Welcome to Etowah. That Sounds Really Nice
January 22, 2021
On The Road Again
When I first came to Chattanooga back in the late 80’s, I was a feature reporter for a Chattanooga TV station. One of the best stories I covered took place on July 4th in Etowah, Tennessee. It was a celebration of America’s birthday in a place that people call a town that is charming, modern and tried and true. How about filling up your tank for a great drive along I-75 North to McMinn County.
TVFCU Finds Etowah
Last September, TVFCU opened its 19th branch and the fourth in-store branch inside the newly built Etowah Food City. I had a chance to revisit the town recently and spend a little more time exploring this city which now has the newest plant of the Waupaca Foundry. It’s here where they make a lot of parts for the automotive industry like the Ford F-150. By the way, the word Etowah comes from the Native American word meaning “town.”
All Aboard
If you want to truly experience a piece of Americana and our country’s past, Etowah and its history will teach you that it was the railroad that brought near and far closer together. Founded in 1906, this city was used as a location for a depot on the Louisville & Nashville Railroad or (L&N) line. It was part of a more direct route between Atlanta and Cincinnati. What’s left today of the so-called economic boom from the trains in Etowah is the L&N Depot Museum which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Staying with the train theme, make sure you ride on the historic Hiwassee River Rail excursion that takes you through the Cherokee National Forest and the river gorge.
Stay off the Tracks
If you prefer just walking through the town’s historic district, you need to check out the Gem Theater built in 1906. If flying is your favorite mode of transportation then you will really enjoy The Globe/Temco Swift Aircraft Museum. The Swift plane was built after World War Two. The museum houses the only source of Swift aircraft parts in the world. Who knew? It’s right there in Etowah.
Etowah Tomorrow
Right now a little more than 3400 people call Etowah home. There’s something about the pace of life and people who live in this area that interested TVFCU’s CEO, Todd Fortner. “This new branch brings added convenience to our members and a great opportunity to offer our products and services to new members in eastern McMinn County. By working with a like-minded collaborator like Food City, we are able to provide a one-stop experience for groceries and banking.” If you get a chance, stop into the Food City and meet our TVFCU team. They say small towns are like a big family where life is a little more peaceful. After the year we just had, Etowah sounds fantastic. Who knew?
~ Jed Mescon, TVFCU Community Outreach Liaison