Niota
Niota has enjoyed a place in history
because one of its native sons cast
the tie-breaking vote in the Tennessee House of Representatives, resulting
in the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and giving
women the right to vote.
Harry T. Burn, serving his first
term in the Tennessee House of
Representatives, made history in August 1920 when he was encouraged by his
mother to change his vote on the ratification.
To honor the role Burn played in
the amendment's ratification, Niota served
as a first day cancellation site in 1995 for a stamp commemorating the 19th
Amendment's 75th anniversary. The Niota Post Office was also given the
distinction of having a unique cancellation mark, which adds value to the
stamps for collectors.
As in Burn's day, Niota remains a
small, quiet town. Niota, first known as
Mouse Creek, got its start because a station of the old East Tennessee and
Georgia Railroad was located there.
However, Mouse Creek was often confused
with Mossy Creek, which is now
Jefferson City. Because of the confusion involving mail and freight, a
decision was made to change the town's name.
Suggestions were sent in by citizens, and
Niota, supposedly the name of an
Indian chief in a novel being read by John Boggess, was selected.
Niota has been a center of social activity in
McMinn County for years because
it is the home of Springbrook Golf and Country Club. The club offers a number
of activities for its members, including several golf tournaments held through
the spring, summer and fall months.
Government
Niota, which has been incorporated since
1911, is governed by a mayor and a
five-member City Commission. Lee Mason is the mayor and Allen Watkins,
Robert Wallace, L.S. Lee, Eva Brakebill and Jack Webb are on the City Commission.
Sandra Cook is the City Recorder.
The Niota chief of police is Joel Parham and
Harrison Slack is chief of the
fire department.
Niota's City Commission meets on the second
Monday of each month at 7 p.m.
The city office can be reached at 568-2584.
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