Tennessee's Own Eiffel Tower Is A Quintessential Roadside Attraction
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Tennessee is known for its Great Smoky Mountains and the large swath the Mississippi River cuts through the western edge of the state, but did you know that it’s also home to its own Eiffel Tower? It’s true, folks. If you find yourself driving through Paris, Tennessee, then it’s hard to miss this grand and gorgeous structure jutting from the southern hillside. Learn all about it below!
Sure, it's a little shocking to see a replica of the famed Parisian Eiffel Tower located in the middle of a Tennessee park, but the history of it is even more fascinating. It's become known as a local and state landmark.
The town of Paris, Tennessee is fairly small and boasts an intimate community and series of historic buildings and houses. The Henry County town is home to less than 11,000 people, and is also known for the "World' Biggest Fish Fry."
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Paris was incorporated in 1823 and is known as one of the first towns incorporated on the west side of the state, beating out Lexington and Memphis. The city actually was named after the capital of France as a way to honor Marquis de Lafayette.
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The town's Eiffel Tower, however, didn't come about until the 1990s. Engineering students from Christian Brothers University constructed the tower to honor the country of France for the Memphis in May Festival of 1990. The original structure was made of wood.
In 1991, a replica was planned for Paris. 10,000 hours were donated by various constituents of Christian Brothers University, and a 1:20 replica made of steel was delivered in February 1992 and reassembled in Memorial Park.
The Eiffel Tower landmark was dedicated on January 29, 1993. The original wood structure has been completely replaced by steel, and the structure remains one of the most unique in Tennessee.
Have you been to Paris, Tennessee to see the famed Eiffel Tower? Keep your eyes peeled if you ever drive through - this unique structure is definitely worth seeing!
If you’re looking for more fun and quirky experiences in Tennessee, then you simply MUST check out this Irish bbq joint that has…goats on the patio. Nope, no joke. GOATS.
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Eiffel Tower Ln, Paris, TN 38242, USA