In mid-October, we embarked on a five-day road trip through Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland region in hopes of writing a column about the area’s fall foliage. 

Unfortunately, unusually warm temperatures had delayed the color season and the hills remained mostly green with only scatterings of yellow and orange.  

While colorful foliage had been the primary objective, we enjoyed interesting stops for crafts, dining, outdoor activities and history. In the latter category, we sought out the state historical park that honors the memory of American military hero Sgt. Alvin York.  

York, born in rural Tennessee in 1887, was to become one of World War I’s great heroes despite being a 29-year old pacifist when drafted into the U.S. Army. York’s request to be classified a conscientious objector had been denied by draft authorities.

York became a crack shot hunting game while growing up in Tennessee and was eventually convinced by his company commander it was morally right to fight America’s enemies. The result was an amazing feat that, in 1919, won York the Congressional Medal of Honor.

During an enemy engagement in France, York and his unit overran several machine gun positions and a German headquarters area resulting in the capture of dozens of enemy soldiers. All told, York and his small group killed 25 and captured 132 enemy soldiers.

York returned home a hero, got married, took part in speaking tours, became the father of eight children and set out on a mission to educate the youth of rural Tennessee.  

In 1941, he finally agreed to allow a movie depicting his life.  

The film starring Gary Cooper was a major hit and nominated as best picture at the Academy Awards. Cooper won the Oscar for best actor.

As part of his interest in educating the youth of rural Tennessee, York raised funds and founded York Institute, an agricultural and industrial school in nearby Jamestown.  

The institute was operated privately from 1926 to 1937 when it was placed under control of the state board of education.

York volunteered for reenlistment at the beginning of World War II but was turned down due to his age (54) and weight. He suffered a debilitating stroke in 1954 and died in 1964.

Our first stop was at York’s former institute in Jamestown where we met Alvin York’s great granddaughter, Deborah York.  

After telling us about the school’s history, she led us through the abandoned building she hopes to convert into a retreat and center for education and veteran healing.  

Ms. York commented that her great grandfather had only a third-grade education and after returning home spent much of his life stressing the importance of educating Tennessee’s youth.

Then it was nine miles north to Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park that includes York’s former home.  

York experienced subsistence living during his youth, and upon his return from Europe, residents raised money to offer the war hero 400 acres of land and a new home.

The park’s visitor center is based on a general store owned by York following his return home.  The building includes vintage store displays, World War I artifacts and displays related to York’s life.  

A 15-minute video offers information on York and the site’s history. The WW I veteran also owned a nearby 1880s grist mill that is open for self-guided tours.  

Outside the visitor center, we talked with park manager Josh Waggener before he led us across the road to a replica trench similar to those used in WW I.  

Park Ranger Joseph Gamble, dressed in period uniform, greeted us and described WW I warfare as we walked through the trench.

Our next stop was York’s home where we had the pleasure of meeting Betsy Ross York Lowery, the sergeant’s lone surviving daughter. She has one surviving brother. What a nice lady!  

After an interesting conversation, we toured the two-story home that included a first-floor bedroom with the hospital bed purchased by the American Legion for use by York following his stroke.

A half-mile path leads to the cemetery where York and his wife are buried. Unfortunately, we had another activity scheduled for the afternoon and didn’t have time for the short hike. 

Departing the state park, we forgot about lack of fall colors and discussed how we had enjoyed our visit to the home of the WW I military hero.  

Meeting his daughter and great-granddaughter only added to an interesting visit.

David and Kay Scott are authors of “Complete Guide to the National Park Lodges” (Globe Pequot). Visit them at mypages.valdosta.edu/dlscott/Scott.html. View past columns at www.facebook.com/DavidKayScott. The Scotts live in Valdosta, Georgia.

If You Go

Getting there: The state historical park is in Pall Mall, Tennessee, 55 miles northeast of Cookeville, Tennessee via Highway 111.

Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset. The visitor center closes at 4:30 p.m.  

Activities: Walking tours of the home are offered six times daily ($5 age 13 and up). A driving tour that includes the home and York Bible School is offered each Saturday.

Additional information: Visit https://tnstateparks.com/parks/sgt-alvin-c-york, or phone (931) 879-6456.