Hohenwald is a city in and the county seat of Lewis County, Tennessee.
The name “Hohenwald” derives from German meaning “High Forest.”
The town was founded in 1878 and later merged with a town named “New Switzerland” to the south. New Switzerland was founded in 1894 by Swiss immigrants in conjunction with the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railway.
Meriwether Lewis, of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, died and was buried seven miles east of the town at Grinder’s Stand in 1809.
Hohenwald is also the home of the Elephant Sanctuary, the largest natural-habitat sanctuary for elephants in the United States.
The 13 elephants that call this amazing place home live a peaceful beautifully cared for life and dine like royal elephants should.
On 3,000 acres of elephant proof surroundings, with a Warming barn to protect them from the cold in winter and a staff dedicted to making life comfortable, healthy and fun.
I am in awe of and came away profoundly touched by the history and the many traits that man and the elephant share. So much to know!
If you choose to visit, be aware you view them in real time on video in their natural habitat, doing their daily routine, unaware they are being watched.
It is not a zoo like setting. It is their sanctuary, a place to live out their life with dignity and security. ( the two oldest are 67 and 69 years.)
One hour and 30 minutes west of Sage Hill. (Driving the back roads can add miles and minutes to any trip, but the rewards are worthy!)
The Rockhouse Coffee Company serves up some tasty fare and great, no junk drinks.
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The best Chamber folks I’ve ever met, really into the job, friendly, informaative and actively open to ways of bringing more attention to their town.
They have the October Fest each year to celebrate the German heritage of the town.
We had a great conversation about the October Fest in Cullman, Alabama (another city with German Founders) she plans to visit and perhaps find some comman ground for cross promot.
I hope so.
