Revisiting the small town of Niota
A Day Away By Mike Steely
Niota is one of those very little towns that you would never notice if it wasn’t for the fact that little incorporated place of about 777 people changed the U. S. Constitution in 1920. Located between Sweetwater and Athens on Highway 11, Niota’s national claim-to-fame is that state Representative Harry T. Burn is from there.
It was the Burn vote that passed the Women’s Right to Vote in Tennessee and, thus, ratified the 19th Amendment for the entire nation. Febb Burn, his mother, wrote him asking him to support the effort and he changed his vote to “Yes” to not only please his mom but also as an example of how one vote can be so important.
Both Burn and his mother are buried in the cemetery there.
But Niota, once called “Mouse Creek,” was named for a fictional Native American in a novel. Niota’s depot, which now houses a gift shop and is rented out for events, is the oldest standing railroad depot in the state. The city hall that was in the depot has moved over to the People’s Bank building according to Mayor Lois Preece.
Niota had another historic event when in 1988 a group of women organized and won all the races for city council, making it one of the first only all-female councils in the nation.
On September 14th the town will host its 6th annual Fried Green Tomato Festival from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The event features food trucks, family fun and games, live music, food and craft vendors and a Kid’s Zone. The day before, September 13, there is Bingo at the Depot.
Mayor Preece also spoke of a September 7 Veterans and First Responders Concert featuring Dollywood’s James Rogers. Quilts of Valor will also be presented.
On October 17 there will be a car show and a Christmas craft fair. A golf tournament is planned for October 28 at the Springbrook Country Club. A “Roaring 20s Dance” is planned in Niota on November 2.
If you’re headed to Niota, you might also consider stopping at Sweetwater Valley Farms and buying some locally-made cheese. The most scenic route to reach Niota is to take Highway 11 through Lenoir City, Loudon and Philadelphia. Or you could take I-75 south and turn east at Exit 56.
You can get more information about Niota by calling 423-568-2584 or finding the town online at www.cityofniota.com.
