The Most Historic Gas Station In Tennessee Belongs On Your Bucket List
Historic gas stations tend to be few and far between, mainly because most folks can’t see a reason to keep a pumping station up and running past its prime. Once it’s served its time, there’s bound to be someone who wants to turn it into a trendy restaurant or an Instagram magnet. But the airplane service station in Powell, Tennessee is a true representation of a gas station that’s not only served its time but deserves to be preserved. If you can’t seem to believe an airplane filling station is in Tennessee, check it out below!
The Airplane Service Station in Powell, Tennessee is certainly one of the quirkiest roadside attractions you'll ever find, but no, it isn't a gas station for planes, just to get that out of the way.
It's called the Powell Airplane because it's built in the shape of a plane! It was originally built in 1930 as a service station on Clinton Highway but has since become a cultural icon and a historic landmark.
The station was built by Elmer and Henry Nickle, brothers who wanted to make their business more attractive by making it stand out to the travelers on U.S. Highway 25. Elmer loved planes, so they decided to shape the station like one.
As the Interstate system took more traffic and the U.S. Highway's traffic dwindled, the brothers closed the service station in the 1960s.
Since its closure, it has served as a liquor store, a used car lot, a produce stand, and it's now a barbershop. But through time, it became clear that this unique architecture was truly a Tennessee landmark. So, the state erected a plaque to commemorate the site.
Today, the Powel Airplane is fully restored to the look of its heyday in the '30s. You can now go check it out for yourself (they get lots of curious visitors), and you can even pop in for a quick haircut.
The Airplane Service Station, now John's Barber Shop, is open for business and awaits every curious traveler who wants to take a look. Address: 6829 Clinton Highway, Knoxville, TN 37921.
If you’re looking for another historic gem, one of the oldest houses in Tennessee is hidden in a state park. Check it out right here!
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