April 22 – Tennessee is rich in natural beauty and cultural sites that we enjoy today because of conservation and preservation. For many years, I have been a committed supporter of historic preservation in Tennessee.

 

Working with the State of Tennessee and others in the delegation, we have set aside thousands of acres of Tennessee forest land in the Tennessee River Gorge, North Chickamauga and Anderson-Tully, acquired land to protect the Lookout Mountain Battlefield and other Civil War sites. We also have provided funding for the preservation of Walls of Jericho, Scott’s Gulf, Tennessee Civil War Heritage Area and Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge.

 

In addition, we updated the National Trail of Tears legislation to add sites and trails more accurately depicting the Cherokee removal, established the Moccasin Bend National Archeological District to protect the area’s valuable artifacts and sacred burial sites from eroding into the Tennessee River, preserved and protected the Cherokee Memorial Park at Blythe Ferry and are working to designate the Green McAdoo School in Clinton as a national historic site for its vital role in the school desegregation crisis of the 1950s.

 

These conservation and preservation efforts, in conjunction with those made by many other Tennesseans working for the same causes, will ensure that the history and heritage of these valuable resources will be around for future generations to enjoy.