In the early days of World War II, nine young men from the small town of Erwin, Tennessee (population 3,350), volunteered for service in the United States Army Air Corps, proud to defend their nation and democracy. None of them served together, and all were shot down at different times in different places. Yet, incredibly, with more than 50 prison camps scattered throughout Nazi Germany, all nine captured airmen were sent to the same one—Stalag Luft IV.

The 250-year pioneer heritage of Erwin and Unicoi County is an intrinsic part of East Tennessee's historical landscape. By the early 1700s, the legendary Long Hunters had ventured into this wild frontier--then part of North Carolina--following the abundant game and trade with the Native Americans. This river-fed land was soon dubbed "Greasy Cove" as a meeting place where game was cleaned. Around 1760, settlers found their way into the valley, carving homesteads out of hidden coves or fertile flatlands alongside the Nolichucky River. Unicoi County was established in 1875. The advent of the railroad in 1890 brought a new prosperity. By 1909, the Carolina, Clinchfield, and Ohio Railroad--later known as the "Clinchfield"--was in its boomtime, as was Unicoi County. Around 1916, the Ohiobased Southern Potteries arrived, and famed Blue Ridge hand-painted china dinnerware was born. Today, sheltered on three sides by the natural beauty of Cherokee National Forest, the area of Erwin and Unicoi County is popularly known as the Valley Beautiful.