Green McAdoo Cultural Center
On December 15, 1953, a group of African-American men were arrested in Clinton, Tennessee for failing to pay property taxes on their home. They were soon charged with “vagrancy” and sentenced to hard labor at the notorious Brushy Mountain State Prison Farm. The men were later transferred to another prison farm, Lake County Farm in Pontotoc, Mississippi. There they worked under deplorable conditions for little pay and without adequate supplies. These conditions led many of the men who called themselves the Clinton 12 to form a resistance movement against their constant mistreatment by prison guards and other white supremacists within the prison system. In honor of this famous saga of prisoners fighting back against injustice, the Green McAdoo Cultural Center located at 101 School St, Clinton, TN 37716, aims to create a space where visitors can learn about the history surrounding its namesake’s family farm as well as explore stories about this forgotten time in American history. This article will discuss everything you need to know about the history behind the 12 men known as the Clinton 12 and how you can visit their legacy today!
The Origins of the Clinton 12
Before we discuss the Clinton 12, we need to discuss the men who founded the Green McAdoo Cultural Center. In the early 1900s, the Green family owned and operated a farm in the Great Smoky Mountains as well as other businesses in the area. During the Great Depression, the Green’s suffered as many other businesses did, and the farm was eventually auctioned off in 1933 for $600. However, the Green family was not ready to let go of their farm, as it was something many generations of their family had worked on. Despite the auction, the Green’s began to work with the local community to pursue a government grant to purchase the farm back. In 1946, the Delta Land Commission approved a $22,000 grant to the Green family, which allowed them to purchase the farm back. Next
The Green McAdoo Cultural Center
Now that we know a bit about the origins of the Clinton 12, we can move on to the Green McAdoo Cultural Center! In 1997, the Greens opened the first facility of the Green McAdoo Agricultural Center. This center focused on tours, events, and classes about the area’s history and agricultural lifestyle. Throughout the years, the Green family received many requests from neighboring schools and organizations to open a facility that focused solely on the Clinton 12 figure. On January 22, 2018, the Green McAdoo Cultural Center officially opened. This space is the culmination of the Green family’s goal to give visitors a glimpse into the history of the Great Smoky Mountains while educating them on one of the most overlooked stories of the 20th century.
Visiting the Green McAdoo Cultural Center
As you can see, the Green McAdoo Cultural Center is a very unique place. However, there are many places in town that are great for a visit as well! Here are a few suggestions for your trip: -Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitor Center - This is a great starting point for your trip, as it is a great resource for all things related to the park and its history. In addition to the visitor center, the Green McAdoo Cultural Center is also located in the park, which is great for anyone looking to visit the two in one day! -Visit the Clinton Public Library - This is a great place to learn more about the Clinton 12, as it is a local library that is well-known and has a great selection of books. -Eat at Sweet Martha’s Table - This sweet little spot has some of the best Southern cuisine in town, and they have great chicken biscuits with honey butter! -Take a Walking Tour - There are many options available, such as the Great Smoky Mountain Smorgasboard Walking Tour and the Great American Walking Tour. Both of these are great options for anyone looking to learn more about the area!
Conclusion
The Green McAdoo Cultural Center is a great place to learn about the Clinton 12 story, and it is only getting bigger in the years to come. This is a great place to visit if you are a fan of the history of the area, and it is also a great place for anyone looking to support a local institution! From a visitor’s perspective, there are many things to do in Clinton, but the Green McAdoo Cultural Center is one of the best ways to learn about the town and its history. If you have the chance, visit this historic site and learn about the Clinton 12! Read more