The Calhoun Treaty of 1819 by the Cherokee Indians supplied this land. In 1836, General John Wool began the Cherokee removal process. By 1838, the removal became a "forced" removal, and culminated in "The Trail of Tears". General Wool set up headquarters in The "Bridges" Hotel, which became the "Robert E. Lee Hotel", located across from the courthouse. During the Civil War, the county was almost s
plit in half due to layalties to both sides. General William Sherman briefly used the Bridges Hotel during his "March to the Sea". By 1887, several investors had plans to make McMinn County industrialized. The Mayfield Family have always been prominent in this process. By 1920, several industires were established. In 1946, several World War II veterans ran for local office, hoping to remove a "Corrupt Government", deemed by them selves. After locking themselves with ballot boxes in the county jail, the "Battle of Athens" began. After arming themselves, the veterans exchanged gunfire from across the hill of the jail. The County authorities surrendered, the veterans won the elections, and he short battle was over. As of the 2000 census, population is around 13,000. The median household income is around $30,000. Today, prominent landmarks of Athens are The Daily Post Athenian, Mayfield Dairy Farms, WJSQ, Denso, Tennessee Wesleyan College, Riddle and Wallace Soda Shop, The Gondolier, and others.
