Copperhill raises funds for a new statue

How community comes together

COPPERHILL, Tenn. (WDEF) – Copperhill is raising funds for a new miner’s statue in its community.

The town is regularly known for its train rides and white-water rafting adventures, but as the name might imply, the small town has a history with copper mining. 

Placed right in the copper basin, the community started as a boom town and today stands as a tourist hotspot, but the people want to remember their roots and most importantly, those who made the town possible. 

None of this would have been possible, however, without The Tennessee 250 program.

The grant program donated $25,000 dollars to the copper hill community, but to erect the bronze statue, they still need $3,800

So, the locals banded together at Buck Bald Brewery, listening to music and raising funds with t-shirts and food. 

According to many, this statue stands as a memorial, reminding everyone that as the town grows and changes, their roots can still be seen in the mines. 

“Our identity is centered around the river, and it centered trains, so we’ve slowly lost that miner’s connection,” said Mayor of Copperhill Greg Barker. “That’s why we’re trying to bring back the miner’s statue.” 

The original wooden statue was destroyed by the elements in a storm.

The town hopes that this new reminder of their history will live on not just in tangible form, but in the hearts and minds of those who view it.

Further donations can be mailed via check to Copperhill town hall, or through their website at www.copperhill.gov.