Attractions

National Fish Hatchery

The Erwin National Fish Hatchery is one of more than 75 units in the National Fish Hatchery System administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Service also manages over 500 national wildlife refuges and major fish and wildlife research laboratories across the country. As the Nation’s primary steward of fish and wildlife resources, the Service provides leadership in habitat and wetlands protection; fish and wildlife research and technical assistance; and in the conservation and protection of migratory birds, anadromous fishes, certain marine mammals, and threatened and endangered species.

Six raceways are available on weekends for viewing, although the lower raceway are closed to protect the valuable broodstock. A broodstock display pond is located by the by the information kiosk. Picnic pavilion, and parking areas are provided for public use. During your visit please feel free to call upon us to answer any questions you may have concerning the hatchery.

Occasionally, you may see hatchery personnel collecting eggs from brood fish or feeding fish and cleaning raceways. You are welcome to watch and ask questions, but please use caution around fish and egg rearing areas. This hatchery must maintain a disease-free status. Please do not put anything into the water.

Hatchery Hours:  7:00 am-3:30 pm Monday through Friday

 

Unicoi County Heritage Museum

Fishery Museum

History of the Museum

The Congress of the United States on August 5, 1892, passed legislation, which provided “for investigation and report respecting the advisability of establishing a fish hatching station at some suitable point in the State of Tennessee.” Congress passed legislation on August 18, 1894, providing $12,000 for the establishment of the Erwin Fish Hatchery.

The superintendent’s residence was constructed during the fiscal year 1903. Known as “Quarters #1”, the house was constructed by G.W.N. Brown at a cost of $4,454.50, and its dimensions are listed as 52’x56’, two-story, 10 rooms. Its estimated value was $5,000. Although there were three prior superintendents, the first to occupy the residence was Mr. A.G. Keesecker and his family from 1905 until his retirement in 1931. Five succeeding superintendents also lived there.

In its day, it was one of the grandest houses in the Country. The years took a toll, and, by 1982, the stately old house had become dilapidated and almost impossible to heat. The Federal Government ordered its demolition. Mr. Ralph Erwin of the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce suggested the renovation of the house into a museum and center for community activities. The Chamber, working with the Hatchery Superintendent, Mr. Roger Schultz, signed an agreement with the United States Government that “Quarters #1” should become the Unicoi County Heritage Museum. On July 3, 1982, nine rooms were opened to the public.

The house features the following themed rooms: Parlor, Blue Ridge Pottery Room, Butler’s Pantry, Community Room, Wildlife Room, Kitchen, Main Street, Clinchfield Railroad Room, Daughters of the American Revolution Room, History and War Rooms, Attic, Country Store, Greasy Cove Schoolhouse, and Amphitheatre.

Nature Trail

A cassette narrative is available describing the plants and trees found on this 30-minute hike around the woods behind the amphitheatre. The trees and plants are identified by markers as one hikes the trail.

Museum and shoppe hours

  • 1:00-5:00 p.m. daily, May-October plus the four weeks daily prior to Christmas each year.
  • For school, club and other group outings, the museum can be opened other times by special request directed to the curator of the museum.

For further information, or reservations, telephone 423-743-9449. If no answer, telephone 423-743-8923 or 423-743-7442.