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"Butler…the town that wouldn't drown!"
Take a guided tour through the museum.
Butler, Tn - Then and Now
See and hear the history of Butler and Watauga Lake. The museum depicts early life in the mountains, featuring artifacts from the Indians, Civil War, and home life through 1948 when the gates of Watauga Dam were closed.
Your museum tour guide will discuss the life in Butler; businesses, schools, and mountian life. The museum guides were residents of "Old Butler." They share not only the history, but also their personal experiences gowing up in the Tennessee mountains.
Museum Admission: Adults $2. Children $1
Directions: Hwy 67 to Butler, turn on Piercetown Rd., turn Right on McQueen St. Go 1/8 mi., turn Left on Selma Curtis Rd. to parking area. Map to the Butler Museum
Regular Operating Hours
: Monday - Friday - By appointment
Saturday & Sunday - 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Address
Butler Museum
123 Selma Curtis Rd.
Butler, TN 37640
Phone: 423-768-2911
Map to the Butler Museum
Butler, TN
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 BUTLER MUSEUMVisit our new website
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COME SEE THE TOWN THAT WOULDN'T DROWN
The Story
Old Butler was originally located at the confluence of Roan Creek and the Watauga River. Like many river towns of that era, as water cascaded down from the mountains surrounding the creeks and rivers, it rose high above the banks downstream causing flooding all up and down the valley. Early in the 20th century, talk began about how to harness the power of the water along the Tennessee river system, but until 1942 nothing was done. Just as work was about to begin on a dam, World War II started. After the war, work resumed and in December 1948, the gates of the dam closed filling the valley behind them with water eventually covering Old Butler almost 300' under the newly formed lake. Before the waters covered their homes and land, the citizens of Old Butler took what they could to preserve the memories of hundreds of years of living here.
The Museum
The Museum tells the story of "the town that wouldn't drown" through exhibits of items saved by the residents, and by tales of former residents. Let them tell you of life in a small town in the mountains of NE Tennessee. Walk down Main Street and peer into the General Store or see if you've received any mail at the post office. Chat with friends at the BlueBird Tea Room or see who is getting a haircut at Stout's Barber shop. Be sure to notice the photograph of Butler in 1900 and Butler at the end of 1999.
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