Have you ever heard of a town that’s actually in 3 places at once? Sounds impossible, right? Well, Oliver Springs is proof that it’s not! This small town, located in Morgan, Anderson and Roane Counties, was once well-known as a vacation destination due to its beautiful hotel and natural springs.
Historic Oliver Springs was founded in 1821 as a coal mining town. The small town of 3000 people was incorporated in 1905, and is known for their pre-1900s buildings. Some of these include a former hospital, a family general store, and a train depot that serves as a museum/library. A walking tour brochure showcasing all of the beauty of Oliver Springs is available at the Roane County Visitors Center (1209 N Kentucky St in Kingston).
Downtown’s Train Depot Museum is a must-see! Built c. 1893, the Oliver Springs Depot was one of the busiest of the Coster Division. Its popularity grew along with the nationally known Oliver Springs Resort Hotel and nearby coal production. The last passenger train pulled through the depot in 1968. In 1983 Southern Railway planned to demolish the structure. The town rallied for saving this historic remnant and eventually struck a deal with Southern Railway, provided it would be removed from the site and relocated elsewhere. In 1986, the citizens of Oliver Springs were able to have the building moved across the street with the help of TVA. Today, you can even get up close and personal with a train caboose, ticket station and more! The Depot Museum is located at 610 Walker Avenue.
Oliver Springs is also home to one of the country’s largest distributors of confections, Country Fresh Fudge, and its retail store, Pamela Anne’s. Be sure to stop in and load up on sweet treats while in town!
