If you are a history buff, then you will find a visit to Jasper fascinating! The county seat for Marion County was moved to Jasper from Whitwell (formerly Cheekville) in 1819. The courthouse was built on land that was deeded to the county by Elizabeth “Betsy” Pack, a Cherokee Indian woman and daughter of Cherokee Chief John Lowry and Nannie Watts.

According to Vicki Rozema in her book Footsteps of the Cherokees, Betsy operated a ferry on the Tennessee River. Her ferry was on approximately seven miles east of Lowry’s Ferry at the mouth of Battle Creek. Also, Betsy and her mother reportedly ran an inn called Lowry’s Place, located where Battle Creek empties into the Tennessee River.

Today, Jasper City Hall preserves the town’s history including one of the old Sequatchie Valley Line railroad depots. Visit the Jasper Regional History Museum to learn more about the town’s history including early Native American settlements, the Cherokee Removal, and the Civil War. Furthermore, guests will learn about the rise and fall of mining and railroad industries.

Take in Jasper’s Wild Side

Jasper is one of the charming towns on the Sequatchie Valley National Scenic Byway. Take in the captivating views while dining at Top of the Rock Restaurant and Brewery, or see them from the skies with a flight from Chattanooga Skydiving Company. Then, head off into the wilderness wonderland of hiking, rock climbing, and more.

The Sequatchie River flows just east of Jasper and passes under Highway 41 before emptying into the Tennessee River. Outdoor recreation assets surround Jasper like fishing at Nickajack Lake and hiking at Little Cedar Mountain Trail. Additionally, visitors can camp at Marion County Park. Because Jasper is near South Cumberland State Park, visitors can rock climb at nearby Foster Falls and Denny Cove.