The Trust, with the generous support of local foundations, recently added Shakerag Hollow to the National Historic Register.  Shakerag, established in the 1880's by the McNabb Coal and Coke Company, was one of many company towns that developed in the mid- to late 1800's along the Cumberland Plateau.  Permanently abandoned circa 1905, Shakerag remains a community rich in ruins that document the rise and eventual decline of the mining industry in southeast Tennessee.  Documented by the state archaeology office in 1984, the brief Phase I survey conducted at that time recorded thirty-four remaining structures, including ruins of the original school (as seen in the image above), commissary, hotel, coke ovens, rail incline, and worker housing.  Many of the documented structures, however, retain only foundation walls and remnants of chimneys.  This is one of the most intact historic archaeological sites relating to late nineteenth century mining in the entire state of Tennessee.  Nevertheless, it is deteriorating, and without documentation and awareness of its historical and archaeological importance, Shakerag may disappear from the landscape forever.  The Trust is working now to devise a restoration and management plan for Shakerag.   

Along similar lines, the Trust is committed to collecting oral accounts of Gorge history from as many knowledgeable residents as possible.  Efforts are currently underway and if you know someone that has a story to tell about the Gorge, please have them contact us at 423-266-0314 - we would love to hear their story!