Great River Road
Historic & Natural Wonders on the Great River Road of Tennessee

Departure: Union City, Tennessee
Destination: Chucalissa and the C.H. Nash Museum, Tennessee
Time to allow: 2 days

This road-trip will take you to sites that capture the historic importance of the communities along the Mississippi River corridor while providing opportunities to experience the natural beauty of the area. This trip is designed for travelers entering Tennessee from the north.

Day 1

  • Start: Union City

    Obion County’s rich history has been carefully preserved. Obion County Museum, located in Union City, offers a glimpse into the history of Obion County. Founded in 1970 with the McNatt Collection of antique toys and tools, the museum now includes a log cabin and a one-room schoolhouse. Other permanent exhibits include an extensive collection of historic photographs of Obion County along with a display of Native American artifacts and relics. On Highway 51 is Turner Kirkland’s Dixie Gun Works, the world’s largest supplier of antique guns and parts. The Obion County Courthouse, built by the Public Works Administration in 1939-40, and the park’s covered bridge near Trimble are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Also listed on the National Register of Historic Places is the first monument ever erected in memory of unknown Confederate dead and was dedicated in Union City on October 21, 1869. Another monument dedicated early in Obion County is the Confederate Monument. A shaft of 50 feet high, it is dedicated to the memory of the soldiers of Obion County who fought for the south. Erected in 1909, it is a proud symbol of a proud people and is the only confederate monument in the United States that faces south. In 1997 Main Street Union City sponsored a multiple property National Register nomination which listed more than 100 additional properties in Union City, including the Capitol Theater, Central School, and the Union City Armory.

  • Stop 1: Fishgap Hill Overlook

    From previous stop: 34 minutes / 15.8 mi (25.3 km)
    Directions:

    From Union City, go west on W Church St, then turn right on S 2nd St. Turn left on SR 5, then turn right at S 5th St to stay on SR 5. Turn left at N 5th St, then bear left on SR 22. Turn right on N Clayton Antioch Rd and turn left at Langster Rd to stay on N Clayton Antioch Rd. Turn left on Beachum Rd. Turn right at Rogers Marshall Rd to stay on Beachum Rd. Turn left on Holloway Rd and arrive at Fishgap Hill Overlook, on the left.
    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    This is an outstanding view of Reelfoot Lake and the Lower Mississippi River Alluvial Valley below. If the weather is clear, one can see the entire length of the lake over a distance of 20 miles. Missouri and Kentucky can be seen in the distance.

  • Stop 2: Grassy Island Observation Tower

    From previous stop: 7 minutes / 2.6 mi (4.2 km)
    Directions:

    From the Fishgap Hill Overlook, go northwest on Holloway Rd, then turn left on Mount Manuel Church Rd. Bear right on Fish Gap Hill Rd, then bear left on US 157. Turn right on Walnut Log Rd, then left on Walnut Rd. The Grass Island Observation Tower will be on the right.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    This is an excellent opportunity to observe waterfowl such as ducks, geese, blue heron, egrets, and possibly golden and bald eagles.

  • Stop 3: Gray's Camp

    From previous stop: 31 minutes / 15.2 mi (24.3 km)
    Directions:

    Go northwest on Walnut Rd, then turn right on Walnut Log Rd. Turn left on US 157, then continue on SR 311. Turn left on SR 1282 and bear left on SR 94. Bear left again at Tyler Rd to stay on SR 94. Turn right, then continue on SR 78. Turn left on Phillippy Rd, then right on Donald Rd, then left to stay on Donald Rd. Bear left at Gray's Camp Rd.
    Suggested time at this stop: 3 hours

    This complex of historic and modern buildings, dating to the 1920s, still serves sportsmen and recreational visitors to Reelfoot Lake.

  • Stop 4: Jones Chapel Church of Christ Cemetery

    From previous stop: 20 minutes / 10 mi (16.0 km)
    Directions:

    Go northwest on Gray's Camp Rd. Turn left on SR 78, then turn right on Carrington Rd. Continue on Negro Graveyard Rd, then turn right on SR 22 and turn left to stay on SR 22. Turn right at Mc Cain Rd to stay on SR 22. The cemetery will be on the right.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    This cemetery is noted as the resting place for 75 Confederate soldiers that died at the Island No. 10 Battle. Island No. 10 was the first battle that took place on the Mississippi River in the American Civil War.

  • End: Reelfoot Lake

    From previous stop: 22 minutes / 9.7 mi (15.5 km)
    Directions:

    Go south on SR 22, then turn left at Mc Cain Rd. Turn right at SR 22, turn left on Malard, and then turn right on College St. Turn left on Lake St. Continue on Wright St. Turn right to stay on Wright St. Turn right on Martin Dr, then left on SR 21. Turn left at Boyette Rd to stay on SR 21, then take a left at Magnolia Rd. Make a sharp left on Lake Dr.

    A series of earthquakes along the New Madrid fault in 1811 caused a 15,000-acre cypress tree forest to sink beneath the level of the Mississippi River, causing it to overflow into what is now Reelfoot Lake. This created one of the world’s greatest natural fish hatcheries and changed the landscape of the region. An area where Davy Crockett once hunted for bears now harbors plentiful shore and wading birds and golden and American bald eagles. This location has many lodges from which you can choose to stay.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 53.3 miles / 85.3 km
Total Travel Time: 1 hour 54 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 5 hours 30 minutes

Day 2

  • Stop 1: R.C. Donaldson Memorial Museum

    From previous stop: 5 minutes / 2.6 mi (4.2 km)
    Directions:

    Go back south on Lake Dr. Make a sharp right on SR 21 and turn right again at Magonlia Rd. The R.C. Donaldson Memorial Museum is on the left.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    The only shoreline trail on Reelfoot Lake, this is a boardwalk that follows the edge of the lake, providing beautiful views of the lake while meandering through a majestic cypress grove.

  • Stop 2: Heloise Landing

    From previous stop: 1 hour / 32.7 mi (52.3 km)
    Directions:

    Go west on SR 21. Turn right at Boyette Rd and continue on Tiptonville Obion Levee Rd. Turn right at Van Pool St to stay on Tiptonville Obion Levee Rd. Continue on SR 181 and turn right on SR 20, then left on Heloise Midway Rd. The Heloise Overlook is on the right.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    This community was once a prominent stop for agricultural trade between the Civil War era and WW II. Heloise Loop Road provides up-close views of the river and port facilities.

  • Stop 3: Arp Overlook

    From previous stop: 1 hour 16 minutes / 44.1 mi (70.6 km)
    Directions:

    Go north on Heloise Midway Rd. Turn right on SR 20, make sharp right on Sr 181, then bear left and turn left at Poorway Rd. Go north on SR 88, then turn left at N Church St/E Tigrett St to stay on Sr 88. Turn left on Wc Viar Rd, then turn right at Charlie Lee Rd to stay on Wv Viar Rd. Turn right on Birch Bend Rd, then bear left on Willow Run Ln. Bear left on Willow Run Ln. Turn right on Creekwood Rd. Turn left on US 51. Turn right to stay on US 51, then make a sharp right on SR 19. Turn right at Lightfoot Luckett Rd to stay on SR 19. Turn left at Arp Central Rd and arrive at Arp Overlook, on the left.
    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    This is one of the highest points along the Chickasaw Bluff. More than 200 feet above the valley below, it is the finest view available of the Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge. As far as one can see is the canopy of one of the last remaining Mississippi River alluvial forests.

  • Stop 4: Johnson Lake

    From previous stop: 22 minutes / 12.6 mi (20.2 km)
    Directions:

    Continue west on SR 19, then bear right at Becton William Rd to stay on SR 19. Arrive at Johnson Lake, on the right.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    Johnson Lake was formally part of the river but was landlocked due to the raising bank. It is a about one mile long and provides nice shade for a picnic.

  • Stop 5: Ft. Pillow State Historic Park

    From previous stop: 35 minutes / 16.4 mi (26.2 km)
    Directions:

    From Johnson Lake, continue southwest on SR 19. Turn left on Four Mile Ln and bear left on SR 207. Turn right at Crawford Rd E to stay on SR 207, then left, then left again at Morgan Rd, then right on SR 87. Turn right on Old Fulton Rd. Bear right on Park Rd, then turn right again at For Pillow State park to stay on Park Rd. Arrive at Fort Pillow State Historic Park, on the right.
    Suggested time at this stop: 3 hours

    This Civil War site was made infamous in 1864, when Confederates retook the fort from the Union troops, killing hundreds of African American Federal troops in what has been described by some as a massacre while others view it as the price paid for not surrendering during the normal course of battle. The real impact of that battle is how the treatment of prisoners of war changed, because in that same month, Grant stopped prisoner exchange stating that if they couldn’t exchange his black soldiers and treat them as soldiers, he wouldn’t exchange white soldiers to the confederacy. In addition to its historic significance, the site also has excellent hiking trails and views of the Mississippi River.

  • Stop 6: Alex Haley's Boyhood Home

    From previous stop: 46 minutes / 21.6 mi (34.6 km)
    Directions:

    Go southwest on Park Rd, then turn left at Fort Pillow State Park. Bear left on Old Fulton Rd. Turn left on SR 87. Turn right at SR 207, then turn left. Turn right at Glimp Rd. Turn left at SR 371, turn left at Bates St, then turn right at Poplar Grove Cemetery Rd. Turn right on Maple St, then left on Barfield Ave. Turn right on Oak St, then right again on Church St. Turn right on Haley Ave, and arrive at Alex Haley State Historic Site on the left.
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    Author of "Roots: The Saga of an American Family," Alex Haley spent his first eight years living here with his mother and grandparents. It was during this time and subsequent years of returning to stay the summer that he learned his family’s history from his Grandmother Palmer. The Alex Haley Boyhood Home was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and was opened as the first state historic site devoted to African American history later that decade. After his death in 1992, Haley was buried in the front yard.

  • Stop 7: Convington Courthouse Square

    From previous stop: 18 minutes / 9.6 mi (15.4 km)
    Directions:

    Go southeast on Haley Ave, then turn right on Church St. Turn left on Hickman Ave. Turn right on Brandon, then left on Moorer Ave. Turn right on SR 209, then left on Cooper Creek Rd to stay on Sr 209. Bear left on US 51, then right on Hope St to stay on US 51. Bear left on N Main St, then right on SR 54. Turn left on Court Sq W, then left again on SR 59. Continue on E Pleasant Ave. Turn left on Court Sq E, then arrive at Covington Court Square on the left.
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    It has been said that the Tipton County Courthouse and the surrounding Court Square are the most beautiful in all of West Tennessee. Major renovations to the courthouse, the square and the surrounding properties in the last decade have improved the appearance of this historical area, and created a lovely atmosphere to stop and enjoy lunch at one of the square restaurants.

    Two structures on the Square namely the Ruffin Theatre and the former Lindo Hotel are both listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

    Radiating south from the historic Tipton County Courthouse square, the residential South Main Historic District is truly diverse in its architectural types, including a suburban version of a Louisiana plantation house, Queen Anne homes from the early 20th century, and red brick bungalows. North of the courthouse square is the historic black business district and the landmark Canaan Baptist Church (1916-17), which is also NRHP.

  • Stop 8: Canaan Baptist Church

    From previous stop: 4 minutes / 0.9 mi (1.4 km)
    Directions:

    Go south on Court Sq E. Turn left on E Pleasant Ave, then right on S maple St. Turn left on E Church Ave, then bear right on Byars St. Turn left on Sanford Ave, then bear left on East St and arrive at Canaan Baptist Church, on the right.
    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    Built from 1916 to 1917, the Canaan Baptist Church, at 211 North Main Street in Covington, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A for its role in the social history, religious history, and the ethnic heritage of African Americans in Covington and Tipton County. As the oldest and primary African American Missionary Baptist church in Covington, Canaan is still a significant social, political, and religious center of the African-American community. The Canaan Baptist Church was organized in 1868 two miles northwest of Covington, Tennessee, on the Leigh Chapel Road under a brush arbor by the Reverend Jupiter Williams, a former slave. He served as pastor until 1871 and resigned from ill health as a result of life under slavery. Reverend William Adams brought the congregation into Covington and built a small frame church on what is now known as North Main Street. The present church building stands at the site of the third church building, which originally was a frame church for whites in Covington and known as the First Baptist Church. This move into much larger quarters happened under the direction of Reverend David Evans, who served as Caanan’s minister from 1876 to 1885. The congregation continued to use this building for more than 30 years.

    In 1916-17, the frame church was torn down and replaced by the current brick church under the direction of Reverend William J. Clark. Just north of the southeast entrance is a dedication stone, which reads “Canaan Bapt. Church, Organized 1868 by Rev. J. Williams, Rebuilt 1916 B.F. Walker, Peter Vaughn, G.R. Smith, Bob Lauderdale, Skidmore Taylor, William Ervin, William Smith, W.J. Clark Pastor.” These people were instrumental in support of the construction of the new church. Canaan’s pivotal church leader of the twentieth century, however, was Reverend John Henry Seward, a dentist by professional training, who served the congregation from 1931 to 1966. During his pasturage the church renovated the interior of the church by adding the present balcony and electricity. He started many programs that brought the church to statewide, nationwide, and international involvement.

  • Stop 9: Randolph

    From previous stop: 40 minutes / 16.1 mi (25.8 km)
    Directions:

    Go south on East St, then bear right on Sanford Ave. Bear left on E Church Ave, then turn right on S College St. Continue on SR 59, then turn left on SR 54 and bear right on SR 59. Bear right on Walton Loop, then turn right on Oak Grove Rd. Turn right at SR 178, then turn right again at Sturdivant Rd. Turn left at Barton Ln and then turn right on Randolph Rd. Turn left on Needham Rd and arrive at Randolph.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    Randolph was founded in 1823 and named for John Randolph of Virginia. Randolph undoubtedly occupied the best potential site available for water-borne commerce and provided an excellent harbor for steam and flatboats at all stages of the river. Until 1840, Randolph shipped more cotton than Memphis, as many as 35 to 40 thousand bales annually, and became the great steamboat depot of West Tennessee. By 1834 it had its first newspaper and a population of 1,000. It had four hotels, several schools, nearly fifty businesses, and a dozen saloons. Many factors led to the demise of Randolph: Randolph’s failure to secure a railroad, financial depression, an unfavorable mail route, the continuation of the county seat at Covington despite an effort in 1852 to have it moved to Randolph, and the failure to secure a proposed canal connecting the Tennessee and Hatchie rivers. The final blows came during the Civil War when occupation by both armies led to the destruction of many buildings and property.

    During the early days of the Civil War, Randolph became the Confederate Boot Camp or Camp of Instruction. Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest enlisted as a private here and went on to become a Lieutenant General. Of the several thousand soldiers that signed up or trained here, more than a dozen reached the rank of general by the end of the Civil War. Maps of the period show how the three terraces were used for gun emplacements. In October 1864, raiders attacked the Steamship Belle St. Louis while it was docked here.

  • Stop 10: Ft. Wright

    From previous stop: 2 minutes / 0.4 mi (0.6 km)
    Directions:

    Go northeast on Needham Rd, then bear left on Randolph Rd and arrive at Ft. Wright
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    Fort Wright, built in 1861, is a history-rich remnant of the war’s impact on the Randolph community. Its historic Mississippi River bluff-top site is the only intact and visible Confederate powder magazine left in the state of Tennessee.

    Located in rural Tipton County, Fort Wright was constructed with African-American slave labor and Confederate army personnel on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River during the late spring and early summer of 1861. On May 5th, large numbers of slaves were engaged in completing the fort’s batteries, and area slave owners were requested to provide 200 slaves for clearing away timber. Later, Confederate troops stationed at nearby Randolph under the command of Brig. Gen. Gideon J. Pillow expanded the fort’s works.

    The earthworks at Fort Wright were irregular fortifications that encompassed some 30 acres. Four batteries were constructed on the riverbank. The embrasures were designed to guard against Federal approach by the river in either direction. A military road was cut to connect the infantry camps with the batteries. About 3 miles to the north another three-gun battery was erected to cover the mouth of the Hatchie River.

  • Stop 11: Chickasaw Bluff No. 2

    From previous stop: 5 minutes / 2 mi (3.2 km)
    Directions:

    Go south on Randolph Rd, then bear right on Needham Rd. Turn right on SR 59 W and arrive at Chickasaw Bluff No. 2.
    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    The term Chickasaw Bluff refers to high ground rising 50 to 200 feet above the flood plain between Memphis, Tennessee, and Hickman, Fulton County, Kentucky. Composed of eroded Pleistocene loess over Pliocene glacial gravel, they are slide-prone. This elevation is named for the Chickasaw, who by their possession of the elevation impeded French river traffic in the 18th century.

    Sweeping vistas of the mighty Mississippi River can be viewed from this beautiful site.

  • Stop 12: Mud Island River Park & Museum

    From previous stop: 1 hour 20 minutes / 32.3 mi (51.7 km)
    Directions:

    Go southwest on SR 59 W. Make a sharp left on Cooper Rd, then make a sharp right on Richardson Landing Rd. Turn left on Pryor Rd. Continue on Herring Hill Rd, then turn right on River Bluff Rd. Bear right on Bluff Rd, turn right on Locke Cuba Rd, then turn right on N Watkins St. Continue on N Watkins Rd, then bear right onto ramp to US 51 and bear right on US 51. Turn right on Whitney Ave. Continue on N 2nd St. Turn right on N Mud Island Rd. Continue on Island Dr. Bear left on Auction Ave, then turn right on N Front St and turn right on Adams Ave. Turn left on N Riverside Dr and arrive at Mud Island Park/Mississippi River Museum, on the right.
    Suggested time at this stop: 4 hours

    Mud Island River Park is a unique 52-acre recreational, educational and entertainment facility dedicated to telling the story of the Mighty Mississippi River and its people. It houses the 18-gallery Mississippi River Museum which contains a permanent collection of more than 5,000 artifacts in support of its mission to preserve and promote the natural and cultural history of the Lower Mississippi River Valley. Museum exhibits detail the valley’s creation and settlement from the Native American inhabitants to European explorers, transportation on the river including a three story replica of an 1870’s steamboat, the Civil War on the river, complete with a full scale Union Gunboat engaged in battle with Confederate land troops, and the development of Delta Music from early Blues to Rock-n-Roll.

    Other attractions at Mud Island River Park include the Riverwalk, a half-mile-long scale model of the lower Mississippi River with twenty scale model river cities from Cairo, Illinois to New Orleans, Louisiana and 68 free-standing text panels. The Adventure Center offers canoe, kayak, pedal boat and bike rentals, and a 5,000-seat Ampitheatre offers concerts throughout the season. There are also gift shops, food concessions, and banquet facilities and marina.

  • Stop 13: Beale Street

    From previous stop: 6 minutes / 1.3 mi (2.1 km)
    Directions:

    Continue southwest on N Riverside Dr. Turn left on Jefferson Ave, then turn right on N Front St. Turn left on Court Ave and turn right on N Main St. Turn left on Union Ave, then turn right. Go northwest on Barboro Aly and turn left on SR 14. Turn left on Beale St.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    Today Beale Street is a premier American entertainment district showcasing popular music that originated in Memphis and its hinterland. Originally, Beale Street was a major commercial center for the city. The South’s first black millionaire, Robert Church, purchased much of the property around Beale. In 1889, NAACP co-founder Ida B. Wells was a co-owner and editor of an anti-segregationist paper called Free Speech based on Beale. Beale Street Baptist Church, Tennessee’s oldest surviving African American Church edifice built in 1864, was also important in the early civil rights movement in Memphis.

    By the early 1900s, Beale Street was filled with clubs, restaurants and shops, many of them owned by African Americans. W.C. Handy, Father of the Blues, got his start on Beale Street where he composed “The Memphis Blues.” Later, another artist B.B. King got his start on Beale. The most famous Memphis artist, Elvis Presley, grew up within walking distance of Beale and it was here that gave him inspiration to create a new sound.

  • Stop 14: National Civil Rights Museum

    From previous stop: 2 minutes / 0.6 mi (1.0 km)
    Directions:

    Go west on Beale St, turn left on SR 14, then turn right on Saint Martin St. Turn right on E Butler Ave and arrive at the National Civil Rights Museum, on the left.
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    The museum is housed within the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated on April 4, 1968. The exhibits of the museum tell the story of the struggle for African American civil rights from the arrival of the first Africans in the British colonies in 1619 to the assassination of King in 1968.

  • End: Chucalissa and the C.H. Nash Museum

    From previous stop: 17 minutes / 9.9 mi (15.8 km)
    Directions:

    Go east on E Butler Ave, then turn right on Saint Martin St. Turn left on E Ge Patterson Ave. Continue on SR 14 and turn right at E Ge Patterson Ave to stay on SR 14. Continue on US 61 and turn right on E Mitchell Rd. Turn left on Plant Rd and arrive at Chucalissa Museum and Archeological site, on the left.

    Chucalissa, administered by the University of Memphis, allows visitors to step back in time to explore the culture of a people that flourished before the first Europeans landed in America. Chucalissa is Choctaw word for “abandoned house.” The archaeological remains tell us that the site was occupied, abandoned and reoccupied several times between 1000 and 1550 AD. The site was part of a larger political system called the Mississippian Culture (Mound Builders). At its height in the 15th Century, Chucalissa was home to 800 to 1,000 people. This culture inhabited the entire Lower Mississippi River Valley of which we have just experienced a small portion within Tennessee.

Totals for Day 2

Total Distance Traveled: 203.1 miles / 325.0 km
Total Travel Time: 6 hours 58 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 20 hours 30 minutes