Old Reelfoot

In 1876-1877, Old Reelfoot appears in the Gazette described as a “post office and settlement of 30 people, known as Danehower’s Landing on the Mississippi River in Lake County, 12 miles from Tiptonville, the seat of justice, 25 miles west of Troy and about 190 miles west of Nashville. Cotton, corn, cattle and hogs form the chief exports from this region. Mail daily by river.”

Joseph D. Davis was postmaster and had a general store. M. T. Smith is listed as physician. In 1881, in the Gazette, Reelfoot is described as containing 25 people, two Methodist churches and a public school. A. C. Campbell ran the saloon. A gin and mill were owned by Davis and Light. Mido and Thompson ran a general store as did J. E. Ward and J. C. Miller. Joseph D. Davis was still the postmaster. In 1887 the post office was discontinued and the mail came through Hathaway. Even so, W. R. Algee was listed as postmaster. Harrison and Algee ran a general store. John H. Pittman operated a hotel. C. B. Sims was a physician there and Frank Taylor farmed extensively and had his own blacksmith shop. In 1891 mail was sent tri-weekly. W. R. Algee was still postmaster. Three saw mills were run by D. B. Burnett, C. W. Cranshaw, and S. M. and W. Wall . Harris and Algee owned the cotton gin.

The caving of Reelfoot Landing marked the passing of one of Tennessee’s most historic spots. Many fine acres of land were lost. When Ridgely was only a mosquito infested impentrable swamp, Reelfoot Landing was a thriving little city, known to all river men as one of the largest shipping points on the Mississippi River. Show boats attracted people from miles and it was a famous shopping center. At that time there were several cotton gins, eight huge sawmills, and many other business enterprises – notable among them the famous “Big Dollar Store” owned and operated by Henry Harris. Steamboats remained at Reelfoot Landing all day loading baled cotton. It was here that the famous Magnolia Farm was located, owned by John Mathis. “The Earl of Reelfoot” was A. E. Markham, druggist and postmaster. Other noted citizens were: H. B. Blanks, Billie Burnley, Talmus Markham, Dr. R. B. Griffin, Jim Hawkins, Dr. R. E. Hellen, F. L. Peck, Allie Cathey adn D. B. Burnett.

The ladst two land marks left were Hon. D. B. Burnett adn Col. J. T. Smother, who in spite of treachery of the “Father of Waters” still held bravely to their posts as merchant and postmaster.

All these have caved in and only the waves of the Mississippi river against its banks echo the memories of yesterday.