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In 1880 famous British author, statesman, and social reformer Thomas Hughes dedicated Rugby, Tennessee.
Hughes envisioned a cooperative, class-free society--a wilderness Utopia. He planned a place where the sons of Britain's gentry and artisans, tradesmen, and farming families could build a new life through agriculture, temperance, and high Christian principles.
The place Hughes called "this lovely corner of God's earth" is now an authentically-preserved historic village, a rich national treasure on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972. The National Trust calls Rugby one of the most authentically preserved historic villages in America.
The planned-Utopia is located on the Cumberland Plateau in East Tennessee. It has more than 20 decorative, gabled buildings with rich British and Appalachian heritage visible throughout.
Tours of public buildings are conducted daily.
Christ Church Episcopal, 1887, is decorated with its original hanging lamps. The 1849 rosewood organ is played at church services every Sunday.
Thomas Hughes Library, 1882, is literally unchanged since it opened and houses 7,000 volumes of Victorian literature.
Kingstone Lisle, 1884, is the Gothic cottage built for Rugby's founder.
Schoolhouse Visitor Centre features artifacts and exhibits tracing more than 100 years of Rugby's history.
Visitors can wander along river gorge trails built by the 1880's colonists and shop for unusual books and tradition crafts in an historical setting. A bookstore is open all year. Dining is available at Harrow Road Cafe with both traditional and local food.
Lodging is available at 1880 Newbury House Bed & Breakfast, authentically restored and Victorian-furnished and at 1880 Pioneer Cottage, plus several more cottages.
Special events are held annually: The Annual Festival of British & Appalachian Culture in the spring, Rugby Pilgrimage in the fall, Thanksgiving Marketplace, and Christmas at Rugby.
Write for additional information to Historic Rugby, P. O. Box 8, Hwy. 52, Rugby, Tennessee, 37733, or call (423) 628-2441.
Historic Rugby is on Highway 52 in East Tennessee near Jamestown. It is located a short drive from Crossville and I-40 between Knoxville and Nashville. Exit on U.S. 127 and drive north to Jamestown and Highway 52. Turn right and drive to Rugby. The village is adjacent to the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. It is approximately 35 miles from I-40.
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