Deep within the Cherokee National Forest, along the banks of the Ocoee River, lie the remnants of a once-thriving community: Caney Creek Village. Established in the early 20th century to house workers constructing the Ocoee Dam No. 2, this secluded settlement boasted modern amenities uncommon for its time. Though abandoned in 1941, the village’s legacy endures, both in the physical traces left behind and in the continued flow of the river it helped harness.
A Hidden Community with Modern Conveniences
Caney Creek Village was constructed between 1912 and 1913 by the Eastern Tennessee Power Company to accommodate workers building the Ocoee Dam No. 2. Despite its remote location, the village featured amenities such as electricity, running water, concrete sidewalks, a tennis court, a hotel, telephones, a school, and a church—luxuries that were rare in rural areas during that era. Notably, the village lacked stores, emphasizing its role as a company town focused on dam construction and operation. Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3carolinaocoee.com+3Benton MacKaye Trail Association
Transportation to and from Caney Creek was unique; no automobiles ever reached the village. Instead, residents relied on a trolley system that connected them to the outside world, underscoring the community’s isolation and the ingenuity employed to maintain connectivity. Benton MacKaye Trail Association
The Engineering Marvel of Ocoee Dam No. 2
The Ocoee Dam No. 2, completed in 1913, is a hydroelectric dam situated in Polk County, Tennessee. What sets it apart is its innovative design: a 5-mile wooden flume that channels water from the reservoir down the Ocoee Gorge to the powerhouse, utilizing a 250-foot drop to generate electricity. This design was particularly efficient, allowing for significant power generation despite the dam’s modest 30-foot height. carolinaocoee.com+18Wikipedia+18Wikipedia+18
The dam’s construction was part of a broader effort to meet the growing electricity demands of the early 20th century, particularly for industrial centers like Chattanooga. The success of Ocoee Dam No. 2 played a crucial role in the region’s development and set a precedent for future hydroelectric projects. Wikipedia
Abandonment and Legacy
By 1941, operations at Caney Creek Village ceased, leading to its abandonment. Over time, nature reclaimed much of the area, leaving behind only stone foundations and steps as silent witnesses to the past. However, the impact of the village and the dam endures. The Ocoee River, regulated by the dam, has become a premier destination for whitewater rafting, offering thrilling rapids that attract adventurers from around the world. Goodreads+1AbeBooks+1Wikipedia
The transformation of the Ocoee River into a recreational hub is a testament to the lasting influence of early 20th-century engineering and the communities that supported such endeavors.
Visiting Caney Creek Today
For those interested in exploring this historical site, a moderate 7-mile hike through the Cherokee National Forest leads to the remnants of Caney Creek Village. Hikers can observe the remaining artifacts and imagine the lives of those who once inhabited this secluded community. The trail includes a significant creek crossing and offers a tangible connection to the region’s rich history. Benton MacKaye Trail Association
Further Exploration
To delve deeper into the story of Caney Creek and its role in the development of the Ocoee River region, consider reading The History of Caney Creek Village by Debbie S. Moore. This comprehensive account provides detailed insights into the village’s establishment, daily life, and eventual decline. Goodreads+1AbeBooks+1
The story of Caney Creek Village is a poignant reminder of the transient nature of human endeavors and the enduring impact of our pursuits. Though the village itself has faded into history, its contributions to the region’s development and the ongoing adventures on the Ocoee River continue to resonate.
QUIZ Time!!!
Take the Abandoned Caney Creek Community Quiz to see how much you learned.
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