Humphreys: History, Art and Nature

A train derailment followed by a propane tank explosion, historic sites and an outdoor art park give Humphreys a multifaceted character. These places tell stories from different chapters of history while also offering opportunities for walks, recreation and cultural discovery.

Memorials and History

The Waverly Train Explosion Memorial commemorates the train derailment and subsequent propane tank explosion in 1978. The disaster claimed 16 lives and left another 43 people seriously injured. A state historic marker stands at the site. A museum about the explosion of February 24, 1978, is housed in a Louisville & Nashville Railroad caboose.

Johnsonville State Historic Park commemorates Johnsonville Depot, the Battle of Johnsonville and the historic town of Johnsonville. The town existed from 1864 to 1944, before Kentucky Lake was created. The park thus brings together several aspects of local history: a railroad hub, a military event and the story of the former town. At the Humphreys County Museum & Butterfield House, meanwhile, the focus is on a preserved house dating from the early 20th century.

The exhibits at the Humphreys County Museum & Butterfield House include artifacts from the American Civil War, tributes to local figures, and displays about local musicians, artists and residents. The museum is surrounded by Fort Hill, an earthen fortification from the Civil War. It was built and defended by the 13th U.S. Colored Troops. The house, museum and fort therefore offer different perspectives on the area’s history.

Culture and Local Traditions

The St. Patrick’s Irish Picnic and Homecoming in McEwen takes place annually on the last Friday and Saturday in July. The history of the St. Patrick’s Irish Picnic dates back to 1854: it began as a fundraiser for a church bell. If you’re planning your trip around the festival, you can check that year’s event dates as part of your planning.

Loretta Lynn’s Ranch includes the Coal Miner’s Daughter Museum and Loretta’s historic home. Enoch’s Mill is another historic site in the region: the small log mill was built in the 1930s as a corn mill and to provide electricity to a farm. The two sites show different sides of the region’s cultural heritage—on the one hand, a museum and historic home; on the other, a former mill and power facility.

Trails, Nature and Outdoor Art

Johnsonville State Historic Park has about 10 miles of well-maintained trails for hiking and walking. Other possible activities include birdwatching, geocaching, swimming, bank fishing and picnicking. You can focus on a hike or consider a range of recreational activities during your stay.

The Duck River Unit of the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge lies at the confluence of the Duck and Tennessee rivers in Humphreys and Benton counties. Visitor amenities at the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge include refuge roads, several hiking trails, wildlife observation platforms and other facilities, an auto tour, 23 boat ramps and a fishing pier. Along with the trails, there are opportunities for wildlife viewing and activities on the water.

Waverly Walls Art Park is a five-acre outdoor art space with more than 80 paintable surfaces. Artists can paint there at their own discretion. The size of the site and the number of paintable surfaces give the park a different character from the historic sites: here, the act of creating art itself takes center stage.

Discover more destinations: Hurricane Mills, Lawrence County, Davidson, Lauderdale County, Greene, Fayette County, Morgan County, Giles County.

For the overview of the wider region: Tennessee.