Have you ever been to Butler, Tennessee? If you visited now, you’d know it’s a small town on the banks of Watauga Lake, just a stone’s throw from Boone in neighboring North Carolina. It’s built on the backs of strong, hard working Tennessean folk, who have a deep love of their land and the wits about them to fight those intense winter months that rage at the end of the year. However, the present-day town is far different than the old Butler, Tennessee of yesteryear. The real question is: do you know the secret of one of the most elusive of all Tennessee ghost towns? It’s not quite what it seems, and here’s why.

CarterCountyHistory.Com
The Butler, Tennessee you can visit nowadays is actually the second version of this sweet Tennessee town. The original town is way down at the bottom of Watauga Lake. That's right; there's a town under Watauga Lake!
CLUI.Org
As part of the TVA initiative, Watauga Lake was created in the 1940s. The original Butler was prone to flooding, and the abundance of water in the area made it a great place for the dam.

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GhostLakes.Com
Interesting fact? Butler has gone down in history as the only town TVA flooded out, making it one of the most unique of all Tennessee ghost towns. The dam they built is also the only earthen dam created by TVA.
Smithsonian
761 families were relocated, a few of whom decided to rebuild Butler in a safer, definitively drier, spot, which earned the town the nickname, "the town that would not drown," giving Butler a solid foothold in Tennessee history.
Meghan O'Brien - Instagram
Now Watauga Lake is one of the most beautiful, quiet, and secluded spots in the state. It bolsters a darling East Tennessee community and edges the Appalachian Trail. It's only a few, the lucky few, who know the water they're puttering around in hides an entire town, deep beneath the surface.

So, did you know about Butler, Tennessee? What about old Butler, Tennessee? Did you know there was a town under Watauga Lake? Know of any other intriguing Tennessee ghost towns? Tell us!

A town under Watauga Lake isn’t the only state secret. The state is brimming with tales that are sure to pique your interest, including these baffling Tennessee mysteries.

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Butler, Tennessee

Daniella DiRienzo | July 15, 2022

Are there any ghost towns in Tennessee?

Just like any other state, there are several ghost towns in Tennessee. One of the most well known of all Tennessee ghost towns is Elkmont. Founded in the 1840s, Elkmont quickly grew into a logging camp and resort town, attracting wealthy vacationers seeking a relaxing getaway in the Smokies. In 1934, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established at the site of Elkmont, forcing residents from the area. The remnants of Elkmont can still be seen today, as several historic buildings remain.

What are the most beautiful lakes in Tennessee?

There seems to be no shortage of beautiful lakes in Tennessee. Among the state’s most stunning bodies of water is Reelfoot Lake. With huge bald cypress trees rising from its surface, Reelfoot Lake is undeniably beautiful. Part of Reelfoot Lake State Park in Tiptonville, it’s the largest natural lake in Tennessee and was formed by earthquakes that occurred more than 200 years ago! The lake’s size isn’t its only notable feature, though. It’s also a prime spot for an array outdoor recreational activities. In addition to boating, it’s a top destination for bird-watchers, as it’s situated along the Mississippi River flyway. Another perk is its location in a state park, which means you’ll have access to a slew of other amenities.

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Watauga Lake, Tennessee, USA