The Homestead community founded itself during the early and middle thirties as part of a homesteading project. The purpose of this homesteading project was to provide the community of Cumberland County and surrounding areas with employment, and provide 256 families a low cost means of purchasing homes.
The Homesteads Tower stands in the center of the Homestead Community as the most eye-catching landmark of Cumberland County. It is constructed of native Crab Orchard Stone and became known as the "Showplace of the New Deal".
It was built in 1937-38 and housed the administrative offices, as well as a water tank that held 50,000 gallons of water that was used to serve the whole Homestead Community. The tower is 85 feet tall and has a winding staircase of 97 steps that winds up into the tower and brings you a breathtaking view of the Homesteads from a lookout room at the top of the tower.
In July, 1934, Eleanor Roosevelt visited the Cumberland Homesteads. She viewed many of the homes, both finished and unfinished and the splendid crops that were now evident everywhere. She urged the Homesteaders to keep faith in their undertaking, and praised highly what had already been accomplished.
Today the Homestead Tower is maintained as a historical site and houses a small museum. In the museum you can learn the history of the Homesteads through the many pictures and articles on display and by talking to the museum's curator. Displayed in one room you can find "old time" things the homesteaders used, including furniture, cook stoves, toys and tools.
Be sure to visit the small gift shop with many handcrafted items and books which relate the history of the area and Cumberland County.
Courtesy of Melissa Grant , Affiliate Broker, 931-210-8277
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