“Old Butler” or Smith’s Mill as some would like to call it, is an old settlement located in Roan Creek, Tennessee. The town which is now completely submerged in Watauga Dam was started in 1768. The town grew rapidly over the years despite experiencing frequent floods but was never overwhelmed until 1948.

History of the town of Butler

The settlement started in the year 1968 when a man by the name of John Honeycutt built a cabin and arbor shelter. James Millican and Ezekiel Smith later joined Honeycutt, built homesteads and settled in. Smith later established a gristmill in the region hence the name Smith’s Mill. This gesture attracted so many people that by early 1820, the small community had approximately 50 families residing in the region. Schools and other required social amenities including businesses sprawled the region within no time turning into a boisterous little town. During this period frequent floods dominated this region due to its close proximity to various water bodies (the region was located at a confluence). The Tennessee Valley Authority with the motive to stop this made a decision to construct a dam. Watauga dam was completed in 1948 but instead of helping control the floods as intended, it made things worse by flooding the town forcing the community to be relocated.  

Effects of the civil war on the town

During the civil war, the community and county of Johnson suffered at the hands of the Confederate army. After years of oppression, Roderick Butler formed the 13th Regiment Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry which offered protection for the community and the county at large. Smith’s Mill town was later named after the leader of the 13th Regiment hence the name Butler. The “Old” in the name is added to differentiate the new location of the town from the original.

Where was the community relocated?

Once the water started rising the community was relocated to higher grounds which is currently called Butler located at Tennessee State Route 67. To show a sign of gratitude, the government constructed roads, built homes and business premises to compensate for those lost during their failed attempt to control the floods. They even relocated graves of the community’s loved ones to their new town.

What remained of the town? Are people allowed to tour the place?

Old Butler is still submerged by the waters of Watauga Lake and currently cannot be seen, although at one time the dam water receded exposing the town. One can learn the history of the town at Butler Museum. You can also attend the annual “Old Butler Days” festival that is hosted at Butler to commemorate the old golden days.