Today, Briceville, Tennessee, appears tranquil, but it played a pivotal role in the Coal Mine Wars of 1891-92.
Today, Briceville, Tennessee, appears tranquil, but it played a pivotal role in the Coal Mine Wars of 1891-92. This labor conflict arose from local miners’ resistance to Tennessee’s policy of leasing convicts to businesses, a practice they opposed.
In the 1890s, Briceville experienced rapid growth due to soaring demand for its coal, becoming the largest community in the county by the 1910s. A notable landmark in the town is the Briceville Community Church, a non-denominational church built in 1887 by Welsh immigrants. This significant structure is perched on a hill, offering a commanding view of the community.
![Briceville](https://i2.wp.com/abandonedonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20220501-DJI_0926-Edit-1024x767.jpg?ssl=1)
![Briceville Community Church](https://i1.wp.com/abandonedonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20220501-DJI_0879-HDR-Edit-1024x767.jpg?ssl=1)
![Briceville Community Church](https://i0.wp.com/abandonedonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20220501-DJI_0884-HDR-Edit-1024x767.jpg?ssl=1)
![Briceville Community Church](https://i1.wp.com/abandonedonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20220501-DJI_0899-HDR-Edit-1024x767.jpg?ssl=1)
![Briceville Community Church](https://i1.wp.com/abandonedonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20220501-DJI_0914-HDR-Edit-1024x767.jpg?ssl=1)
![Southern Coal Corporation Slatestone Tipple](https://i1.wp.com/abandonedonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20220501-DJI_0809-HDR-Edit-1024x767.jpg?ssl=1)
![Southern Coal Corporation Slatestone Tipple](https://i0.wp.com/abandonedonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20220501-DJI_0819-HDR-Edit-1024x767.jpg?ssl=1)
![Southern Coal Corporation Slatestone Tipple](https://i0.wp.com/abandonedonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20220501-DJI_0824-HDR-Edit-1024x767.jpg?ssl=1)
![Southern Coal Corporation Slatestone Tipple](https://i0.wp.com/abandonedonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20220501-DJI_0844-HDR-Edit-1024x767.jpg?ssl=1)
![Southern Coal Corporation Slatestone Tipple](https://i1.wp.com/abandonedonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20220501-DJI_0804-HDR-Edit-1024x767.jpg?ssl=1)
![Southern Coal Corporation Slatestone Tipple](https://i1.wp.com/abandonedonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20220501-DJI_0931-HDR-Edit-1024x767.jpg?ssl=1)
![Southern Coal Corporation Refuse Tipple Tipple](https://i2.wp.com/abandonedonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20220501-DJI_0848-Edit-1024x767.jpg?ssl=1)
Briceville once hosted the Briceville Air Force Base, a radar station located atop Cross Mountain. Established to provide early warning for Oak Ridge, the base was operational for a brief period from 1951 to 1960 before it was deemed obsolete.
![Briceville Air Force Base](https://i2.wp.com/abandonedonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20220501-DJI_0847-Edit-1024x767.jpg?ssl=1)
![Briceville Air Force Base Community Building](https://i2.wp.com/abandonedonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20220501-DJI_0859-HDR-Edit-1024x767.jpg?ssl=1)
![Briceville Air Force Base Community Building Theater](https://i2.wp.com/abandonedonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20220501-_DSC1359-HDR-1024x684.jpg?ssl=1)
![Briceville Air Force Base Community Building](https://i1.wp.com/abandonedonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20220501-_DSC1366-HDR-1024x684.jpg?ssl=1)
![Briceville Air Force Base Community Building](https://i1.wp.com/abandonedonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20220501-_DSC1374-HDR-1024x684.jpg?ssl=1)
![Briceville Air Force Base Community Building](https://i0.wp.com/abandonedonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20220501-_DSC1381-HDR-684x1024.jpg?ssl=1)
As of 1991, the Briceville region still had 21 coal seams, but only eight were economically viable for exploitation by S&H and Premium Coal companies. However, by 2014, all the mines had shut down due to diminishing demand for the area’s high-sulfur coal. Today, Briceville is a mere shadow of its past, its quiet presence contrasted by the bustling activity of Interstate 75 to the east.
2 Comments
Add Yours →An old jet fighter crashed near the top of the mountain as the pilot tried to make a close pass and “Buzz” the radar site. You can still find small pieces of aluminum from the crash.
any chance I could email you? I’ve explored much of the area and would love to know more about this