Founded in 1848, the Burritt College has been a longstanding tribute to Van Buren County’s History. The College was the first Co-Ed College of the South. The Burritt College played a vital role in Van Buren County’s education landscape for nearly a century. The town of Spencer owes much of its existence to the college and the families it brought here. The College closed its doors in 1939 after funding was withdrawn and many trails and tribulations throughout its time, marking the end of an era.

Small Town grocery store that turned into a monument of our town! The Hitchcock family stores (approximately 1930-1932), located in Van County, were owned by Morris Hitchcock and wife Leona. You could buy everything from grocery, hardware, feed, seed, fertilizer, shoes, clothes, dresses, materials for making dresses, and the latest fashions for all from your mule to yourself. This Business evolved for years to come, making a lasting imprint on our community.

The First of it's kind, a sight to see.

Bone Cave, Located in Van Buren County, is not only one of Tennessee’s largest caves but also a significant historical and archeological site. The cave’s history dates back almost 2500 years with Native Americana utilizing the area for essential resources, evidenced by many artifacts. These early inhabitants left their mark long before European Settlers arrived. Over the Centuries, Bone Cave has revealed itself as a window into ancient life, both human and animal.

The most significant discovery occurred in 1811, when a nearly complete skeleton of a giant ground sloth was unearthed. This incredible find, which included the only known complete pelvis ever recovered, brought international attention to Bone Cave and solidified its place in paleontological history. The bone’s are now housed at The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia.