Tennessee College Endangered
By Todd Morgan | From Online Only | July 21, 2007
Morristown College is one of "Ten in Tennessee" most endangered sites.
Credit: City of Morristown
July 31, 2007
Dear Preservation 911,
Morristown College has recently been added to the Tennessee Preservation Trust's list of "Ten in Tennessee" most endangered sites. The campus sits on a picturesque hill close to downtown Morristown and lies about halfway between Knoxville and the Tri-Cities in upper east Tennessee.
Founded in 1881 by the national Freedman's Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, it was originally known as Morristown Normal and Industrial College before evolving into Morristown College and later Knoxville College-Morristown Campus. The original building was constructed on the site of a former slave market from hand-pressed bricks made on site. Following the Civil War it became a secondary school at which freedmen were taught reading, writing, and arithmetic. Often multiple generations of a single family attended simultaneously (artist Beauford Delaney had two brothers who attended the school). At the height of its enrollment the school occupied 12 buildings and encompassed 375 acres. Today the college property stands at 51 acres and 7 of the 9 buildings are listed on the National Register.
The buildings have remained vacant for a number of years, been thoroughly vandalized and left open to the elements for much of that time. The campus is privately owned and available for purchase; however the current owner has no interest in preserving the campus and even threatened to demolish the buildings at one point. Past development plans have fallen through because potential buyers were not able to come to a purchase price agreement with the owner.
I have to believe that this site poses an excellent opportunity for the right individual or organization. The campus is adjacent to a historic residential area currently undergoing a "clean-up" initiative and a new historic homeowners association has been formed. It is close to downtown and the city would be willing to work with a developer on infrastructure improvements. Past proposals have included using the site as a location for a new community recreation facility and performing arts center.
This is an important site in the heart of an economically vibrant city that needs a new owner immediately. My hopes are that by posting this letter on your site, the right person might see this as a great opportunity and preservation and development of the site will finally occur.
Sincerely,
Todd Morgan
City Planner
City of Morristown
Department of Community Development
P.O. Box 1499
Morristown, TN 37816-1499
Telephone: (423) 585-4624
Fax: (423) 585-4679
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Comments
Submitted by wonder at: March 8, 2010
This great building is going downhill fast.... what a shame it could be saved and used for so much more.
Submitted by J at: January 12, 2010
This place is only going downhill. Everybody just talks about making something of it. Morristown east and west high are both falling apart. Ever thought of making the old college into a morristown highschool. What a great way to get a good school for both falling apart while preserving a large part of Morristown. Something needs to be done with this historic landmark. All it is now is a drug house and a place for the homeless. Lets get this project in gear boys. Dont let it go to waste.
Submitted by Valorie at: December 7, 2009
We (alumni from class of '75) are currently trying to do something about getting the school in working condition.
Submitted by Andrew at: November 9, 2009
I would really like do contact you about this property and what can be done about purchasing the college and fixing it up to benefit the morristown community
Submitted by drdmw at: September 6, 2009
I am a professional and published photographer who is originally from Morristown. I am interested in doing a complete pictoral collection of the campus and buildings as they stand now. I have plans to use these in conjunction with any photos from the past to complete a hardback book showing the history and unfortunate downfall of this beautiful location in our hometown. If anyone can help me with finding the current owner of the property I would appreciate it. I need to contact them to discuss getting the permission I would need to explore this project. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks D. Wilson
Submitted by saw at: August 12, 2009
attende Morristown College 1979/1980. Interested in any and all pictures. Sad that it has come to this state of disrepair.
Submitted by liz at: April 22, 2009
i think that the morristown should reopen the college campus and have walters state be a part of it! there is no reason that they should tear down this historic site. i believe that the city should fix it back up and reopen it for educational purposes!
Submitted by KK at: October 5, 2008
I can tell you, that there are some strange events that occur at this location and some of the pictures that we have caught. We are not a certified group, but we do go out and question things and to say investigate, alot based on the historical aspect. I am so saddened by the recent events that have taken place at the location.
Submitted by Ray Ray at: September 7, 2008
This complex of buildings is amazing in stature and magnificence. I wonder is anyone has explored the possibility of paranormal occurrences. I would like the world to know the exceptional and fascinating architecture and history of these building. And, I'd like the public to know about the phenomenal and supernatural aspects of the campus. If this is an absurd request, I apologize. You've visited the site many times in day and night. Have you ever felt or seen something odd? If so, why don't we make it public? I would like a team of folks to explore this campus, with all the proper equipment, and investigate the legends and stories that surround it. If you are willing, I will appreciate a response. I believe that a wide-spread declaration of this property will, in turn, provide buyers with a reason to consider this land at an optimal price. Also, I think that the repercussions may bring some well needed income, in the form of website hits and tourism. Thank You