Back To The Future As will be noted in our special section this week, tourism is an important subject in Claiborne County. We have spotlighted certain attractions but there is no way to cover them all in one issue. I wonder how many county residents are aware that this county is the home of not less than 13 locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Big Spring Church, the Town of Cumberland Gap, the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, the Graham-Kivette House, Grant-Lee Hall, the Kesterson-Watkins House, the Kincaid-Russell House, the Kincaid-Ausmus House, the McClain-Ellison House, the Parkey House, Speedwell Academy, the Tazewell Fortification, and the James Wier House. If I missed any, it was unintentional. In some cases, the original structure is gone and that is our loss. I will not go into details and locations in this forum, but may have opportunity to do so in the future. We have a number of other locations that are of historical interest. The old jail in Tazewell was open for tours this past weekend. With a little effort, it would make a nice little museum. The library in Tazewell has a good selection of genealogy research materials. The Claiborne County Cemetery Association is working to identify and locate the remains of numerous notable figures in local history. The Historical Society seems to be an under funded and under appreciated organization. Claiborne County is home to several old and interesting churches. Houses and other buildings with interesting architecture are scattered all over the county. The Gulf Station and museum has been open for a few years. A scenic byway committee is working hard to get U.S. 25E nationally recognized. Cities are working to develop recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Other individuals and groups are expending effort and money to attract visitors to specific areas. My point is that Claiborne County could have a bright future in historical tourism. We already have the rivers, lakes, and mountains to draw those who enjoy such things. But now, there is a generation becoming more interested in seeing the location of actual events and tracing their roots. Untold thousands of people passed through this area in centuries past. Some stayed. A significant number of Americans have ties of some sort to this area and they want to learn more about where they came from. Industry is not the powerhouse it once was in northeast Tennessee. Our local officials and the Chamber of Commerce are working diligently to bring in new business and industry. I recognize and appreciate their efforts. But, looking at the world economy, it is my opinion that we should work to develop the tourism industry as well as manufacturing. Not the Pigeon Forge type of tourism, but historically accurate and informative tourism. A few souvenir shops, and antique outlets would be great, as long as they do not overwhelm the roadsides. Many of the interesting county locations have been identified and mapped. Travelers could spend several days touring the back roads then returning to a motel or campground and contributing to the local economy. Our task is to let the rest of the world know what we have to offer from a historic perspective. One of the best current sources of information is by searching "Claiborne County Tennessee" on the Internet. You might be surprised at what you find, most of it written by local people who are interested in sharing knowledge. You might even find a kindred spirit for your own personal pursuit. Ed Baldwin is a staff writer for the Claiborne Progress. He can be reached via e-mail at _ebaldwin@claiborneprogress.net_ (mailto:ebaldwin@claiborneprogress.net) . ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.