In the steam era there was a coaling tower at Leadvale, TN (Knoxville Div. MP 214.8). Why was the coaling tower located in such a remote area? Except for the junction nearby was there any other railroad activities taking place at this location? Was the railroad the only justification for a town being there? Why was it called Leadvale? What other types of railroad facilities were in the area? Old foundations in the area make it look like there were a good number of other small, concrete buildings in the area (engine house? crew dorms? beanery?). Nobody has asked any questions in a while, I hope this shakes things up. AEP

-- albert pope (aepope@att.net), October 04, 2000