Is Monteagle Really A Mountain?

[@BillMarion]

We are wish to express our deepest sympathy to James and Betsy, the owners of Jim Oliver's Smokehouse. We were notified of the tragedy just a few minutes ago. This treasure was destroyed by fire. It was a total loss. Of all the businesses we've visited over the past five years, Jim Oliver's was one of the best. We were treated like family the first time we walked in the door. And the food...the ribs were the best in the nation. After our first visit for this video we went back with our family 3 more times! It's more than a restaurant. It's was a classic roadside attraction with authentic memorabilia and nostalgia that cannot be replaced. This Tennessee Valley treasure will be missed.

[@KimberlyMack2005]

I was born and raised on Monteagle Mountain. Nice video 😍Jerry Mansfield is an icon on the mountain !! Awesome guy

[@rogerspears7154]

We've eaten at the Smokehouse for years. Always great food and friendly folks. Mike DOES know his BBQ, and JD and Betsy are always gracious. Their cabins and lodge are nice also. Great music on weekends, and a gospel music dinner theater from time to time. I'm glad I discovered this KZbin channel! Thanks Bill! Now to the Opryland video!

[@happyhappyjoyjoy2154]

You should raise your standards

[@lexiealexander9133]

Yes it is a mountain I have lived here for 14 years and this town has never let me down thank you for making a video of my hometown

[@BillMarion]

We love Montagle! Great smoked ribs up there! Thank you so much for watching, and thanks for commenting! Bill

[@lexiealexander9133]

@@BillMarion no problem I subscribed ❤

[@amylane2529]

My mom was born on Monteagle in 1936. I still have family there and in South Pittsburgh who play and have played for pirates.

[@lberry750]

My father is from "the mountain", having been raised in Tracy City. We used to spend summers at the Monteagle Assembly Grounds or at a campground between Monteagle and Tracy City named Laurel Trails campground. I remember the very hazardous drive before I-24 was completed...I think it was Hwy 41. Every few miles, you would see a broken side guardrail and look off the cliff and see a semi-tractor/ trailer at the bottom. I-24 made it a lot easier, but much more boring for us automobiles. As an aside, I just found out this last year that a high school math teacher I had, back in 1973, was from South Pittsburg. I had no idea at the time. Thanks for the video.

[@wi54725]

I'm just old enough to remember Nashville to Chattanooga before I-24 was built. The old way up and down US-41 on the north side was quite an adventure with the trucks that shared the road. There is a 180-degree hairpin turn on that side. The old way down on the south side is the present day south side of the mountain on I-24. It was 3 lanes--two coming up and one going down. I remember there was an accident on that side once where traffic did not move for over an hour. There was a trailer hauling a lion to a preserve in Florida stuck with us. At the foot of the mountain on the north side, there was a tourist stop called, "The Wonder Cave." In the early 1960's, it was a very busy site, but once I-24 opened, this site was bypassed. It was a wonderful cave indeed, great in the summer back in the days when not all cars had air conditioners. At the bottom on the South Side at Martin Springs, there was a fireworks display on US 41 that kept a bear in a cage just large enough for it to lay down and do nothing else. Speaking of South Pittsburgh High School, was this the school that ran the single wing offense into the 21st century?

[@BillMarion]

I did not know that South Pittsburgh ran the single wing. Very interesting! Thanks for watching and thanks for commenting! Bill

[@freakindawgen]

Sorry to hear Jim Oliver is gone. Memorial day for several years the base camp was at the Smokehouse for some awesome 4 wheeling in Cowan and Tracy City. Even got on the "mountain" between I-24 ate lunch above one of the runoff ramps. Was a trail just to the west called Stagecoach as it was a route for one during the Civil War. Was hard on our Jeeps can't imagine a Stagecoach. Found a cannonball near Cowan too.

[@violetjohnson7396]

I have travelled this route innumerous times and did not notice this restaurant - the ribs are outstanding!

[@BillMarion]

Yes they are!

[@codysanders5539]

Awesome update! That's exciting!!

[@BillMarion]

Thanks Cody!

[@bradyessary5668]

I used to love going up to Monteagle and Tracy City, rockcrawling! It's so beautiful in the backwoods there, and incredibly rocky!

[@LandNfan]

Back in my college days Monteagle was a real challenge for my Volkswagen Beetle. And in more recent times, I never did work up the nerve to tackle in in our motorhome.

[@corduroygasmask]

This is great, I stumbled into some live music and amazing food at Jim Oliver's on accident last year after a long backroad adventure. I really like the idea that every town has a story, and adventure is all around. I'm from the area and I'm getting into creating somewhat similar(much more primitive) content, but it's cool to see other's in the area making interesting content. I'm subscribed, and following the Facebook page, looking forward to your future projects.

[@BillMarion]

Thanks for watching Roger! Jim Oliver's is amazing! Every town really does have a story. And some of the smallest unknown towns in the world have the BEST stories! Start creating content as soon as you can. If you need help. Shoot me a Facebook message and we'll talk about getting started. There's plenty of room, plenty of stories, and plenty of adventures! Again, thanks for watching!

[@gipsonp]

My father was born in Cowan. Beautiful small town.

[@theresemalmberg955]

In 1991 I drove US 41 all the way from Hammond, Indiana to its (then) end in Miami Beach, Florida. I'd grown up running around the north end of 41, now I wanted to see what the rest of it looked like. One of the places I stayed was Jim Oliver's Smokehouse. Anyway I was asked if Michigan had mountains, and I said, if you can call Mounteagle a mountain, then yes, Michigan has mountains because we have a couple of peaks in the Hurons (off of 41 in the UP) that are a tad bit higher. I'd never driven mountains before (though I had been in both the Appalachians and the Rockies as a passenger). It was a good thing that I didn't know about Monteagle's reputation before I set out. What a mountain to make my debut on! I will never forget my first sight of it coming south on 41. A big green mass stretching north and south as if an enormous landslide had obliterated the road! There didn't seem to be any tunnel nor any way around it. And I couldn't see any way over it, not at first. Just before I reached the base the road made a sharp left turn and up it went, twisting its way to the top. I cannot imagine how Yankee forces under General Rosecrans ever made it up and over this mountain to reach Chattanooga, yet according to a Colonel Belknap whose memoirs are in the Paw Paw, Michigan Public Library, that is exactly what they did, cannons and all! What route they took up is probably not 41 as that was built much later as part of the Dixie Highway, but they did descend through Battle Creek which is the route I-24 now follows. For decades that stretch of Dixie Highway/US 41 had a reputation of being the most dangerous on the entire route due to its steep grades. All I can say is videos don't do it justice; they make it look a lot tamer than it really is.

[@john1cheree]

YES!, Mounteagle really IS a mountain.

[@BillMarion]

Did they reclassify it? Like, officially?

[@jackphillips3512]

Nope. It is an escarpment to a plateau geologically. Still cool place to visit.

[@mloftin6472]

It's the end of a long plateau. Similar to Lookout Mountain, which is a 90+mile long ridge.

[@cathyg.7433]

I never knew all this stuff was up there. Your videos are so informative.

[@BillMarion]

Those ribs are simply amazing!

[@JeepinDan]

I'm a truck driver out of Knoxville. I've run 24 across Monteagle numerous times in all varieties of weather. It's really not that bad if your truck is in good mechanical condition and you know how to go up and down a hill properly. I actually really enjoy coming down the downhill side. The grade and sweeping corners really make for a fun ride, for me at least. Of course I also prefer to run 2 lane backroads so I can bypass major cities and traffic jams so hills, twists, and turns make me smile.

[@ramencurry6672]

Even in a normal car, it can be stressful and dangerous but the key for me it to watch my speed and pay extra attention and it’s fine

[@carlasanders69]

Looks like we are going to have to check the Smokehouse out this weekend. We're an hour west of Monteagle. Sounds like a fun little day trip.

[@BillMarion]

Awesome!!! Be sure and tell them you heard about it on KZbin and mention my name. They'll love it! They are the nicest people in the world!

[@montieszydel9373]

I drove truck and it went off for Mount Eagle in 1963

[@fredwhite2437]

Come on up

[@happyhappyjoyjoy2154]

Enjoy your mold 🤫🤫

[@DHW256]

I love your mapping of the "local" route between Soddy-Daisy and Monteagle. Indeed, there is not straight route, and if you decide to take an alternative to Chattanooga, it feels like you'll NEVER get there!

[@BillMarion]

When I was making this video, I kept arguing with myself that there had to be a better way, and nope! It's takes FOREVER! But it's worth it. Been across the mountain so many times, so I was thankful to get to spend some time there. I'm so grateful you watched this video, and thanks for your comment! Bill

[@BillMarion]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m52ZY4qjgciMetU Check out this amazing video about Nashville

[@dsanchez9703]

I just passed through there 4 weeks ago on my way to Orlando from Chicago and I must admit I'm afraid of scary edgy mountains but this mountain roads were not bad at all and scenery was beautiful

[@luannyates5199]

I live in Monteagle. Beautiful quant town!

[@ruggedscot69]

The resuscitation of the deer in "starman" was filmed right beside I-24....

[@BillMarion]

I did not know that! Thanks for watching!

[@BillMarion]

Did The Last Jedi "Jump the Shark?" Find out by clicking here kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYHYqIail5iXqMk

[@ryann8680]

He left Atlanta back in '63 Haulin' him a load up to Tennessee He hit Monteagle in the driving rain So hard he couldn't even see the passing lane Well he started downgrade when he lost a gear He hit them brakes; found he had no air The Monteagle grade is steep and long And everybody that seen it thought the Bandit was gone Well his truck jack-knifed; turned completely 'round He was coming down backwards 'bout the speed of sound A lot of folks seen him and they all say He had his head out the window yelling "Clear the way!" Well he got to the bottom safe and sound Everybody asked Bandit how he made it down He said folks when the truck picked up too much speed I just run along beside it and drug my feet

[@ryann8680]

Smokey and the Bandit was filmed in my hometown of Jonesboro, GA and was our prideful claim to fame when I was a kid BTW US I9/41 cut right thru town and that was the precurser "road to florida" before I-75 (which also came thru town)

[@luannyates5199]

Glad he’s safe.

[@mickiegant9689]

Please check out Sewanee Tn. And Winchester in Franklin county.

[@garyshinn4626]

I was born and raised 1 mile from US 64 out in Western Arkansas. I would like to travel that road all the way from east to west some day. N.C. to Arizona.

[@b.mcdaniel]

I awoke this morning to the news that Jim Oliver’s smokehouse had burned down. It’s a sad day fer Merica when we lose any rib shack

[@CaptJohn-ox7el]

When I was Trucking, i used to stop at S. Pittsburgh and stocked my truck up at the Super Walmart and also stopped at the old Truck Stop at the top of the Rock !!!

[@BillMarion]

It's a pretty cool place!

[@MattInIllinois]

Sadly the Smokehouse was destroyed in a fire a few weeks ago. Not sure if they will rebuild but I really want to go visit them if they do.

[@BillMarion]

We hated to hear that. Great place to eat, great people!

[@rogersehorne]

I live in Monteagle and you left out the interesting part about Highpoint Restaurant. It was owned by Al Capone's girlfriend and Capone and Dillinger use to sit on the deck and smoke cigars and drink whiskey, The building has secret passageways that hid Al and John when they were in town and law came looking for them. I assume the two came to town to purchase moonshine. My family use to make it and they have colorful stories of revenue boys that would come after them. They never caught them though.

[@BillMarion]

WOW! I need to go back and make a video just about that! So interesting. Monteagle is awesome! Thanks for watching thanks for commenting! Bill

[@aaronbays4]

There are a lot of great driving roads in that area. If you have the time and are going between Atlanta and Nashville, you can take a side turn at either the Mont Eagle or South Pittsburg exit. There are a couple different routes you can take that will take you thru S Pittsburg, N Alabama, then to Trenton GA, then you go over Lookout Mountain, end up LaFayette GA and you can take another road back to I75. Completely by-passes Chattanooga, takes about an extra hour and a half to 2 hours on your trip depending on how fast you drive.

[@MarkBerg-tk8js]

I have 3 good stories of mount eagle. This is the funny one. In running Haley and full load of tractors on a flat, I’m half way down and on the cob I hear, “ can anyone see the bottom, I responded , yes it’s clear, and two hill Billie’s put there rugs in Georgia overdrive and went by me like I was up on jacks , the CB rang out, fxxxing yanke!

[@debbiekiser7178]

Thanks I loved it from Chattanooga by way of Rossville Ga and now in NortheasT Alabama in Henagar Alabama

[@BillMarion]

Thanks for watching and thanks for commenting! Bill

[@annadaugherty9622]

Bill, two of my brothers live in Whiteside; David and Mark Miller.

[@szphllps]

Chattanooga? I didn't know that- Red Bank born, raised, left. Small world!

[@BillMarion]

We moved from the TN Valley last summer. It's an amazing place! We live in Virginia these days, but I'll always cherish my time in the TN Valley! Thanks for watching, and thanks for commenting! Bill

[@heyinway]

Just like Fancy Gap (I-77) in VA....the "new" Monteagle (I-24) is vastly different than the original road it replaced. Same with the WV Turnpike (I-77) and I-68 in Maryland...took years to build/modernize them.

[@garyjubar5733]

Don't forget Sams' Gap on the Tn/NC line. That used to be a wild road . And then there is Black Mountain in NC.

[@bacon6681]

My dad is the fire chief there :D

[@BillMarion]

That’s cool!

[@jllaw1975]

My family ate there and yep I go everytime i have to go up there

[@BillMarion]

It's good stuff! Thanks for watching and thanks for commenting! Bill

[@carrendowney5896]

They have great flea markets

[@kevincronin60181]

I'm 7 miles away from Monteagle.

[@BillMarion]

Awesome country! Missing the great state of Tennessee!

[@BloodRaven1969]

For me I recomend AVOIDING Jim Oliver's... Unless I have $$$, LOL. Last time through Monteagle I stopped there and bought 3 racks just for me. They're addictive!

[@BillMarion]

So true! I'm hoping to get some ribs while we're back in that area next week! thanks for watching and thanks for commenting!

[@annadaugherty9622]

Darn! Jellico is only in two counties.

[@lowellhardin9501]

Jim Oliver's Smokehouse burned yesterday. Total loss.

[@BillMarion]

That’s terrible heart breaking news. I’m at a loss for words.

[@BillMarion]

I'm writing a short statement just expressing our sadness for James and Betsy. I'm also going to mention your name (if you don't mind) for bringing this to our attention. We live in Virginia now, and wouldn't have known if you hadn't have mentioned it. Thank you.

[@DiscGolfFool]

FYI Cowan Tennessee was voted the cleanest city in the United States in the 1970's!

[@warrenpuckett4203]

Since you are from around those parts you may be familiar with the W road and Signal Mountain. What is Signal Mountain or Walden Ridge? Yep a lot of roads around there that are extremely risky for a anything that can move more than 1 ton. I-75 is not one of them. I-24 only if your carrying Casey Jones DNA

[@BillMarion]

My parents lived less than a mile from the W road on Signal! We made video about Chattanooga where we actually drive down the W road! Thanks for watching and thanks for commenting! (Edit) I think it's Walden. Bill

[@leejohnson2550]

It use to be way worse before they did a bunch of work.. Isn't bad at all anymore.

[@pleasantops5561]

Grundy

[@TheHikeChoseMe]

ooh..do pigeon river gorge on i-40 in nc

[@BillMarion]

Great idea! Stop by our channel during our next livestream! We're trying to organize a Meet and Greet this summer on the Blue Ridge Parkway! If we pull it off, you need to come! I watched your Huntington Beach video, and then I watched your Cumberland Gap (Part 1) video. When you mentioned the conspiracy rumors I almost died laughing! As always, thanks for watching! Bill

[@TheHikeChoseMe]

@@BillMarion that'd be awesome.

[@joejohnston2035]

Interstate 24 runs east and west

[@happyhappyjoyjoy2154]

Nah just a bump on the map..gotta love random people who drive thru 3 times aand become experts ...☻

[@BillMarion]

I wish I had seen this comment when it was first posted. I lived just a few miles from Monteagle for 20 years. Used to go up there all the time for different reasons. Thanks for watching and thanks for commenting! Bill

[@thomasmoore3205]

Stay out of Grundy County, they will not like you if “you ain’t a from here”. ScratchCrotchyValley is the worst

[@theresemalmberg955]

I heard that too, when I was traveling 41 to Florida. Especially if you are black. Don't stray from the Interstate. Even if you are white, don't go poking around off the main road (41). Granted that was 30 years ago, I don't think that they've gotten any friendlier towards outsiders. Sadly, this aspect of traveling is seldom discussed. But there ARE places, both here in the US and abroad, where the locals do not welcome outsiders, and you need to be aware of them if you go off the beaten path. And it's not just urban areas, either.

[@XxSEETH3RxX]

No

[@BillMarion]

Yes? I don't know how to play this game. But I'm going with, Yes. Your turn?

[@XxSEETH3RxX]

@BillMarion What I meant is no it's not a mountain

[@BillMarion]

@@XxSEETH3RxX I know, I was just trying to be funny 😅 Sometimes my humor isn't as funny as I think it is. Thank you so much for watching and thanks for commenting!

[@XxSEETH3RxX]

@@BillMarion Not a big deal. I wasn't sure lol

[@happyhappyjoyjoy2154]

Btw..skip dinning up here especially if your not asking locals and taking the advice of a paid traveler ..

[@BillMarion]

Ilike Turtles how does one become a “paid traveler.” Where do I sign up? Lol Do you like the rib place? We thought it was great. I moved to Virginia since making this video and I could sure use some of those ribs! Thanks for watching and thanks for commenting! Bill