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A local treasure:
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The Watauga Dam project began in the early 1940s but was stopped when materials and men were diverted to World War II. The museum has an exhibit dedicated to the contributions and effects of World War II on the Watauga Valley people. Some who left to serve were killed in action. The ones who did return came back to see their homes and town in the process of moving to the new Butler location. |
The history of the Watauga Valley goes back much further than The Dam, of course. Daniel Boone made visits through the area as early as 1769 as he traveled to and from western North Carolina and Kentucky. A grist mill was established by Zeke Smith by 1820 and the area was know as Smith's Mill as late as 1860. It was eventually named for Colonel Roderick Butler a senator and a lawyer from Mountain City. (see link at the bottom of this page) ( Russ Calhoun's book, "Lost Heritage: The People of Old Butler, Tennessee, and the Watauga Valley" ( The Overmountain Press 1998 ) is a comprehensive resource of the people of the area and is available in the bookstore on this site and at the Butler Museum. ) |
One visit to the museum shows the truly unique story it tells. And how fortunate today's visitors are to hear the story from people who lived it. |
| Present-day Butler and Watauga Lake: |
Recommended Reading: |
 Recommended Links: |
Many people and organizations have contributed to the creation and maintenance of the Butler Museum. As you walk to the front door you will pass over embossed bricks with the names of those contributors.