Any history buff looking to experience the home place of one of Tennessee’s greater-known war heroes should find themselves at Sgt Alvin C. York State Historic Park. Located in Pall Mall along the Wolf River, the park is homestead and several historical sites formerly owned by decorated World War I soldier Alvin C. York. Along with the rich history offered by Sgt York’s homestead, the park has a hiking trail and fishing opportunities along the Wolf River.
Historical Sites and Tours
Visitors can immerse themselves in history while touring the park’s historic buildings and sites. Designated as a National Historic Landmark, The York Farm is home to Sgt York’s two-story house, gristmill, and the York Bible Institute.
Sgt York’s Colonial-Revival story house hosts a range of museum artifacts on its first floor and features an outbuilding barn with two grain silos. Visitors can take both guided and self-led tours around the house.
Downstream from the York House, visitors will find the once-operational York Mill, built in 1880. Purchased by the state of Tennessee in 1967, the mill has undergone a new roof and coat of paint to give visitors a glimpse into what the site looked like in its heyday. Like the York House, visitors can explore the mill on their own or by taking guided tours of the historic site.
Once they’ve explored the York homestead and mill, visitors may want to expand their imagination beyond what York’s life was like in Tennessee and imagine what challenges he faced fighting in the first World War. Behind the York Farm lies a WWI trench replica where visitors can place themselves in the shoes of soldiers fighting in the trenches.
In the park’s visitor center, which is modeled after York’s general store, history lovers can continue their educational experience and view WWI artifacts and interpretive displays on Sgt York’s life.
Educational tours for school groups are available to engage and teach students about local Tennessee history and Sgt York’s involvement in the first World War.
Hiking Trails
The Wolf River Loop is a .6-mile moderate, walking trail that connects several historic sites on and off the park, including the Wolf River Cemetery and Methodist Church (both located off the park property) and York Bible Institute. Visitors can walk along this natural trail while touring Sgt York’s homestead and learning local history. The trail also features a scenic swing bridge which stretches across the Wolf River.
Fishing
The Wolf River offers bass, catfish, trout, and bream fishing for those interested in exploring the waterway.
