Front Porch to the Region's History

Geography defines East Tennessee as a land of mountains and valleys and with a history and heritage apart from the rest of the state. The East Tennessee Historical Society recognizes this distinctiveness with programs and exhibitions uniquely tailored to the region. Our educational mission is to engage the public with the message that history is important. 

This Day In East Tennessee History

  • May 19, 1902

    At 7:30 in the morning, just after the day’s work had begun, a methane (coal dust) explosion killed 184 miners in the Fraterville mine at Coal Creek on this day in 1902.  The death count included 11 blacks and a number of young boys.