State Route 61
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State Route 61 (SR 61) is a west-to-east highway in the U.S. state of Tennessee that is 81.67-mile-long (131.44 km). State Route 61 begins in Roane County, and it ends in Grainger County.
Along the highway from Harriman to Oliver Springs, Highway 61 is called "The Harvey H. Hannah Highway". Harvey H. Hannah of Oliver Springs was the Tennessee Chairman of the State Railroad and Public Utilities Commission for 30 years. He served in the Spanish–American War, becoming colonel of the 4th Tennessee Volunteers. He also became a military governor of a Cuban province. Cordell Hull, who became United States Secretary of State, served as a captain under Hannah. Besides being a lawyer, military officer and politician, he was well known as a great orator. He served as Adjutant General under two Tennessee governors from 1903 to 1907. This was where he acquired the title "General". In 1922, General Hannah was a candidate for governor in the Democratic primary but was defeated by Austin Peay, who became governor. On November 8, 1936, Hannah died from a throat condition. Governor Hill McAlister visited Hannah before his death and asked, "Harvey, is there anything that I can do for you?" He replied, "Hill, I know that money is hard to get, but I hope that you will find enough state money to finish the Oliver Springs-Harriman highway." The Governor obtained the money, and the highway was named in Hannah's honor. Hannah is buried in the Oliver Springs Cemetery and his tombstone is said to be the tallest monument in the Oliver Springs area. |
Length of Route
81.67 mi. |
Begins:
US 27/US 70/SR 1/SR 29 in Rockwood |
Ends:
US 11W/SR 1 in Blaine |
Counties Covered:
Roane, Anderson, Union, Knox, Grainger
Roane, Anderson, Union, Knox, Grainger
State Route 61 Images: