Businesses in the Copperhill Area

The Ducktown Basin Museum

The Ducktown Basin Museum is located on the southeastern Tennessee site of the historic Burra Burra Mine, which was the headquarters for the mining operations of Tennessee Copper Company and its successor, Cities Service Company, from 1899 through 1975. The 16 structures remaining on the site include virtually all of the original mine buildings and outbuildings except for the headframe, which was demolished after the closing of the mine in 1958. The entire site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The old mine office now houses the museum’s collection of artifacts, photographs and displays depicting the industrial and cultural heritage of the communities centered around Ducktown and nearby Copperhill. Larger artifacts are displayed on the grounds just outside the museum office, where you’ll also find an open observation platform overlooking a dramatically collapsed and flooded portion of the original Burra Burra mine works. Tours of the grounds are available by appointment, and rockhounds can access an on-site mineral collection area for a small additional fee.

Although we like to think that the museum alone is worth the trip, we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out a few other things you might want to do while you’re in the neighborhood. The Ocoee Whitewater Center, site of the whitewater events of the 1996 Olympic Games, is just a few miles away, and several whitewater rafting companies offer seasonal adventure trips. Near Copperhill, on the milder stretches of the Toccoa River, more timid souls can choose to go tubing instead. Copperhill and its neighboring town of McCaysville, Georgia are also the terminus of both Hiwassee River Rail Adventures and the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. And the surrounding mountains of Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina offer a wide selection of cabin rentals when you’re ready to escape the pressures of civilization for a while.

A typical tour of the museum, including the interpretive audiovisual presentation, will take you about an hour. But you're more than welcome to stay longer. Because we love the rich and varied history of this place we call home. And we love having the opportunity to share it with you.

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