McCoy Farm & Gardens

"There once was a time … when people traveled over dirt trails or tar-and-gravel roads to visit the Bachmans at Christmastime. Men brought Judge Nate little pieces of choice wood for him to whittle, as he was known for whittling while he presided over his bench on the court circuit. In turn, he would give away the little scissors and animals he had carved. The women brought Miss Pearl blackberry preserves or raisin pies made from the summer grapes they had dried. Apples were retrieved from the Bachmans’ root cellar and bright ribbon was tied on paper bags of walnuts for the visiting children. These treats were greatly appreciated, for there was no supermarket where fruit and nuts from Florida, California, and Mexico could be found – for any price. The most wonderful thing of all was the gigantic Christmas tree that grew near the front of the house. It was covered with bright-colored lights and could be seen from Anderson Pike. In that time long ago, hardly anyone on Walden’s Ridge had displays of lights, and the tree was dazzling and truly marvelous. Everyone came to gaze in delight upon the big beautiful Christmas tree the Bachmans so carefully prepared every year to share with all their neighbors. What a thrilling sight it was!" as told by Karen Stone.

We are very excited to resurrect a tradition started by the Senator and Mrs. Bachman and continued by their daughter, Martha McCoy, in the mid-20th century of sharing a lit tree with the community.

Many thanks to the

Signal Mountain Fire Department and the McCoy House Committee for helping us get ready for the holidays!

McCoy Farm & Gardens covers thirty-eight acres and features the Bachman-McCoy home, gardens, and several outbuildings including the Pavilion, Carriage House, Barn, and Blacksmith Workshop. The perimeter walking trail is 1.1 miles.