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For some people, April 15 may not seem like much of a day to celebrate, but for residents of Etowah, Tennessee a party is definitely brewing. That date is Etowah’s Centennial Anniversary Celebration.

“We’ll be serving free cake and ice cream at the L & N Depot.,” said Durant Tullock, Etowah Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. “We will also be having an Easter egg hunt and bluegrass entertainment during the event.”

The birthday party isn’t the only festivity planned to commemorate such a grand milestone, the town will be celebrating their century mark with a variety of events throughout the year. Parades, pageants, parties, presentations and more fill the 2006 calendar.

On April 29, The American Old West Cowboys Organization will be holding events throughout the day on the L & N Depot grounds. This will include displays and exhibitions such as fast draw, bullwhip, and gunfight demonstrations. A frontier camp will also be set up so visitors can get a taste of cowboy life.

 

Etowah is a gracious welcoming little town with a population of approximately 3,850. Although there are buildings on the main street that are in need of renovation, visitors are surprised by the many quality shopping venues. Upscale department and home décor stores, antique shops and discount merchants line the streets. There are also several great restaurants and cafes from which to choose. At the Gem Theater, visitors can see entertaining performing arts productions presented by talented local players. 

The L & N Depot Museum is a real treasure. This restored historical center was built along with the town in 1906. It plays host to railroad memorabilia, local school history, and other rotating exhibits.

 The town of Etowah is named from a Creek Indian word “Itawa” meaning “tribe” or “town,” but no one really knows why it was conferred on the place. Since it was the first city ever to be planned by the L & N Railroad, it is fitting that speculation about the name is tied to its benefactor. According to legend, “a train crew coming from Atlanta, picked up a sign from the muddy Etowah River and posted it at the new muddy site of the Atlanta Division Headquarters and the name remained.”

 As with many such towns, Etowah has ebbed and flowed with the peaks and valleys of railroad history. In the 1930s, the town took a major hit with the closing of most of the L & N shops, but over the years, the city has battled back with the recruitment of new businesses and industries. Etowah has seen positive growth in industry and retail over the past decade and the opportunity of future growth is strong.

 “During the past 100 years, Etowah has earned the reputation of being a friendly community with caring citizens, which has made Etowah a great place to live,” said Tullock. “Visitors and locals alike enjoy the uniqueness of Etowah’s business district and our family-style atmosphere.” 

“While keeping its unique downtown-shopping district,” Tullock continues, “Etowah has stretched the business sector to all parts of Highway 411. Etowah is known throughout the region as an antique and discount store mecca with a business community of locally owned businesses that provide personal customer service that is difficult to find in other cities. Civic pride is the strength of our community.”

 If you are interested in the history of Etowah, Tullock is the man to ask. He grew up there and has amassed more than 3500 photos chronicling the history of the area with probably just as many stories to accompany them. And if he doesn’t know the details of some local event, he can definitely point you to someone who does.

 For more information on upcoming Etowah centennial activities, visit etowahcoc.org. Better yet, just drive on down for a visit and see firsthand this small slice of good old-fashioned small-town Americana.