Trade, Tennessee

Trade is an unincorporated community in Johnson County, Tennessee, United States. The easternmost community in the state, it is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, at the headwaters of Roan Creek, approximately 7.5 miles southeast of Mountain City, on Highway 421. Trade is approximately 17 miles from Boone, North Carolina.

History

Trade is the oldest community in Tennessee. It originated in the 1700s as "The Trade Gap," a trading post established for Native Americans, pioneers, and fur traders to buy and sell their wares. It was located on an old buffalo trail between Snake and Rich Mountains, the easiest route through the mountains to the West. Tom Dula (made famous by the folk song "Tom Dooley") hid out in Trade as he was on the run, suspected of having murdered his young fiancee in Wilkes County, North Carolina. It was in Trade that the posse finally caught up to Dula and arrested him.

Culture

The Trade Days festival, a three-day festival of Appalachian arts, crafts, culture, and history, has been held in Trade each June since 1989. The festival also features Appalachian music and dance, and a Native American pow-wow. Profits from the festival go to improve and expand the Trade Community Center and Park.

In 2008, the Trade gristmill celebrated it's grand opening. Most of the parts comprising the newly constructed mill date back to pre-Civil War. The gristmill is located on the grounds of Trade Days and is open to the public. A variety of products are available for purchase, including popcorn grits and featured art by local talent.

Famous residents

*Joseph Wilson (folklorist and arts presenter)

External links

* [http://www.mce.k12tn.net/johnson/history/pioneers/pioneers.htm The Pioneers]
* [http://www.tradedaysfestival.com/ Trade Days site]