Carter County’s history is rich with significant events, and January has seen some notable milestones. This month, two important pieces of state legislation were introduced, along with one of the longest teachers’ strikes in the county’s history. These events reflect the evolving landscape of education and civic engagement in the region.
Formation of Johnson County
On January 2, 1836, the Tennessee State Assembly officially established Johnson County, located to the east of Carter County. The county was named in honor of early pioneer Thomas Johnson. While the county seat was not yet determined, it was decided that it would be named Taylorsville, after Colonel James P. Taylor. This name was later changed to Mountain City in 1885.
Legislative Actions and Teachers’ Strike
Fast forward to the turn of the 20th century, on January 22 and January 23, 1903, state representatives H.P. Richardson and William H. Nelson introduced bills in their respective legislative chambers. These bills proposed an appropriation of $2,000 for the creation of a monument to honor the patriots who gathered at Sycamore Shoals before the Battle of King’s Mountain.
The educational landscape faced turmoil on January 28, 1979, when Chancellor Jerry Scott jailed six teachers’ union officials for what he deemed “willful participation in an illegal strike.” He further threatened to jail all county teachers if they did not return to work. This strike, which had begun on December 18, 1978, lasted a total of 43 days, concluding on January 29, 1979.
These events are just a glimpse into the rich history of Elizabethton and Carter County. For those interested in exploring more about local history, the Archives of the City of Elizabethton, located at the Elizabethton-Carter County Public Library, offers extensive resources.
For inquiries or to discover more about Carter County’s past, individuals can contact the archives at 423-547-6360 or via email at [email protected]. Each new exploration can reveal fascinating insights into the community’s history.
