Not sure how it is in Tennessee, but in the state of Texas, if one is willing to do all the leg work, a cemetery can be deemed a historical site as long as its at least 50 years old and one can prove its historical value or shows the definite presence of a family. Once designated and filed with the court, the county must take care of it. The filing fee is very cheap its just time consuming taking photos, getting a map, and taking a survey of it. Michelle