this visit, abolitionist leader William Forster died and was buried here.
In the 19th century, the Quakers wielded considerable influence in Blount County, and were partially responsible for the abolitionist movements arising in the county in the years leading up to the Civil War. Along with nearby Greenback and possibly Cades Cove, Friendsville provided a stop on the Underground Railroad. A cave (since filled in) near the Friends Meetinghouse was stocked with provisions by Quakers such as William J. Hackney to provide a stopover for fugitive slaves and later soldiers en route to join the Union army.
Friendsville Today
K-5 education in Friendsville is provided by Friendsville Elementary School, which was once Friendsville High School. Boat launch facilities along Fort Loudon Lake can be found at Gallahar Creek and International Harbor.
Link:
Underground Railroad in Tennessee
Friendly Sketches In America
Source: Internet
