It disappeared quietly years ago. Having honored the miners who helped build Copperhill, the statute at the entrance to the city was removed when it fell into disrepair.
Ever since it’s disappearance, the question of “what happened?” has surfaced time and again.
Now, thanks to a $25,000 grant, a new statue to honor miners will soon be erected.
Copperhill Mayor Greg Barker announced the grant award Friday, March 6, and later in a prepared statement.
The grant came from the Tennessee America 250 initiatives from the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. Designed to preserve history, the grant will be the primary funding for a statute to recognize the historic mining heritage of Copperhill and surrounding communities.
“Erecting a miner’s statue in Copperhill will serve as a lasting tribute to the laborers who worked tirelessly both underground and above ground to build this community. It honors not only the miners, but also the many workers in other trades who supported the mining and chemical operations and helped shape the Copper Basin’s strong sense of community, a learned respect for nature, and authentic heritage...we can recognize the hardworking families whose contributions helped shape our region, our beloved Tennessee, and nation for generations” Barker said.
The State of Tennessee made available funding to be administered by the Tennessee State Museum. Full or partial grant awards have been made for 194 grants representing 73 counties. As with all grants, the funds must be used as designated.
The grant is another award orchestrated by the county’s Three Star Grant committee, in this case in coordination with the City of Copperhill.
The committee operates under the Joint Economic Community Development Board. Since being formed less than a year ago by County Executive Robby Hatcher, the group has secured $774,000 in grant funding for three county projects.
Barker said, “Thank you to everyone who supported this effort, and a special thank you to Monica Farrow for her dedication in securing this grant.”