Big Sandy, Tenn.—It was a big day for the Old 23rd District, for which a self-guided auto tour was unveiled Saturday. The auto tour highlights the former Old 23rd District, its homesteads, and families.
Some 50-60 people attended the ribbon-cutting and reception. Doing the honors of cutting the ribbon was Linda Fields, a long-time volunteer and member of the Friends of the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge. Fields was instrumental in researching and organizing the tour.
Before the ribbon was cut, Refuge Manager Barron Crawford said Fields carried the project for nine months before it was finally completed, which he described as Fields “birthing the project today”. Friends President Kimi Fitzhugh welcomed everyone to the event.
The Old 23rd District in Henry Co. has been extinct since 1944 when Kentucky Lake was formed. Members of several of the families who lived there were on hand for the event, including Ken McDaniel, 93 years old, and Quinton Martin, 90, who shared their stories.
A reception was held at the old Mt. Zion Church, which is the only existing building in the Old 23rd. Speakers included Gary Collier of Paris, whose Cherokee ancestors lived and are buried there; Linda Zanaty, who grew up there and who operates the Old 23rd Restaurant which is located a few miles down the road; Garry Phillips of Paris who grew up there; and Linda Fields. Also on hand for the event was Henry County Mayor Brent Greer.
An historic cemetery is located near the Mt. Zion Church and a new marker was erected for Collier’s grandmother and erected in appreciation of the Cherokee blood in their family that continues to be passed on to new generations.
Photo: Linda Fields had the honors of cutting the ribbon for Saturday’s event. (Jean Owens photo).
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