Driving to my other job over-crowded 4 and 6 lane highways to mix with large crowds of people can be fun, but also lead to a need for some peace and quiet. For me that comes with a trip down to the pasture and creek to visit with Ruth the mule and her horse friend Chester, and often with deer, turkeys and other critters. Well over three decades at this newspaper job have also provided many opportunities to explore our beautiful section of East Tennessee and meet many unique and memorable people.
One of my favorite escapes is to head out to Hancock County which offers seemingly endless scenic views that remain beautiful through each season. One of the least populated counties in the state with around 6,900 people, Hancock is home to friendly, proud and hardworking folks. Established in 1848, Hancock County was created from parts of Hawkins and Claiborne Counties and was named for John Hancock who so boldly signed the Declaration of Independence.
Hancock’s northern borders are along the state of Virginia. Two of Tennessee’s cleanest rivers, the Clinch and its Powell River tributary, begin in Virginia and continue on a 300 mile trip that winds through Hancock on their way to the Tennessee River, and which offer an outdoor lifestyle to those who visit or live along the banks. In 1933 the Norris Dam was constructed to provide electricity and flood control and a portion of the Clinch River would become Norris Lake.
Prior to that time, the Clinch was a major producer of fresh wa.