Sewanee
Franklin County, Tennessee · Home of the University of the South
Overview
Archaeological evidence indicates that humans hunted and harvested in the area now known as Sewanee as long as 9,000 years ago. In the early 19th century, the land was ceded to the U.S. government by the Chickasaw and Cherokee Nations, but disputes continued until the forced removal of the Cherokee. In 1852, the Sewanee Mining Company was established. The company's efforts lasted less than a decade, as little coal was to be found in the area and what did exist was of poor quality.
In 1857, the company donated 5,000 acres to the Southern diocese of the Episcopal Church for the purpose of establishing an Episcopal seminary. The railroad tracks that had been laid for the mining operations made access to the community possible. The cornerstone for the university was laid in 1860, but construction was delayed by the Civil War and the first class convened in 1868. The university owns much of the 3.9 square miles that constitute the community and serves as the administrator of the town, sharing its library, athletic facilities, and thousands of acres of trails.
Fun fact: Two downtown Sewanee restaurants were recognized in the 2025 Michelin Guide to the American South: Judith and LUNCH.
History
A summary of Sewanee's documented history.
- c. 7000 BCE Archaeological evidence indicates seasonal human habitation in the Sewanee area for hunting and harvesting.
- Early 19th c. The land is ceded to the U.S. government by the Chickasaw and Cherokee Nations; disputes continue until the forced removal of the Cherokee.
- 1852 The Sewanee Mining Company is established. Its coal-mining efforts last less than a decade due to poor coal quality.
- July 4, 1857 Delegates from ten Episcopal dioceses meet at Lookout Mountain to name the first board of trustees of the University of the South. The Sewanee Mining Company donates 5,000 acres for the campus.
- October 10, 1860 The university's cornerstone is laid. Construction is interrupted by the Civil War.
- 1866 Major George R. Fairbanks builds the log house known as Rebel's Rest, where the first post-war meeting of the University's Board of Trustees is held that October.
- 1868 The University of the South holds its first convocation and first class.
- November 11, 1922 The cornerstone for the Memorial Cross is laid on Armistice Day. The 60-foot cross is completed in 1923 to honor those from Sewanee and Franklin County who died in World War I.
- July 2014 Rebel's Rest is destroyed by fire during renovations.
Outdoor Recreation
Trails, overlooks, and natural areas across the University Domain and nearby state parks.
The Perimeter Trail
A roughly 20-mile loop trail that encircles the University of the South's 13,000-acre Domain, offering overlooks, waterfalls, and dense forest sections. The trail can be picked up from several access points and is open for hiking and trail running.
- Memorial Cross: End of Tennessee Avenue, Sewanee, TN 37375
- Lake Cheston: Off Breakfield Road, accessible via University Avenue
- Green's View: Green's View Road, Sewanee, TN 37375
- University Gates: Intersection of University Avenue and Highway 41A
- Caldwell Rim / Potter's Ridge: Trailhead within the Domain
Morgan's Steep
A dramatic overlook at the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau, often used for sunset viewing and reflection. The site is part of the Perimeter Trail system.
- Address
- Morgan's Steep Rd (off Tennessee Ave), Sewanee, TN 37375
Piney Point
A short trail leading to a sweeping overlook of the valley below. Accessed near Morgan's Steep along the Perimeter Trail.
Lost Cove Cave (Buggytop Cave)
One of the most striking caves in the South Cumberland region, with a massive Buggytop entrance roughly 100 feet wide and 80 feet high. The cave contains archaeological evidence of Woodland- and Mississippian-period habitation. It is part of the Carter State Natural Area, now within the newly formed Head of the Crow State Park.
- Trailhead
- On TN-56, approximately 7 miles south of Sewanee
- Trail length
- Approximately 4-mile round-trip, rated moderate to strenuous
- Cave access
- Cave open June 1 through August 31; advance online registration required through Friends of South Cumberland
The University of the South
Founded in 1857 and owned by 28 dioceses of the Episcopal Church, the University of the South — familiarly known as Sewanee — is a private liberal arts university whose campus occupies the 13,000-acre "Domain" atop the Cumberland Plateau. The University consists of the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Theology, and the School of Letters. The campus is known for its Gothic stone architecture, its honor code, and its longstanding role as the administrator of the surrounding unincorporated community.
- Address
- 735 University Ave, Sewanee, TN 37375
- Website
- sewanee.edu
All Saints' Chapel
The principal chapel of the University of the South, built in the Gothic Revival style with construction begun in 1907 and completed in 1959. The chapel houses a large pipe organ and is the site of convocations, weddings, and weekly services. It sits at the heart of the central campus.
Sewanee Memorial Cross
A 60-foot stone cross at the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau, completed in 1923. The cross commemorates those from Sewanee and Franklin County who died in World War I; additional plaques honor those who served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Desert Storm. The overlook at the cross offers expansive views across the Franklin County valley.
- Location
- End of Tennessee Avenue, Sewanee, TN 37375
Rebel's Rest (historic site)
The 1866 log house built by Major George R. Fairbanks, one of the University's founders. The house was the site of the first post-Civil War meeting of the University Board of Trustees in October 1866, and was the birthplace of the EQB Club in 1870. It served for many years as the University's historic guesthouse before being destroyed by fire during renovations in July 2014. Archaeological research at the site continues.
- Site location
- Central campus near 735 University Ave, Sewanee, TN 37375
Places to Stay
The Sewanee Inn
A 43-room hotel owned and operated by the University of the South, located on University Avenue overlooking the nine-hole Course at Sewanee, designed by Gil Hanse. The Inn includes the on-site restaurant Shakerag Hollow.
- Address
- 1235 University Ave, Sewanee, TN 37375
- Phone
- (931) 598-3568
- Website
- sewanee-inn.com
Guest Houses, Cottages & Vacation Rentals
Sewanee has a range of privately owned guest houses, cottages, and short-term rentals available throughout the village and around the Domain. Listings can be found through Airbnb, Vrbo, and local hospitality services. Public campgrounds are not located within Sewanee itself, but nearby South Cumberland State Park, Grundy Forest, and the Monteagle area offer camping options within a short drive.
Food & Drink
Judith Tavern
Opened in December 2024 by James Beard–recognized chef Julia Sullivan, Judith Tavern occupies the University's former Steam Laundry building and offers a seasonal American menu. The restaurant is named for Judith Ward Lineback, the first woman to matriculate into the University of the South in 1969. Judith was recommended in the 2025 Michelin Guide to the American South.
- Address
- 36 Ball Park Rd, Sewanee, TN 37375
- Hours
- Thursday–Monday, 4–9 p.m.
LUNCH
Opened in February 2023 by Sewanee alumni Mallory and Trapp Tubbs, LUNCH offers a weekly seasonal menu with a lunch counter, bakery, wine, and beer. It was recommended in the 2025 Michelin Guide to the American South.
- Address
- 24 University Ave, Sewanee, TN 37375
- Hours
- Wednesday–Saturday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Shenanigans Restaurant
A long-running Sewanee restaurant established in 1974, serving casual American fare, scratch-made pizzas, and Southern classics.
- Address
- 12595 Sollace M Freeman Hwy, Sewanee, TN 37375
- Hours
- Monday–Wednesday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Thursday–Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Shakerag Hollow at The Sewanee Inn
The on-site restaurant at The Sewanee Inn, serving breakfast daily and dinner six nights a week with Southern-inspired American fare and a full bar.
- Address
- 1235 University Ave, Sewanee, TN 37375
- Hours
- Breakfast daily 6:30 – 10:30 a.m.; Dinner Sun–Thu 4–9 p.m., Fri–Sat 4–10 p.m.
Green's View Grill
Located at The Course at Sewanee, Green's View Grill serves burgers, salads, and grill fare with views over the golf course.
- Address
- 444 Green's View Rd, Sewanee, TN 37375
- Hours
- Tuesday–Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Monday closed
La Bella Pearl's
A Mediterranean-American restaurant offering a BYOB dining experience in a casual setting.
- Address
- 15344 Sewanee Hwy, Sewanee, TN 37375
- Hours
- Please call to confirm current hours
The Blue Chair Café, Bakery & Tavern
A community gathering spot serving coffee, pastries, pub food, and beer on tap.
- Address
- 41 University Ave, Sewanee, TN 37375
- Hours
- Please call to confirm current hours
Stirling's Coffee House
A coffee shop on the University of the South campus serving specialty coffees, teas, and house-made baked goods. Popular as a student and faculty gathering spot.
- Address
- 241 Georgia Ave, Sewanee, TN 37375
Shops & Services
The Lemon Fair
A long-established gift shop in the Sewanee Village offering local art, handcrafted jewelry, home decor, and University memorabilia.
- Address
- 60 University Ave, Sewanee, TN 37375
Taylor's Mercantile
A full-service florist with a curated selection of gifts and home decor.
- Address
- 10 University Avenue, Sewanee, TN 37375
Woody's Bicycles
A bicycle shop offering sales, repairs, and rentals for riders exploring the Domain and surrounding plateau.
- Address
- 90 Reed's Ln, Sewanee, TN 37375
Sewanee Market
A community grocery and deli serving the Sewanee area since 1969. Known for everyday essentials, prepared foods, and its deli counter.
- Address
- 25 Lake O'Donnell Rd, Sewanee, TN 37375
Sewanee Auto Repair
A local automotive maintenance and repair shop serving the Sewanee area since 1972.
- Address
- 76 University Ave, Sewanee, TN 37375
Visiting Sewanee
Practical information for travelers and day visitors.
Sewanee sits atop the Cumberland Plateau in southern Franklin County, approximately one hour northwest of Chattanooga and roughly 90 minutes southeast of Nashville. The most direct access is via Interstate 24, Exit 134 (US 41A toward Monteagle and Sewanee) or Exit 135. The University of the South administers the unincorporated community and welcomes visitors to walk the campus and the Domain's many trails.
Chamber Members in Sewanee
9 members of the South Cumberland Chamber of Commerce based in Sewanee, organized by category.