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HISTORY AND ATTRACTIONS MONTEREY, TN

Monterey, Tennessee, located on the Cumberland Plateau, was established in 1893 and incorporated as a coal mining and railroad town. Originally known as "Standing Stone" in the early 1800s due to a landmark on Avery's Trace, it evolved into a, resort hub. Known as "Where the Hilltops Kiss the Sky," it has a rich history of coal mining, railroading, and Civil War activity. 

 

Early History and "Standing Stone"

• The Standing Stone: The town is rooted in a settlement around a 12-to-16-foot stone monolith that marked a Native American trail and later Avery's Trace, which connected Knoxville to Nashville. The stone is believed to have marked the boundary between Cherokee and Shawnee territories.

• Early Settlement: By 1805, the area was settled, and the Standing Stone Inn was established to serve travelers on the Walton Road. 

   

Incorporation and Growth (1890s-1900s)

• The Railroad and Coal: Founded in 1893, the town grew significantly with the arrival of the railroad, which was used to transport coal from local mines.

• "King of the Mountains": The name "Monterey" was chosen, signifying "King of the Mountains," as it developed into a, industrial town.

• Union General Connection: Union Gen. John Thomas Wilder developed coal and coke interests in the area and built the Imperial Hotel with his wife, Dora Lee Wilder, the first female licensed physician in Tennessee. 

   

Resort Era and Later Development

• Tourism Boom: Around 1905, Monterey became a popular summer resort destination for those escaping the heat, peaking in popularity before the widespread use of automobiles changed travel habits.

• Modern Era: While the last coal mine closed in 1979, the town has transitioned into a community focused on preserving its history, with attractions like the Monterey Depot Museum and Bee Rock Overlook.

 

Historical Landmarks

• Standing Stone Monument: A remnant of the original stone is located in Whitaker Park.

• Civil War Significance: The area is part of the Civil War Trail, including sites like the Officer House.

ATTRACTIONS

Monterey Depot Museum

Explore a rich history of Monterey’s people and what brought them to the Upper Cumberland mountains with a tour of the Monterey Depot Museum, a replica depot and visitors’ center conveniently located near I-40 exits 300 and 301. Guests will also discover a Native American history as well as why this charming little mountain town was a resort destination and retreat for travelers.

101 E. Depot Ave.
Monterey, TN 38574

 

The Lake at Meadow Creek Park

Only five miles east of Monterey’s charming downtown on Hwy. 62, The Lake at Meadow Creek Park offers fishing and non-motorized boating opportunities. A favorite for kayakers, soak in the quiet of the approximately 300-plus-acre city park characterized with scenic beauty and wildlife watching opportunities. Mountain bike trail and hiking trails are currently in progress.

19195 Clarkrange Hwy.
Monterey, TN 38574

 

Cliffs at Meadow Creek Park

A recent addition to this 300-plus-acre park and lake, Meadow Creek Park is now 1 of 10 destinations in the U.S. to receive a national rock-climbing conservation grant, adding hiking trails + rock-climbing access, offering varying levels of climbing for guests.

19195 Clarkrange Hwy.
Monterey, TN 38574

 

The Outpost at Meadow Creek Park

On site kayak, mountain bike rentals, and private adventure guiding services. For questions, call 931-584-0018. 

19195 Clarkrange Hwy.
Monterey, TN 38574

 

Spacious Skies Belle Ridge

At Spacious Skies Belle Ridge, our onsite hiking trails and UTV trails lead to waterfalls with rainbow sunlit spray, caves where you might see tiny bat friends, and fascinating rock formations and valley views. If you venture off-site, you will find a lot more where that came from during your visit to the nature lover’s paradise that is the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee

15341 Crossville Hwy.
Monterey, TN 38574

Website

 

Muddy Pond Mennonite Community

Named after one of the many small muddy ponds of this mountain community, Muddy Pond is home to several Amish-Mennonite communities as well as lots of small, local farms. The townfolk who have lived here for generations love the charm and comfort of this little spot, deep in the hills of Tennessee. Tourists enjoy the unique sights and shopping experiences on these winding country roads. It’s also important to note that Muddy Pond is home to the best sorghum and fried pies in the state.

Muddy Pond Road
Monterey, TN 38574

 

Bee Rock

Accessible by a short hiking trail, Bee Rock offers a spectacular overlook of the Calfkiller River and Stamps Hollow. Legend has it that Native Americans gathered honey from hives underneath the cliff, hence the name “Bee” Rock.

1420 Bee Rock Rd.
Monterey, TN 38574

 

Standing Stone Monument

Monterey was once the pioneer settlement Standing Stone, named for a large boulder on the historic Walton Road nearby. The Standing Stone was a 16-foot-tall rock that once stood upright on a sandstone ledge in the area. A dog-shaped stone believed to be built by mound builders about a mile west of this location around 1,500 years ago, it was the legendary boundary between Cherokee and Shawnee territory and marked the Cherokee Tallonteeskee Trail. The Standing Stone monument, which includes the 812-lb. remnant of this stone that remained after it was blown up by the railroad, was erected in Whitaker Park by the Improved Order of the Red Men in October 1895. It is the centerpiece of the Standing Stone Celebration of Native American Heritage, held each October.

401 E. Commercial Ave.
Monterey, TN 38574

 

Monterey Farmers’ Market

Located just across from the Monterey Depot Museum, you will find this Saturday market to offer a variety of goods, from homemade Amish breads to fresh produce. Meet local farmers and experience live music and more on special event days.

201 S. Holly St.
Monterey, TN 38574

 

Monterey Depot Museum

Explore a rich history of Monterey’s people and what brought them to the Upper Cumberland mountains with a tour of the Monterey Depot Museum, a replica depot and visitors’ center conveniently located near I-40 exits 300 and 301. Guests will also discover a Native American history as well as why this charming little mountain town was a resort destination and retreat for travelers.

101 E. Depot Ave.
Monterey, TN 38574

 Website