Trade, Tennessee

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Map showing the location of Trade, Tennessee

Trade is a community in Johnson County, Tennessee. The easternmost community in the state, it is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, at the headwaters of Roan Creek, approximately 7.5 miles southeast of Mountain City, on Highway 421. Trade is approximately 17 miles from Boone, North Carolina. Its population is approximately 885.

History

Trade is the oldest community in Tennessee. It originated in the 1700s as "The Trade Gap," a trading post established for Native Americans, pioneers, and fur traders to buy and sell their wares. It was located on an old buffalo trail between Snake and Rich Mountains, the easiest route through the mountains to the West.

Culture

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Trade, Tennessee (marked with red dot); just to the east is North Carolina

The Trade Days festival, a three-day festival of Appalachian arts, crafts, culture, and history, has been held in Trade each June since 1989. The festival also features Appalachian music and dance, and a Native American pow-wow. Profits from the festival go to improve and expand the Trade Community Center and Park.

Famous residents

• Joseph Wilson (folklorist and arts presenter)

External links

• The Pioneers
• Trade Days site

36°20′57″N 81°44′44″W