Scotts Hill Heritage Collection

Scotts Hill Heritage Collection The Scotts Hill Heritage Collection is on display in the lobby of the Scotts Hill Water Department at 85 Hwy. 114 South in downtown Scotts Hill.

The historical display includes Scotts Hill history and sports. Collecting the Past, Preservation for the Future

While much of the collection was begun in 2011, the original idea comes from an earlier collection in the 1970s that former Mayor Gordon Turner had at his residence. Due to limited space, don't actively seek or accept items unless they directly connect to a Scotts Hill historical aspec

t. The Scotts Hill Heritage Collection is an aggregation of historical documents and items, donated in part by area citizens themselves. The purpose of the exhibit, which opened in November 2011, is " to let people know of the history of Scotts Hill before it's all gone ". The collection is divided into five sections covering various aspects of Scotts Hill's history. Some of the main exhibits that have been on display since day one is a copy of 1899 Scotts Hill Banner newspaper, picture of every Mayor since 1917 and a map of Central Business District history. It's hard to pick out one item that stands out among the collection, but probably it would be the Hill Theathre items, then maybe the Scotts Hill College items. There is just so much you can tell by just looking at an artifact and text label, when you know the story behind that item, it allows us to tell a fuller story. The most important part is to attempt to connect our visitors to the past. This year we have been having Historical Walking Tours to tell some history of the heart of our city. We also have available driving tours of the area. Pictured above is the actual Stagecoach Route as it looks today. Originally built in the 1840s. This particular spot is located about 2 miles North of the Mid-Town area. The city which was first settled in 1825 and incorporated in 1917, it is named for its first merchant, Micajah Scott. The business district gives insight into many of the other early companies, and has information on each of the town's past mayors. In the education display, visitors can see a blueprint from 1964, showing plans for the school building constructed to replace one dating back to 1925. The family of one of the area's most eminent physicians, Dr. R.L. Wylie, donated some of his tools and equipment. Wylie practiced in Scotts Hill for about a half a century before retiring in 1952. The exhibit also features usual items visitors won't find anywhere else---like a handmade wooden tricycle or a handmade desk made by Professor B.A. Tucker of Scotts Hill College in the 1890s. Scotts Hill has taken bold steps to ensure that its past is respected and preserved for future generations. In the past we have worked with other groups such as the Beech River Museum, Tennessee River Museum in Savannah, Mid-West Tennessee Historical Society, West Tennessee Delta Regional Museum in Brownsville, Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Doe Creek Preservation Committee and Tennessee Tourism. A few items include College Class Information for Scotts Hill College, which was started in 1896, the first Scotts Hill High School yearbook in 1932. Items also include history from the Lime Cola company that used to be in Scotts Hill, the Hill Movie Theatre a history of stores and locations dating back many years, the bus wreck in 1937 that claimed four lives and various pieces of Scotts Hill history. A major attraction in the collection of pictures of street scenes throughout the years from approximately 1900 until about 1980.

06/17/2026

Join us on July 8, 2026, at The Lodge at Pickwick Landing Conference Center for the SouthWest Tennessee Tourism Association Annual Meeting & IMPACT Awards. The day begins at 11:00 a.m. with a reception, networking, and registration, followed by the opening of the luncheon at 11:30 a.m.
Guests will hear from featured speaker Tami Reist, CEO of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, as she shares insights on tourism growth and regional collaboration. The highlight of the day will be the presentation of the inaugural IMPACT Awards, recognizing the outstanding individuals, businesses, attractions, events, and organizations that are making a lasting impact on hospitality and tourism across Southwest Tennessee.
We invite you to come celebrate a year of success, connect with local leaders, elected officials and tourism partners from across the region, and help us honor the people and places that make Southwest Tennessee a destination worth discovering.
Please RSVP by July 5th to [email protected].

06/17/2026
Micajah "Cager" Scott, who passed away in 1854, knew Scotts Hill as a modest, emerging community. When he settled the ar...
06/10/2026

Micajah "Cager" Scott, who passed away in 1854, knew Scotts Hill as a modest, emerging community. When he settled the area in the 1820s after moving from North Carolina, it was little more than a hamlet centered around his own general store—which also served as the town’s first post office—and a few neighboring homesteads.
​If Micajah Scott were to see the Scotts Hill of 2026, he would likely be struck by several remarkable transformations:

​From Hamlet to Thriving Community: In his time, the settlement was a quiet stop on the "Old Stage Road" between Clifton and Lexington, defined by wilderness and the hard work of early pioneers like the Austins, Ducks, and Turners. Today, he would see a modern, incorporated town that has grown significantly, complete with established infrastructure, public services, and civic life that he helped plant the seeds for nearly two centuries ago.

​The Endurance of the Name: He might be surprised to find that the name he gave the settlement—borne from a simple act of honesty when he returned a lost $20 bill to a traveling salesman—is still synonymous with the town today. He would likely be proud to know that Scotts Hill remains the only post office in the United States by that name.

​A Legacy of Community Involvement: Micajah was a pioneer who established the first merchant presence and postal service. Today, he would see a town that deeply values that heritage, with active efforts like the Scotts Hill Heritage Collection and the preservation of historical sites like the Doe Creek Schoolhouse.

​Growth and Modernity: He would see a community that has survived challenges—including fire and storm—to "refuse to die," as local history recounts. He would see modern features like the fire department he helped inspire the spirit of, community celebrations at the City Park, and a school system (Scotts Hill High School) that is currently preparing to celebrate its 100th graduating class.

​Ultimately, seeing the town thrive—filled with families, education, and community organizations that still carry on the traditions of the early settlers—he would likely see his own legacy not just in a name, but in a living, breathing community that has successfully built upon the foundation he laid as the town's first merchant.

We have installed our first history of places signs in Downtown Scotts Hill. We have already received positive responses...
06/06/2026

We have installed our first history of places signs in Downtown Scotts Hill. We have already received positive responses to this Tennessee America 250 Project. The first ones are at the Scotts Hill Police Station. More are soon to be installed.

Our Tennessee America 250 Project is beginning to take shape.  Our history signage has arrived. We are beginning to make...
05/30/2026

Our Tennessee America 250 Project is beginning to take shape. Our history signage has arrived. We are beginning to make contact with property owners about placement of their signs.

05/30/2026

Tennessee State Museum

What is Tennessee America 250? Tennessee America 250 celebrates and commemorates America’s 250th Anniversary by interpre...
05/15/2026

What is Tennessee America 250?

Tennessee America 250 celebrates and commemorates America’s 250th Anniversary by interpreting and preserving the unique Tennessee stories, objects, landmarks, and places that have defined who we are as Tennesseans and Americans. This is a Statewide initiative.

Our facility is doing its part in promoting the historical aspects of pur community. As our Tennessee America 250 Project takes shape highlighting the history of our downtown and historical cemeteries.
We can look back ar the rich history of our community. Ourselves recently celebrated our Bicentennial. We can continue by celebrating the Country's 250th Anniversary.

While not on display, here is a photo of part of a floor.  this is part of the old Scotts Hill Elementary and High Schoo...
05/14/2026

While not on display, here is a photo of part of a floor. this is part of the old Scotts Hill Elementary and High School Gym floor that was in the old Gym that existed from 1930 to 1950.

Address

Scotts Hill, TN

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

(731) 549-3175

Website

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