Today's delivery was to South Pittsburg. I turned off of Hwy 72, within sight of the interstate. The road went through Battle Creek, a TVA managed public land.
The turn off dropped twenty feet or so into a low, wetland area. I thought maybe it was flooded like this because its been a rainy spring. But then I saw the signs, and realized it's like this all the time.
The gravel road was solid, and water flowed across it a couple of inches deep in several places. It was clear water, making me think maybe there are springs flowing towards the creek. On both sides of the road, it was swampy, and low.
When I got back and took a break, I looked up TVA Battle Creek, and this is what I found...
quick summary...The Union and Confederates fought for and passed through this area all during the war. In August 1862, there was a 12 hour bombing of the Union's encampment at the mouth of Battle Creek. That location is about where the Sonic is now.
The link also talks about how both armies took livestock and food from the people in this farm community. More so the North, because they occupied the land more than the South.
Here is a link to a detailed history of South Pittsburg, before, during, and after the Civil War:
https://www.historicsouthpittsburgtn.org/SPHistory1.html
The wetland area and the creek is unique, and worth learning more about!
Here is a link to an article by Bob Butters, about paddling Battle Creek. Well written and interesting.
https://www.southeasttennessee.com/paddling-battle-creek/
At the back of the property, the gravel road rises several feet, crosses railroad tracks, and continues through a big farm. I made the delivery, and talked for a couple of minutes. The people and even the dogs are friendly back there.
I returned, along the same gravel road, slowly, in first and second gear. Back through the wetland, stopping to take the pictures above through the open driver's side window. Then back to reality.
It's good to slow down and appreciate these unique places.