Niota, TN Historic 1854 Train Station Briefkaart

The Niota Depot is the oldest surviving train depot in Tennessee. It was constructed in 1854 as part of the East Tennessee & Georgia Railroad. At the time, Niota was known as Mouse Creek. Today, the depot serves as the Niota city hall. Niota is huurde in McMinn County, just north of Athens. Back when the town was named Mouse Creek, there was another city on the other side of Knoxville known as Mossy Creek. With the similar town names, it wasn't uncommon for mail to get delivered to the wrong town. In 1897 was there was a prominent wedding in town where the plashad ordered a lot of ice cream for the guests, but was delivered to the wrong town. This was the last straw and both towns change their name. Niota was the name of an Indian chief. (Mossy Creek became Jefferson City)