COUNTIES
Along The Byway
Pickett County
Pickett County was formed in 1879 from portions of Overton and Fentress counties.
Visitor Center
Byrdstown-Pickett County Chamber of Commerce
1005 Livingston Hwy. (Hwy. 111)
P.O. Box 447
Byrdstown, TN 38549
Phone: 931-864-7195
Toll Free: 1-888-406-4704
Fax: 931-864-6845
Founded: 1879
Population: 5,077
Total Area: 174 square miles
Water Area: 12 square miles
Density: 29.18 residents/square mile
County Seat: Byrdstown – Population: 903
Largest City: Byrdstown – Population: 903
The Cumberland Historic Byway continues its northerly route through Pickett County to the Kentucky state line on US 127 / SR 28, before turning toward the southwest along SR 42. Pickett County was formed in 1879 from portions of Overton and Fentress counties and was named in honor of Tennessee state legislator Howell L. Pickett. The county, renowned for its scenic beauty, encompasses 240 square miles in upper Middle Tennessee and is the least populous county in the state. Over the years, Pickett County farmers have produced such agricultural products as corn, wheat, oats, grasses, and livestock. However, with the completion of Dale Hollow Reservoir by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1943, the county lost the majority of its best farmland and one quarter of its population. Timber production was the dominant industry in the early 20th century, but the later construction of modern highways through the Upper Cumberland region, combined with inexpensive electricity provided by Dale Hollow Dam, attracted light industry and clothing manufacturers to the county, most notably OshKosh B’Gosh. Pickett County features two National Register-listed properties: the Cordell Hull Birthplace and the Pickett County Courthouse. In addition, 140 architectural resources are located within the one-mile buffer of the Scenic Byway. These resources were originally surveyed by Tennessee Tech University in 1991. Tennessee Historical Commission historical markers located along the route of the Byway include one recognizing Cordell Hull. The marker is located on SR 42 and provides direction to the birthplace of former U.S. Secretary of State Cordell Hull. Another marker located on SR 42 is titled “Tennessee Lead” and describes how a stolen black and tan hound was sold to George Washington Maupin, who would later breed the dog to become the sire of all Walker, Trigg, and Goodman fox hounds.
The Pickett County Courthouse was listed on the National Register in 1995 for its significance with the governmental history of Pickett County. Located on the Byrdstown public square, the Pickett County Courthouse was completed in 1935 and has served as the center of county politics and government for nearly 80 years. Designed by the Nashville-based architectural firm of Marr and Holman, the Pickett County Courthouse is a representative example of the Colonial Revival style dressed with regional Crab Orchard stone.
The Cordell Hull Birthplace is situated on a ridge between the Wolf and Obed rivers in Pickett County. The property was listed on the National Register in 1971 for its association with former U.S. Secretary of State Cordell Hull, who served in the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Administration from 1933 to 1944. Hull had previously served as both a U.S. congressman and senator. Known as the “Father of the United Nations,” Hull was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1945. According to the National Register form, the log cabin is the only place in Tennessee that is directly associated with Hull. Constructed ca. 1870, the Cordell Hull Birthplace consists of a single-room cabin composed of hewn logs. Connected to the back of the cabin is a log kitchen building that is connected to the cabin by an open breezeway.
Archaeological Sites
Cordell Hull Birthplace
Pickett County, Tennessee
The Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park and Museum is a historic site owned by the State of Tennessee. The site consists of a restoration and renovation of Hull’s log cabin birthplace, which is an activities center and a museum housing documents and artifacts. The Cordell Hull Birthplace was listed on the NRHP in 1971 for its association with Secretary of State Cordell Hull, who served in the Franklin D. Roosevelt Administration from 1933 to 1944. The historic site features a ca. 1870 single-room cabin composed of hewn logs and a log kitchen building that is connected to the main cabin by an open breezeway.
Cultural Sites
Highway 127 Yard Sale
Pickett & Fentress Counties, Tennessee
Every year, individuals clean out their closets and stake out their front yards along the Hwy. 127 corridor, stretching over 690 miles from Addison, Michigan, to Gadsden, Alabama. They band together as communities, in groups, or as individuals, and over a four-day weekend, they welcome the onslaught of visitors from the north, south east and west. It is a mutual exchange of cultures with a common goal: to look, buy, and sell! As you drive the country roads, you will hear a collection of dialects, be privy to incredible stories related to the individuals and the items they sell, and see a plethora of items that only your grandmother could love.
Upper Cumberland Quilt Trail
Multiple counties in Tennessee
The Upper Cumberland Quilt Trail is part of a commitment to preserve the historical craft of traditional quilting. By following the maps, you will see not only the beautiful and historic barns owned by local farm families, but also gorgeous quilt squares displayed on businesses and homes in the various communities. Quilt squares range from 2’x2’ to 8’x8’ wood squares. The blocks are replicas of treasured family heirlooms. In painting their favorite patterns on barns, businesses, and homes, we are honoring local quilters who are well known for their skills of using every piece of scrap fabric to create a beautiful work of art that is also a useful item in the home.
Good Neighbors Theatre
Good Neighbors Theater got its start under the direction of the Friends of Cordell Hull in 2000, later becoming a separate organization. GNT, an all-volunteer organization, has been hosting performances of all kinds — plays, dinner theater, mystery theater, music, and magic — since its start. These events have taken place in a variety of venues — churches, restaurants, gymnasiums, and school auditoriums (including one in a neighboring county).
Historic Sites
Pickett County Courthouse
Byrdstown, Tennessee
The Pickett County Courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995 for its significance with the governmental history of Pickett County. Located in Byrdstown’s public square, the courthouse was completed in 1935 and has served as the center of county politics and government for the last 78 years. Designed by the Nashville-based architectural firm of Marr and Holman, the Pickett County Courthouse is a representative example of a Colonial Revival style building dressed with regional Crab Orchard stone.
Recreational Sites
Sunset Marina
Pickett County, Tennessee
Sunset Marina & Resort is located on Dale Hollow Lake, just eight miles south of the Kentucky-Tennessee border, immediately off of Hwy. 111. Sunset is known as the most accessible resort on the lake, and upon arrival, you will find ample parking, several launch ramps, and a friendly crew ready to assist you. Sunset Marina is a full-service facility featuring a floating restaurant with a spectacular view, and a ship’s store that offers groceries, souvenirs, fishing gear, tackle, live bait, fishing license, fuel, and much more.
Scenic Sites
Dale Hollow Lake
Pickett County, Tennessee
Dale Hollow Lake is known for its clear water, smallmouth bass fishing, and the best marinas in Tennessee. Located in several counties, Dale Hollow Lake has an endless amount of land to explore. Dale Hollow is famous for its fishing; however, with its rolling hills of undeveloped shoreline, Dale Hollow has many scenic overlooks and great sightseeing. Dale Hollow Lake is ideal for a family vacation and provides houseboat and cabin rentals, skiing, tubing, fishing, hiking, and more. Visit the Dale Hollow Lake Welcome Center to learn more about what there is to do in the area.
Obey River Recreation Area
Pickett County, Tennessee
Obey River Recreation Area is a spacious campground located on the shores of Dale Hollow Lake in the hills of Tennessee. The campground provides the largest camping area at the lake, as well as the largest and most visited swimming beach. Dale Hollow Dam and Lake were completed in 1943. Although the dam was built for flood control and power generation, it has now become a recreational oasis for more than 3 million visitors each year. The dam is located on the Obey River, about 3 miles east of Celina, Tennessee. Surrounded by a thick expanse of forest, the clear blue lake creates a stunning scenic backdrop for a variety of water and land recreational activities. In the late fall through early spring, the American Bald Eagle can be spotted flying overhead or perched on low-lying limbs. Dale Hollow hosts the second largest wintering eagle population in the states of Tennessee and Kentucky.
Dining
The Farmhouse
The Farmhouse offers a selection of down-home cooking combined with their Farmhouse’s own specialties. Come and try the hot bar and salad bar today! The owners grow all their vegetables when in season to help supply fresh produce for the restaurant.
Big Springs Bar and Grill
The Big Springs Bar and Grill is a sports bar between Livingston and Byrdstown.
The Dixie Cafe
The Dixie Cafe is a small-town casual restaurant located on the square in Byrdstown, Tennessee, just minutes from Dale Hollow Lake. The Dixie Café features live bluegrass music every Friday and Saturday night.
Lodging
The Cottages at Dale Hollow
The Cottages offer you seasonal lakeview getaways with clean, comfortable efficiencies and the convenience of all the amenities to make your vacation relaxing and enjoyable. Enjoy seasonal lakeviews, as well as an early morning sunrise and dusty dawn sunsets just minutes away from and overlooking beautiful Dale Hollow Lake!