The Victorian Utopia Hidden In The Middle Of Tennessee – TravelAwaits

Restoration And Care

Under the leadership of Stagg, who served as the Rugby Restoration Association director for 10 years, the town started coming back to life. Restoration work began on the founders home, the church, and the library, and the Rugby Archives were created to preserve the historic photographs, memoirs, letters, and records of the early settlement.

Today, Rugby is a rarity. The original town plan and its surrounding wilderness remain much as they did in 1880, and new residents and tourism have breathed life into the dream community.

Today, 12 original buildings have been restored to their historic origins, and the 805-acre Rugby State Natural Areas and the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area bring more and more visitors through Rugby.

New residents who move into Rugby build historically compatible homes based on the original 1880 town plan, and more and more buildings are being restored, including the 1881 Uffington House, where Thomas Hughes niece and elderly mother once lived.

Pro Tip: The Rugby Visitors Centre offers a fantastic free documentary called The Power of a Dream that should not be missed. The short movie delves deep into the history of Rugby and its people, quotes diary entries of those who lived here, and provides information and commentary on the lifespan of the village from its founding up to its current community.

Getting to Rugby isnt difficult, but you can pass by it without ever seeing the turn-off. From Knoxville, travel on I-75 North to Exit 141 for Huntsville/Oneida, and then take Highway 63 to a left on Highway 27.

Start your tour of Rugby at the Rugby Visitors Center, which is open Thursdays through Sundays. After learning about the history of the town with the film The Power of a Dream, sign up for a guided walking tour of some of the buildings and exhibits in Historic Rugby. The one-block walking tour will bring you to the 1882 Thomas Hughes Free Public Library, the founders home, 1887 Christ Church Episcopal, and the 1907 Schoolhouse with exhibits featuring Rugby images through the years.

Be sure to pick up a detailed map of Rugby, which is free at the Visitor Centre. The map includes all trails leading from Rugby into The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, plus trails through the Rugby State Natural Area.

You can even stay overnight at Rugby in one of three historic lodgings: the Pioneer Cottage, the Newbury House, and the Percy Cottage.

In addition, Rugby hosts several events throughout the year, including guided hikes, art events, special festivals, and classes.

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The Victorian Utopia Hidden In The Middle Of Tennessee - TravelAwaits