Elizabethton, Tennessee: The City Where Independence Began

Elizabethton, Tennessee: The City Where Independence Began
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[@MoyerAndrea]

Thanks for visiting Elizabethton. That is where my grandfather grew up on the Collins farm where his grandfather was a TN State Senator and helped pass the law that gave women the right to vote.

[@Shermaxphil]

I'm not American but I lover the American history. I'm sure I know more about America than I do my own country...lol I love traveling in the past with you two , you always find awesome places to show us. Keep on keeping on!!! Love you guys ♥♥♥

[@troywagner7551]

Greetings from about 6 or 7 blocks away from the bridge. Love my hometown.

[@user-qb1my9bi6m]

I’ve lived in Elizabethton since summer 2019 and I adore it for so many reasons. I didn’t know a lot of its history that you shared so thank you!

[@randallringwald5059]

The Bemberg factory had the most worse smell. The manufacturer of rayon fiber smelled of rotten eggs! This memory has stayed with me since 1974.

[@richeaton5752]

Just moved back after 40 years in NC. Loving it. (though I do miss Hatteras a bit) re: Civil War history and loyalties in NE Tennessee, see Cpt. Daniel Ellis on Wiki. He is my fav family branch on my Grandmothers side. Known locally as "The Old Red Fox." He published his war memoirs, "Thrilling Adventures of Daniel Ellis."

[@petegregory517]

Not correcting anyone but here’s my story ‘bout ‘Liz(beth)tun. I did Desert Shield with a group of heavy equipment operators from Lizbethtun. Great dudes from there and Huntsville AL. I happened to get attached to them because I had some mechanical experience and they needed mechanic for M-1 Abrams(sp?) tanks. Anyway I’m from PA and none of em ever called me my name, probably didn’t even know it, they called me Yank, I’m from PA, 20 mile west of Gettysburg. We constantly teased each other on the way the other pronounced, well, most everything. I tried to give ‘em English lesson’s and pronunciation to no avail. Actually my English teachers would roll in their graves laughing at that thought. They ribbed the crap out of me cause it was about 75 to 1 ratio saying they were right, oh well, great fun. This said the guys laughed when I said “Elizabethton” because they said “‘Liz(beth)tun” with the beth barely audible and cut short which most real southern boys do, cut short their words and mumble. It took me days to understand some of em and meanwhile they laughed at most everything I said, especially ‘home’ and ‘water’. They took care of this ol Yank and myself and my “lil Alabamian brother” (I’m 6’1” and he was about 5’6”) put in some good 12 hr. days in the heat. They were impressed this ol’ Yank could work in and take the heat as well as they could. Fantastic boys. Hope you enjoyed this.

[@realappalachia]

Loved that comment, that was awesome. I’ve heard so many people pronounce it the same way you wrote it lol

[@joshph2716]

its uhlizabettin Tenuhsee

[@JoyceGrindstaff1964]

The covered bridge is sometimes referred to as "The Queen of the Doe". She is beautiful ❤

[@realappalachia]

I love that name for it

[@pnwoods]

Great couple. You two bring to mind George & Gracie. (Burns & Allen) You two closely complete each others sentences. Very uplifting.

[@realappalachia]

Thank you for the compliment, we really appreciate it

[@sandy89107]

Love those houses on the other side of the covered bridge. The town is interesting too!! Those bugs near the old factory sound like buzz-saws 😅. I hope you go back for the festival this weekend as well! It's like vacation for us.

[@chubbawubba9801]

Indeed, so many beautiful and well designed older houses in that area. I would really enjoy getting a chance to peek inside some of those older well kept or remodeled homes.

[@troywagner7551]

On the block between elk and the funeral home was a well known hotel known as the Governor Taylor or The Lynnwood. It was torn down by urban renewal in the 70s.

[@paulcole9042]

I was blessed to be born in Elizabethton, Tennessee. Then my family moved to Lenoir, NC. I presently live in Hudson, NC. Love that covered bridge, and feel a strong connection to it. I go visit it occasionally. Thanks for sharing about it! Love your vids!

[@troywagner7551]

I have family in both places. My Grandad lived in Lenoir for many years before his death. Know anyone named Stines or Ellis or with Hartley in the family tree?

[@ronbass8136]

Thanks for the tour. Elizabethtown looks to be a beautiful town. Would love to see a sequel to show the museum and antique shops. Love your videos. God Bless

[@annettepartridge159]

I love revolutionary war history. My brother does reenactments at sycamore shoals! I've done reenactments at Kings Mountain and Musgrove Mill. 😁

[@harrywest2780]

Love it PA has a lot of them the reason for the covering on the bridge is that they last a lot longer...

[@lindamosley922]

Hi guys!! Finally made it to my little town! Welcome!

[@danielshaw8049]

Elizabethian ,is a solid town.

[@michaelrudnick7159]

They have a lot of covered bridges scattered around Appalachia!

[@beaulieufamily5059]

Thanks for making this video! I went to Elizabethton HS and waited tables at PIzza Inn in the 80s. Bemberg was closed but they still made rayon at North American Rayon, which gave off a pretty sour smell. I haven't been back for decades, and it's nice to see the town hasn't changed much, and probably all for the better!

[@realappalachia]

So glad you enjoyed it

[@chubbawubba9801]

Nice video on E-town. Been a long while since I have been there myself. Thank you two for sharing. BTW that Peanut Butter cookie looked INCREDIBLE.

[@robinhaupt9119]

What a wonderful tour, thank you Shane and Melody. Always appreciate the history and the sites.

[@chrislang7146]

I live in Johnson City. I have seen stories about President Andrew Johnson being at a bar (right near the courthouse) that is now a lawyer office. The story goes he was drinking at the bar, then left riding his horse to his daughter’s house where he died. Im not sure the validity of the story, but it certainly is interesting.

[@ellenkimberlin5036]

I just love you guys. Your banter is so funny, And you have educated me about the area that I live in.. I don't get out much and you made a way for me to see where I live and stay home at the same time. You make my days worth while . Thank you and be careful out there..

[@Xmarduk]

$3,000 to build the covered bridge…. And $300 to build the “approaches” would be the ramps or structure that connected the road to the bridge itself on each side.

[@judypierce7028]

It has been awhile since I was in Elizabethon. When I lived in Johnson City, I traveled to Elizabethon many times. It is such a quaint city. It was full of great restaurants. WOW! Thank you for such a wonderful video! By the way, covered bridges were a favorite of my aunt. There is one in Phillipi, WV that people can actually drive across. The wooden flooring has been replaced with concrete. It is still neat to cross. Stay safe sweet couple.

[@chrislang7146]

I used to live near Phillipi. I’m in Johnson City now since 2006.

[@judypierce7028]

@@chrislang7146 WOW! I was born in a small town in WV, Dunbar. I love the bridge at Phillipi as it is quite historic. Glad to meet you Chris. I left Johnson City in 1988.

[@talldude5841]

I have been to Phillipi to visit my best friend in Ohio who went to Alderson Broaddus Univ. Beautiful part of Gods country.

[@talldude5841]

Love this show you two. Milligan Colleges basketball coach was from my area and would strongly recruit my local area here in Ohio. As far as I know, they all stayed there for four years and enjoyed it. It is so great to see this channel grow. And it does not surprise me that many people beyond the pond enjoy it as well. I would honestly say to all you people thinking about visiting the USA in the future that Appalachia would be one of the best places to visit here. Forget New York City, Seattle, San Francisco, and worse of all, Los Angles. I live in central Ohio, just about an hour from Appalachia. Yes, its true, part of it is in south eastern Ohio. I try every year to continue traveling to W. Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and others. Shane and Melody do an outstanding job of showing what Appalachia is all about. History, peacefulness, beauty, and hard working honest people who never get enough credit for building this great country.

[@angelasmith7719]

Yay!!! I’m so excited that y’all finally visited my hometown of Elizabethton! It was a great place to grow up. I lived in Nashville for quite a few years, and now live in Johnson City, but visit Elizabethton often. Y’all definitely need to do a sequel, there’s a lot more to see! My high school boyfriend lived in one of those beautiful houses near the Covered Bridge, and his mother still lives there. It’s gorgeous! And, you need to eat at the Southern Restaurant. It’s been around for many years. The food is great, especially their breakfast and the burgers are huge! Loved this video!! Good job guys! I need to up my Patron amount!! 😊😊

[@anthonytester3285]

There used to be brothels and a place called Fudds Town where the dealerships are. I live here. Born and grew up here.

[@navydogsadventures3500]

I am a covered bridge fan also, there is a covered bridge near where I grew up in a town called Grays River Washington! Very small town. Love your history tours! I beached at Iwo Jima when I was in the Navy in the 80's. First LST to beach there since WWII!

[@daleytab8766]

Tn has changed but this town is sweet people in it but I love you sharing ❤ with us thank you so much

[@ralfgroh2719]

Really love this show. Keep them coming!

[@walterlangston4484]

the railroad crossing sings are still up on the now rail trail

[@Little_Man152]

Nice video. I was born in Elizabethton and raised in the surrounding areas there. My homes in Kingsport now. My grandmother worked at Bemberg when it was open. My understanding is it is haunted by a painter who fell from the smoke stack and unfortunately passed away. Anyway great video. Looking forward to watching more of your content.

[@realappalachia]

Thank you! That’s cool your grandmother worked there. It’s a really interesting place! - Melody

[@johnnymayo8534]

Tks & Wow...what a wonderful little/big town and packed w/ history!!! It's only 1 1/2 hours from my house....I will be visiting there in the next couple of weeks!!

[@plumboss9764]

Thank you both. Great video! 👍 looks like home!

[@user-ex4iu5tz9e]

Thank you so much!!! Sending lots of love and light!!!

[@AnnC....]

Love this video, Thank you

[@johnperdue2327]

Very neat town and rich with history it seems. As always love tagging along with you guys...would be wonderful if you could get a tour or closer look at the plant. Love old factories and such so much!!

[@kesmarn]

Another wonderful video, Shane and Melody. I love the sounds of locusts, crickets, cicadas and other "summer bugs" in the evening. And yet that sound, combined with the tragic, traumatic history of the Bemburg factory really makes for a terrific picture of the darker side of Elizabethton's story. Perfect atmosphere. So... I hope you go back, if only for some more blueberry lemon pies. And next time, please, please show us video of the legendary sliders you had on the road! And I mean that in "the nicest possible way." LOL! Don't let the profanity-slingers get you down. They will always be there. The vast majority of us love and appreciate the time and energy you put into your videos, which just keep getting better and better. Hugs to you both, and especially hugs to the magnificent Blaze who didn't make an appearance in this video, but is a delight on those rare occasions when he does make a cameo (or cateo?) visit back home.

[@BrianCary]

Thank you for this video! I drove this same route today, got back home (I live in Elizabethton), and then watched this video. Talk about a coincidence! I’m still relatively new to the area so the history of Bemberg was real interesting. The Tweetsie Trail could use a mention so you’ll have to make a part 2 :) Also the Covered Bridge Festival looks to be in September this year. Love your videos!

[@daviddryden8088]

By all means...show us more you guys!!

[@benlaw4647]

Enjoyed this! The Doe river covered bridge is beautiful! I have always liked the town and the area , the history.....the jar flies did get loud , there at the end ....the sounds of summer ....🙏❤

[@juliekirkbride6815]

I lived in Elizabethton in the early70s. Attended Harold McCormick elementary School and T A Duggar Jr High. Things sure look different around there. Except for the covered bridge.

[@cherylrichardson8743]

Awesome video. My mother in law’s mother worked at the rayon factory. My mother in law grew up in Watagua. Thank you for the video.

[@jaredperkins8066]

Good job guys. I'm from Elizabethton, glad to see it get some love.

[@bigdnrv1562]

Great video y'all. Attending the Sycamore Sholes reenactment would be awesome!

[@James-tn7uy]

I've enjoyed this vid so much.i was born in Elizabethton 77 years ago. I lived in the sinking creek community and other areas around Johnson City until my family moved to NC when I was about 10. I remember smelling the bemberg plant from my grandparents home which was located on the Carter, Washington county line. Thank you for bringing back memories.

[@mikeanderson7165]

Been there absolutely love it❤️

[@guns2317]

If you are ever rolling through Greene County TN look out for the Bible Covered Bridge in the Midway area.

[@chrishensley6745]

Thanks for swinging by Shane and Melody,this is where I live and nice to see it on your channel!!! you mentioned Jason Witten.....his papaw that raised him here was originally from War West Virginia and star athlete at Big Creek/West virginia in sports.you all,s neck of the woods!

[@savagenomore]

I was just there today making deliveries, I go to a lot of the towns you guys do videos on and it's cool to see more of the towns than i have time to see while working, I was right next to that old plant today

[@realappalachia]

That’s really cool, love hearing from folks familiar with the places we go - makes it feel more real

[@supertal6074]

Ok, you guys did a fantastic job on this! The town sure has a big downtown - that is great! Thanks so much!

[@realappalachia]

Thank ya so much

[@chrislang7146]

There are also two historic houses I hope you get to go to. One on the Stoney Creek side and one on the Johnson City side right near the Elizabethton Golf Course.

[@randykey5700]

I have been there many times and never knew about the covered bridge, now we’ll have to go back, I also saw several shops I would like to visit, as always y’all do a great job! Keep up the great work! Come see us when you get a chance, don’t forget the world’s largest fiddlers convention August 8-13! Take care see ya later we have been busy!

[@joe-nq4db]

You guys seem fun thanks for the tour

[@MillerMeteor74]

We visited Elizabethton (and many other places) on our trip in 2012, and I have a picture of that historical marker by the bridge. Where it says it cost the county $300 for approaches, that's the little short stretches of roadway leading up to the bridge on each side of it. It's funny I don't remember that traffic circle in front of the courthouse. Maybe it's because I was only a passenger in the car and not the driver. Anyway on that same trip we also saw the Ryder Memorial Church in Bluff City, which I mentioned in the comments on an earlier video. Well this was fun, because when we were there, we only saw the downtown, and not all the other areas you guys covered in this video. Also we definitely somehow missed Bemberg completely. On a side note that Elizabethton post office, to me, looks a lot like the old Bridgeton, NJ post office. Bridgeton is the county seat of Cumberland County, NJ.

[@greghinerman5935]

HAHA... when I moved to Elizabethton you could still drive across the covered bridge... it's a great little town . the Bemberg plant was known as North American Rayon. you covered the town pretty well. I love it here..

[@realappalachia]

I bet that was some fun to drive across

[@turfdude289]

Actually, Bemberg has always been Bemberg. North American Rayon was torn down a few years ago and Wal-Mart and Lowe's now sit where NAR was located.

[@clarencegreen3071]

The North American Rayon Corporation plant was as large or larger than Bemberg. Several of my uncles worked there. I have driven across the covered bridge, a long time ago, of course. I enjoyed the drive around because it's been many years since I was there.

[@dennismullins4930]

Good job y’all ☮️

[@lauriepolden6594]

I live there there are so many backwoods country people that can’t read or write ... it’s so sad and depressing

[@mikebass9943]

I want to thank yall for keeping American history alive , so very detailed, ya'll share so much priceless info, love ya'll

[@realappalachia]

Thank ya so much, Mike, comments like that make our day

[@benandcis]

I could watch ya’ll 24/7

[@miask]

Y’all are so cute! I keep a list of places I want to visit quite a few are places you and Melody have taken us. I just put Elizabethton on the list😀

[@anthonytester3285]

There was another mill called North American Rayon right beside it.

[@myrtlegranger3443]

My hometown, Middlesboro, Kentucky is also home of Lee Magers

[@mikespikedog5293]

Wonder if there is a security guard in the building with electricity where the Pickup truck was parked ? Evadentlly some contractor is keeping equipment there.

[@loribenton5975]

I'm interested in seeing places like Hampton, Roan Mountain, and Mountain City too. More Elizabethton would be great.

[@cbigb1000]

Another excellent video! I think you should do a deeper dive at Sycamore Shoals and the Overmountain Men.

[@realappalachia]

Thanks so much, Chad, hopefully we could do those someday

[@stevehannah5712]

I saw a dollar general store,👍❤️, worked in distribution center in scottsvills ky. 25 years.over 16000 stores.

[@tawnyabunten5679]

I grew up around Etown, there is plenty of things that you all could mention as far as the history goes, and some things that you mentioned with Bemberg, that I kinda questioned cause I feel like is in reference to another plant that use to be there. There is more history in carter County, TN than you can imagine and I would gladly give you some insight. The video was really nice by the way !

[@christhomas7500]

Covered Bridge Festival is at the End of September every year.

[@cherylsteele9511]

Actually, that old Elizabethton post office downtown the whole thing is the Public library it used to be the post office

[@redirishrose9857]

I know all about Elizabethton.My daughter was born there years ago. The triangle of Elizabethton Johnson City and Kingsport Tennessee we do not live there anymore have crossed that bridge many times hope you enjoy it.The Red Irish Rose I want to go home but no one lives there anymore

[@steveevansfloridaoutdoors]

Great video y'all

[@realappalachia]

Thank you 😊

[@erikt1972]

The Blue Hole I believe is considered in Elizabethton. Your viewers would love to see that! I've been living in Jonesborough for the last 20 years and I didn't know a lot of what y'all talked about. Thank you!!

[@kimberwhalen6141]

I live and grew up in Elizabethton but mostly in valley forge but my dad and grandparents lived in elizabethton I went to t a Dugger Jr high And Elizabethton high school

[@D-A-1776]

So many memories of me and my papaw come from Elizabethton he used to take me there all the time

[@marthatester4910]

I love your videos I love living in East Tennessee

[@realappalachia]

Thank you so much, Martha

[@mildredrharmon4032]

Carter co. Was named after some of my family ❤️ Ya’all are talking about my family!!!! Yay 🥰

[@donnavaughn5393]

Hello thanks you love to travel nice place see you soon

[@kimberwhalen6141]

When I was a teenager we sat and watched Bamberg burn while eating McDonald's

[@ericbuckles4901]

Thank you for this video my family is from Blue Springs up on Stony Creek . If you couldn’t tell by the last name .

[@punchfisttop]

You got yerself one handsome husband!!!!

[@alanwilliamson9350]

I worked in a factory simular to that after high school in my hometown of Roanoke.

[@erinlogan9886]

My pastor's wife is from Elizabethton, Tn

[@chrishensley6745]

You all was close to the Carter mansion which is neat/haunted where you went around the monument....go straight towards highway where the 3 crosses are on the hill.....Big deal here lately where some out of towners has been trying to make us take down those 3 crosses which is a trademark from my old church. c ya.ll and hope you comw back.....would Love to meet you all.

[@anthonytester3285]

There are still businesses in the lower part of it.

[@dannypritchard4919]

Im a lifelong resident of elizabethton

[@carolynbobyk3514]

hey guys, I would LOVE to see some antique stores :)

[@realappalachia]

We did one a while back but we are overdue to do another one, thanks for the suggestion, Carolyn

[@DK-ew4fx]

Great video....i was there, and saw many of the same places a couple of months ago.....made the same mistake on the way to the round-a-bout too....Bemberg still exists overseas, and still makes rayon, so they must have figured it out....I'm curious, do you have any idea what kind of insect makes that screeching sound???? i've been hearing it when i visit Wilkesboro, N.C.....we don't have that in Grayson county, Va.....

[@clarencegreen3071]

Katydids. Lots of katydids.

[@kathycooper7984]

I hope you all go to Townsend fall festival.and tour cades cove .

[@davidbell9130]

thats a good looking little town

[@Momtocam1997]

Would love to live here…

[@joewoodchuck3824]

I live close. It's a nice town.

[@SuperVaporman]

kI enjoyed you tour of Elizabwthon Tenn you are lucky not to get a ticket for going through SROP signs in your video

[@katielove9932]

I like Melody. She is a cutie. Such a personality! Thanks for the tour. Just wish you would "Stop" at the STOP signs.

[@realappalachia]

Thank you! And I lecture him on the stop signs too lol maybe he’ll listen one day! - Melody

[@matthopcroft2535]

The white building beside of the courthouse was the sheriffs jail until 1980

[@realappalachia]

Thank you!

[@katielove9932]

That's just what I thought! It looks like a jail.

[@Dollbaby630]

I love covered bridges.. there is 1 near where I live in bucks county in Pennsylvania. It's in a park callecTyler park. I think there is another 1 in New Hope PA. They call it cry baby bridge supposedly a woman threw her baby off the bridge a long time ago and you can hear the cry of a baby.

[@exterminator1]

yall getting close to doing one on JC lol. So close to here you should have! Like i have said before the history here is cool. Not to mention the "state of franklin" history in of itself. But always no one does it better than u 2.Thanks for making these vids.

[@realappalachia]

Oh yes, still trying to figure out how to squeeze all of a bigger city like JC into one or two videos. That’s a tall order but we are determined to do it lol

[@exterminator1]

@@realappalachia well i think whatever you do here will be great. I love history as well. But yall have the best way of translating it. we need people like yall to show our area.

[@realappalachia]

@@exterminator1 thank you so much

[@anthonytester3285]

My dad worked there.

[@sirloinofbeef3862]

She's so cute. 🥰