A Civil War Visitor Returns to Monterey, Tennessee
Originally published February 2023 · pp. 11
A Civil War Visitor Returns to Monterey, Tennessee Late last month the Town of Monterey installed a new Civil War Trails sign. The new sign explores the life of a Union general, a native of New York who moved to Monterey after the Civil War. The new sign also solidifies the Monterey Depot Museum as part of the Civil War Trails program, a multi-state tourism initiative. The project was a result of the continued partnership between
CivilWarNews.com the Museum, the mayor’s office, and Civil War Trails, Inc. Although the sign itself is educational, the program and its partners advertise the sites and stories internationally. The Museum is one of two Civil War Trails sites in the county, one of over 350 in the state, and one of over 1,400 across the breadth of the program. “Each site is promoted by a partnership of local and regional destination marketing organizations and state travel offices,” said Drew Gruber, Executive Director of Civil War Trails, Inc. “This means that we are daily serving economic development by the carload.” The Civil War Trails program indicates that their visitors often spend between $600-$1,000 per trip and stay average of two to three nights. As their audiences grow younger, visitors are interested in trips combining local amenities like history, breweries, hikes, music, and local B&Bs. This sentiment was echoed by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “Tennessee’s historic sites and trails serve an important role in driving tourism in Tennessee,” said Commissioner Mark Ezell, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “This new marker is an important addition to help tell the story of Monterey and create economic impact when visitors come to explore the town’s rich history and visit its local businesses.”
The new sign content was reviewed by the Monterey Depot Museum team, including Rafferty Cleary and Alderman
Jason Shaffer from Civil War Trails levels the new sign. The updated sign not only tells a new story but was adjusted to help improve accessibility for visitors in wheelchairs or those with visual impairments. (Courtesy, Civil War Trails, Inc.)
Jim Whitaker. Rafferty Cleary, Cultural Administrator for the Town of Monterey said, “I am thrilled to know that the Monterey Depot Museum will continue to be a part of the Civil War Trails program,” Cleary said. “This addition adds to the plethora of museum artifacts and attractions that continue to draw thousands of visitors to Monterey each year.” The staff at Civil War Trails designed and installed the new sign, recycling and reusing materials from the previous sign on site. The work was made possible by the annual participation in the program by Mayor Mark Farley’s office. Alderman Jim Whitaker said, “I’m proud to know that the Town of Monterey continues to support the efforts of the Civil War Trails program. This marker is uniquely positioned where the Wilder home place and Imperial Hotel are in clear view,” Whitaker said. “I believe this program strengthens Monterey’s commitment to preserving history and educating the public about the people, places, and events that shaped our history.” For more information about visiting the Monterey Depot Museum and visiting Monterey use: https://exploremontereytn. com or call 931-839-2111. Inspired to plan your trip? Request a Tennessee Civil War Trails brochure at https://civilwartrails. org. While you are checking out the new sign be sure to post a #signselfie @civilwartrails.
Alderman Jim Whitaker (left) was on hand to help assist Chris Brown, Assistant Director of Civil War Trails place the new interpretive sign now located at 101 E. Depot Ave., Monterey, TN 38574. (Courtesy, Civil War Trails, Inc.)
The 1909 Imperial Hotel was constructed at the behest of Union Gen. John T Wilder and is only a few blocks from Wilder’s post-war home in Monterey, Tennessee. (Courtesy, Civil