Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1871-05-31
FACTS ABOUT EAST TENNESSEE.
Notes About our Towns and Cities
No. XXI.

We give rs our article on East Tennes-
seelsofne eonimunieations from idiferent
points in East Tennessee, showing the
spirit of improvement being developed,
and the feelings with which our people
write on this subject of emigration. We
know many sections where the people are
now fully aroused az to the necessities of
more population, and we believe it will be
manifested in heartier welcome being
extended to immigrants. -aIsaa wv '
Our first letter below Is from Athens, a
point about IS miles west Of this city.
Riceville is few miles further west, both
in o rich and fertile section:
IMPRovEMENT-LETTE FROM ATHENS.
Evidently where the spirit of improve
ment, liberality and enterprize is mani
tested. those manifesting the same are en-
titled to commendation and encourage
ment. The public generally take an in
terest in hearing of the country being de-
veloped, villages and towns growing, and
the communities prospering and judging
from the general tone of the CHRONICLE,
4 suppose that its editors are not only not
indifferent on this subject, but really and
decidedly hold this as one of the most i'm
portant objects of their journal. To lend
Il helping hand, or rather show willing
hand, and that credit may be given where
1T is due, i wish now to speak of Riceville
and surroundings.
Just little south of Athens the hills
and ridges separate and spread out what
is known as "Dry Valley" This valley
with its unbroken chain of farms and
dotted with mansions and cottages, ex-
tends to the the town of Calhoun on Hi
wassee, q distance of twelve miles. Per-
'haps the average width is something more
than one mile. The East Tennessee and
Georgia Railroad winds through the CEN
ter. The soil is not as highly productive
as the Sweetwater valley and some other
portions of East Tennessee, but perhaps
is better adapted to all kinds of produce,
very fine crops of all kinds are procured
annually from every field--an entire fail
,lre almost unknown-and those engaged
i'll cultivating the soil are "well-to-do
farmers" 1t is truly desirable section.
But about equally distant from each
extremity of this valley, and Immediately
on the line of Railroad, is situated the
town of Riceville. Five years ago five
or six II houses composed the place
Now there are between fifty and seven--
ty-fve buildings and perhaps a thou
sand inhabitants. There are now six or
seven stores, a lanyard, number of hand
some, superb dwellings, an academy of
commodious dimensions called the "Rice-
vile Institute" }" a church now i'm progress
of erection by the members of the NJ. T..
Church, and also one spoken of by the NJ.
+. Church South. The citizens are also
discussing the matterof building college.
The new NJ. T.. Church occupies an eleya-
ted position though convenient to all, and
when completed will he the first church
erected in the place, and q credit to the citi-
Zens. It 'CiU be completed The energy
of the Ricevillians alone would Justify this
prediction, but in addition to this, Esq.
Parkinson and Mr.. Stanfield, two of the
most enfiuential men of the town--tuLy
ctizenS-have bound and pledged them
selves that II shall be accomplished. The
energy and liberality of the people would
justify the same prediction, as to the M.
II. Church South contemplated and the
proposed college. ,4.
was assured bya leading man that
when an individual desiring to purchase
n building lot, dwelling or business
house, with the intention of locating
among them, and was q man of energy or
would be an advantage in any way he
ICOutd be accommodated IN some tCotu
Not only do they ,oetconle immigrants in this
cray ba they do so by their mdgild,ain,ity IN,
regard TO any differences OF opinions that
may necessarily esist dnot6y their ge,serosi-
~ and socia6itity. The recent Sabbath
School picnic, o report of which you have
already had was the very strongest evil
dence Of this. Those, of different political
proclivities, those of different denomina-
tional predictions, old and young, saint
and sinner, all mingled together in the
mirth and festiyity Of picnic, ,haying for
its ultiinat object the advancemeTlt of an
institution alike beneficial to all. The day
was delightful. Every one was in a holt
day mood. The good people had prepared
refreshments "pLonty and to s0dgep
There was a holiday social rejoicing. One
could almost observe the true spirit of So
ciability, elevating the people above any
thing like prejudice and hatred.
If Riceville makes such rapid strides of
progress In coming years sshe has in the
past five what is she destined to be f?
Evidently rival of Athens, if not that
already. If those who hold the real estate
and capital of the latter place do not be-
come little more inspired with the spirit
of enterprise and improvement, and not
only encourage it but actually make sacri-
fees for the same they need not bc sur
prised in a few years at having to attend
the courts of justice for McAIinn county
in the town of Riceville. Be that as it
may, the future Of this rapidly growing
town is ominously prosperous one. The
Riceyillians deserve honor for their efforts
thir direction. .-.ittC. NJ. M. /
ATHENS, May 27th, 1871. efe 10.
BIG VALLEY Union Co TENN