Have you ever been to Lewis County, Tennessee? It’s where you’ll find the town of Summertown, an aptly named community tucked right between Memphis and Chattanooga, in the south of the state. Although you may have never heard of this little place, probably haven’t visited, there’s a reason this tiny spot deserves a solid mark on your map. If there has ever been a “most hippie town” in Tennessee, it’s probably the place that serves as a home to the oldest commune in the state.
Summertown is a small town located about an hour south of Nashville. With fewer than 1000 residents, you wouldn’t think there’s much there, but it’s hiding one of the most interesting places in the state. Just outside of town is The Farm, an intentional community that is based on the core values of nonviolence and care for the planet.
The Farm was first founded in 1971 by leader Stephen Gaskin who believed that this community was possible and that Lewis County, Tennessee was the perfect place for it.
biotour13 - Flickr Gaskin and his 300 followers moved from the famous Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco, famous for its roots in the hippie movement.
biotour13 - Flickr The members all take a vow of poverty, devoting themselves to the work of the community and giving back to communities in the area and around the world.
biotour13 - Flickr The Farm doesn’t just close themselves off from the world - they’ve actually contributed significantly to modern medicine. The community is considered the home of modern midwifery!
biotour13 - Flickr The Farm also does great work to give back to the community. Their non-profit, Plenty International, has been internationally recognized for its many and significant charitable contributions to communities around the world.
biotour13 - Flickr Today, The Farm has approximately 200 residents, most of whom have lived on The Farm since its inception.
Quite the story, wouldn’t you say? If you’ve taken a few pretty pictures of Tennessee, we’d love to see them! Submit your sunset photos right here.
biotour13 - Flickr
Gaskin and his 300 followers moved from the famous Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco, famous for its roots in the hippie movement.
The members all take a vow of poverty, devoting themselves to the work of the community and giving back to communities in the area and around the world.
The Farm doesn’t just close themselves off from the world - they’ve actually contributed significantly to modern medicine. The community is considered the home of modern midwifery!
The Farm also does great work to give back to the community. Their non-profit, Plenty International, has been internationally recognized for its many and significant charitable contributions to communities around the world.
Today, The Farm has approximately 200 residents, most of whom have lived on The Farm since its inception.
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