1 of 1

Write now Article Tools

There is only one place to go to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, and that place is Erin, TN.

Erin, which is the county seat of Houston County, celebrates its Irish heritage on the third Saturday every March.

The City of Erin was at first a Scottish settlement. The census of Houston County in 1850 showed several immigrants who were from Scotland. A decade later, things had changed. Hundreds of railroad workers, who were from Ireland, appeared on the census rolls of 1860.

It was from the imported railroad workers that Erin's Irish heritage began. It is an old story that the name of the town was given as a result of two drunken Irish workers who were fighting.

The land reminded the workers of their homeland, and one of them shouted an ancient Irish rallying call, "Erin Go Bragh." Subsequently the town was named Erin.

The first Irish celebration took place on March 16, 1963. A group of citizens felt that the residents of Erin needed to understand that they could fade from existence in this little Irish valley. Several ideas were discussed, and the annual Irish celebration was born.

The first celebration was dedicated to Mrs. Lucille Clement, a native of Erin adn the wife of then Governor Frank G. Clement.

A parade boasted lots of floats which were done by Erin Future Farmers of America Chapter, Erin Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Erin Baptist Church, Pioneer Lodge No. 1538, American Legion Post No. 54, Erin High School, Erin Rotary Club and Erin Civitan Club. The parade also consisted of lovely girls and the Screaming Eagles Band from Ft. Campbell. High-stepping bands from Houston County, Stewart County and McEwen high schools also joined in the festivities.

The whole town was decorated in green and white. Huge shamrocks were strung at the city limits both east and west. "Erin Welcomes You" was written across the shamrocks.

Just like forty-four years ago, the city will be decorated in green and white. There will be a parade with many bands, floats, politicians, babies, little girls and lovely ladies. There is also a carnival with many rides that will be in Erin all week.

If you are not doing anything on the third Saturday in March, go to Erin and celebrate its Irish heritage.

Learn more about this author, Jerome Parchman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Destination guides: Erin, Tennessee, for St. Patrick's Day?
We want to hear your view. Write now!