Sullivan County, Tennessee Local History Historic Places transcribed by, Dianna Gilbert Acuff Chapel Established in 1786, this was the first Methodist Episcopal Church to be erected on Tennessee soil. Bishop Francis Asbury preached here often. A ten-day revival held here by Rev. John A. Granade began the Great Revival of 1780-81. Rev. Francis Acuff was a convert at the Granade meeting. Old Deery Inn Built shortly after 1785 by William Deery. Stopping place for many distinguished travelers of early days. Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, the Marquis de Lafayette, Prince Louis Phillipe, Andrew Johnson and others enjoyed its hospitality. It operated as an inn until shortly before 1930. Carter's Raid - Dec. 30, 1862 Coming south through Moccasin Gap, Brig. Gen. Samuel P. Carter's task force, made up of two battalions each, 2nd Michigan and 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry and 1st Battalion, 7th Ohio Cavalry, here captured 30 wounded from the 4th Kentucky Cavalry, CSA; then sent detachments to Bluff City, 6 mi. SE, and Carter's Depot, 10 mi. SW, where captures were made and stores and railroad facilities destroyed. Taylor's Meeting House The Presbyterian Church established here in 1773 is probably the first church of any denomination to be established within the borders of Tennessee. It was also used as a fort, and school was held here on Sundays, in pioneer times. Eaton's Station Here was a fort and one of the first post offices in the pioneer country. It figured prominently in the Battle of Island Flats in 1776. Here also was the first adn only mint in the Southwest Territory, run by Captain John Anderson of the Blockhouse. The Boat Yard To the south, along the banks of the Holston River, a famous gateway to the West, the Boat Yard had a major role in the history of the South. It was the head of navigation on the Holston form 1768 to 1850, an importand commercial port and the point of departure for travelers and emigrants.