COPPERHILL, TN – March 6, 2026 – City of Copperhill is a recipient of a $25,000 grant for Tennessee America 250 initiatives from the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. The grant award will be used for creating a statue recognizing the historic mining heritage of Copperhill, Tennessee and the surrounding communities.

The State of Tennessee made available funding to be administered by the Tennessee State Museum, on behalf of the Commission to support statewide America 250 activities. 

The second round of the Tennessee America 250 grant program was a highly competitive process. In total, the Commission received 365 applications, totaling $6,364,017 in requests. The Commission has made full or partial awards for 194 grants across the state, representing 73 counties, for a total of $2,267,058 awarded. A complete list of second round Tennessee America 250 grantees, counties and amounts is posted at www.tn250.com. 

“I am inspired by the excitement across the state to commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary,” said Ashley Howell, Executive Director of the Tennessee State Museum and Chair of the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. “This year will be filled with exhibitions, programs, festivals, and preservation of our local and state history. We hope that these projects inspire Tennesseans across the state to engage with the anniversary in 2026.”

“Erecting a miner’s statue in Copperhill will serve as a lasting tribute to the laborers who worked tirelessly both underground and above ground to build this community,” said Mayor Greg Barker. “It honors not only the miners, but also the many workers in other trades who supported the mining and chemical operations and helped shape the Copper Basin’s strong sense of community, a learned respect for nature, and authentic heritage. Thanks to this $25,000 grant through the Tennessee America 250 initiative from the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial, we can recognize the hardworking families whose contributions helped shape our region, our beloved Tennessee, and nation for generations.”

The Tennessee America 250 Project Support Grants and Community Support Grants had maximum request amounts of $20,000 and $25,000, respectively. All projects funded in the second round must be completed by April 30, 2027.

About the City of Copperhill

Nestled on the banks of the Ocoee River in southeastern Tennessee, the City of Copperhill, Tennessee is a historic mountain community with deep roots in the copper mining industry that shaped the Copper Basin. Once a bustling mining town, Copperhill continues to honor its heritage while actively working to build a vibrant future.

Today, the City is aggressively rebuilding its once, thriving downtown economy while encouraging revitalization and promoting its residential neighborhoods. Copperhill is also actively pursuing grant funding to improve infrastructure and invest in the area’s arts and music heritage, while preserving the history that defines the community. Through these efforts, the City is committed to creating a better place to live, do business, and enjoy the region’s natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.

About Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial 

The Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial was legislatively established by Public Chapter 384 of the Tennessee General Assembly in 2019. The Assembly created the Commission to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, and recognize Tennessee’s integral role in that event and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future. For more information on Commission activities, please visit www.tn250.com. 

About Tennessee State Museum 

Celebrating its 88th Anniversary in 2025, the Tennessee State Museum, is the administrative attachment of the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. The Museum is located on the corner of Rosa L Parks Blvd. and Jefferson Street at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. It is home to thousands of years of Tennessee history, art, and culture. The Museum is free and open to the public Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. For more information on exhibitions and events, please visit TNMuseum.org.