Step Inside The Creepy, Abandoned Town Of Old Jefferson In Tennessee

Well, we might have just found the creepiest abandoned town in Tennessee. Old Jefferson, Tennessee was the first county seat of Rutherford County way, way back in the day. The town received notoriety as the city that was meant to flood - and never did. Take a look, and learn a little about the history of this Rutherford County legend. Some might say this ghost town In Tennessee holds the most unique history in the record books.

Originally the county seat of Rutherford County, the 1803 crowning glory of the town was usurped when the honor went to the new Murfreesborough (with that spelling) in 1811.

The town was actually located at the bend in Stones River. It was a great location, with the Main Street running all the way down to the wharves. With the courthouse on one end and the water on the other, it was truly the best spot.

Here you can see the Ephraim-Walter Family, long-ago residents of the town.

It was in 1963 that the initiative to build out Percy Priest Lake was cleared, and construction began.

Although it is not noted on this plaque, the town was actually located on the historic Trail of Tears.

With four and a half years to build the dam, all of the residents of Old Jefferson were told that their homes would be underwater, only in a matter of years.

But do you know what happened next?

The land was bought up, and the ENTIRE town was burned to the ground.

It was when the lake began to fill after completion that it was soon realized - the town of Old Jefferson wasn't going to flood at all. Instead, the water was draining into hidden caves in a place that is now called Long Hunter State Park. The town may have been spared the water, but it didn't escape the fire.

There are rumors that you can still find old foundations and remnants of the town, one that was burned by its residents in anticipation of a flood that would never come. Not many folks visit the once-upon-a-town...mainly because it's not quite there, just the eerie memory of it. We credit all photographs to Rutherford County, and you can find their whole documentation of the town on the Rutherford County, Tennessee Historical Society website. What a beautiful collection of photographs!

This is definitely one of the creepiest abandoned places in Tennessee. Have you visited Old Jefferson, Tennessee: the most fascinating (and likely the creepiest) abandoned town in Tennessee? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

While we can no longer appreciate Old Jefferson, our beloved Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be around for many years to come. It's the most-visited national park in the country, and this YouTube video will make you fall in love with it all over again:

If you're interested in hiking in the park, check out our official hiking packing list to see what you should bring with you!