The Battle of Athens, Tennessee

In 1946 returning World War II veterans ran a slate of candidates against the McMinn County, Tennessee political machine. On election night the bad blood between the two groups escalated into a gun battle on the streets of Athens.
Today we tell that story.
(Photos courtesy of the McMinn County Historical Society and Archives and the Daily Post Athenian)

[@castironskilletgranny]

Thank you for this. I have admired these men.

[@StoriesofAppalachia]

Thanks for listening

[@mikeweir3680]

This incident should be made aware to all citizens of America, and ALL COPS SHOULD BE AWARE ALSO!!!

[@cindymassey3795]

my grandfather was in the jail when this took place and hes the one that got the guards to let them out so they wouldnt be shot

[@marissat678]

That's amazing!

[@leoblazer74]

Imagine how MSNBC would circle the wagons for that sheriff.

[@TysonHymas]

That’s why they were the greatest generation.

[@pbl7598]

This leaves out a lot of details. Like the man that was shot by the corupt police. And how they beat people that didn't pay there fees. It was a lot worse than depicted here

[@robertalpy]

How could an elected official be so blatantly corrupt? I mean, they all are to a degree... but this Cantrell guy seemed to flaunt it.