Monteagle(Assembly), Tennessee

The Chautauqua of the South.  The Monteagle Assembly is one of only 2 surviving Chautauqua’s in the United States, the other being the first and largest in Chautauqua, NY.  Formally known as the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly, this enterprise is inter-denominational and family-oriented. It is dedicated to fulfilling its original charter and mission through a variety of spiritual, educational, cultural, and health development activities. Assembly members represent 23 different states and the District of Columbia. This secluded, hilly and heavily-wooded compound is accessible by a single road, with manned-gatekeepers operating during twice-annual summertime festival events. Housing consists of 172 cottages and larger rustic homes connected with narrow roads that are mostly gravel.  Footpaths and wooden-trestle bridges over ravines provide for pedestrian traffic. A swimming pool and tennis courts are part of this enclave. The combination of interesting terrain and tasteful architecture results in a lovely, tranquil setting for this community. A testament to the enduring nature of this community is that most of the homes are bequeathed to younger family members. When we visited, only 6 cottages were for sale. Monteagle is conveniently located just east of I-24, 40 miles northwest of Chattanooga. At 2,000 feet in elevation, this locale provides cooler summertime temperatures than other surrounding areas. If you are religiously-inclined and want to retire in central Tennessee, you owe yourself a visit to Monteagle.