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FAMILY OUTDOOR RECREATION

Visit Humphreys TN

 


 

MUSEUMS

HUMPHREYS COUNTY ARCHIVE
In 2001, The Humphreys County Archive was established to preserve the vast amount of records the county has produced since its organization in 1809. Our facility houses over 5,000 court cases, marriage records, wills, tax records, and other documents related to the county government.

While the main purpose of the archive is to efficiently serve our residents, county offices, and elected officials with access to our holdings for official use, The Humphreys County Archive is also a great place to find genealogical information. We are proud to boast a database that contains over 12,000 names, with documents dating as far back as 1790.

Inquiries to The Humphreys County Archive are welcome in person, by phone, by mail, or electronically. We will be glad to answer any questions or concerns you may have, and we look forward to seeing you!

 


County Archivist (Vacant)
Please call for current business hours
Contact Information:
(931) 296-2143
201 Pavo Avenue
Waverly, TN 37185



HUMPHREYS COUNTY MUSEUM/BUTTERFIELD HOUSE

201 Fort Hill
Waverly, TN 37185
>View Website
This 1922 Mansion with a Civil War Fort in the backyard is a treasure trove of historical information.  The Museum includes a Civil War Room, World War I Room, World War II Building, Jesse James Exhibit, Captain Anderson Exhibit and other interesting collections donated by Humphreys County residents.  It is also available to rent for weddings, showers, teas and other special events.  For more information you can contact us at (931) 622-2463 or email us.

 

WAVERLY TRAIN EXPLOSION MEMORIAL MUSEUM
West Railroad Street
Waverly, TN 37185
(931) 296-4865
This on site memorial to 1978 train derailment disaster features pictures, video, newspaper accounts and comments from those on the scene.  Open year-round - Free admission - 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Self guided tour – 1 hour.

 


 

PARKS

JOHNSONVILLE STATE HISTORIC PARK
Hours of Operation:
8:00 a.m. to sundown
For Further Information Contact:
Johnsonville State Historic Area / 90 Nell Beard Rd. / New Johnsonville, TN 37134
Phone (931) 535-2789
Or Contact:
Tennessee State Parks / 401 Church St., 7th Floor / Nashville, TN 37243
Phone (888) 867-2757 / >View Website

Johnsonville State Historic Park is the site of a unique Civil War battle and the location of Johnsonville prior to the creation of Kentucky Lake.  Located on the East bank of Kentucky Lake, three miles north of U.S. Hwy 70 and the town of New Johnsonville, this 600 acre park has a wide variety of plant and animal life. This park has been established to preserve and to protect the rich cultural and natural resources that exist.

Historical significance:  Johnsonville, named for then Military Governor of Tennessee Andrew Johnson, was the site for a unique military victory. On November 4, 1864, Confederate Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest and his cavalry attacked and destroyed the river port depot of Johnsonville. Union losses included three gunboats, eleven transports, eighteen barges, and over 8 million dollars in lost supplies. The fall of Johnsonville represented not only a Confederate victory, but also the only record of a naval force being engaged and defeated by a cavalry force. The township of Johnsonville existed until the early 1940’s when the Tennessee Valley Authority purchased the land in preparation for the forming of Kentucky Lake.

Picnic Pavilions and Playgrounds:  Johnsonville has two small picnic shelters that will accommodate 12-16 people each. Both picnic shelters have grills; one has restrooms nearby. The park also has 29 open picnic sites with tables and most with grills. All picnic areas are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Johnsonville has one multifunction playground and two playgrounds with swings only. A basketball goal provides additional enjoyment for visitors.


 

MOVIE THEATER

MI-DE-GA Theatre
106 West Court Square
 Waverly, TN 37185
(931) 296-4500
(800) 821-2179 Toll Free
>View Website



 

SPECIAL EVENTS

Irish Picnic
175 St. Patrick Street
McEwen, TN 37101
(931) 582-3493
>View Website

St. Patrick Irish Picnic and Homecoming in McEwen, TN is an annual event regularly attended by over 20,000 fun-loving people from across the nation.  Originating in 1854, the picnic is known for its famous barbecue pork and the secret sauce than ranks it among the most delectable barbecue ever tasted.  The first Irish Picnic was held to raise funds for a new church bell for St. Patrick Church.  Local farmers donated pigs and sheep for the fundraising meals that fed the railroad community of McEwen.  Efforts were so successful that generations of church members and other volunteers have turned it into a community project with proceeds being used for the financial support of St. Patrick School.
The ingredients of the legendary hot sauce is known to only one church member, Frank Walsh, whose family brought it with them from Ireland.  The closely guarded recipe is kept under lock and key and one day be passed to his sons.  A 300 gallon kettle is used to make the secret sauce.

The Irish Picnic is held the last Friday and Saturday in July.  Early visitors may want to feast on the 4,200 chicken halves, which are prepared by lunchtime on Friday.  Live music and dancing begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday lasting all day.  The Irish picnic is listed in The Guinness Book of World Records (1988) as the world’s largest outdoor barbecue.  “Cead Mile Failte” or “One Hundred Thousand Welcomes” is an old Irish greeting and the Irish Picnic theme.  And “welcome” is exactly what visitors will feel when they come for the food, music, dancing, games & homespun fun at the Irish Picnic and Homecoming.

 

   
 

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102 Thompson Street | Waverly, TN 37185
(931) 296-7795


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