Alvin York State Historic Park Celebrates Tennessee's World War I Hero

Sgt. Alvin York

Tennessee’s state parks are best known as preserves of the state’s natural beauty, but a few highlight Tennesseans who had an impact on the world stage.  For one, that renown began 98 years ago on a battlefield in France, October 8, 1918.

Alvin C. York State Historic Park in Pall Mall, tells the life story of a country boy who grew up to be an international hero as the most decorated soldier of World War I

The park includes the farm and home Sergeant York and his family lived in from 1922 until he died, and the grist mill he operated in the 1940s and 50s. 

A devout Christian, pacifist and conscientious objector, York proudly served his country once drafted into the U.S. Army. When his patrol was ambushed behind enemy lines that October day, he risked all leading the few survivors in a counter-attack. York’s heroism, and the capture of 132 Germans, earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor and international acclaim. These exploits were later chronicled in the film classic Sergeant York, starring Gary Cooper.

Exhibits in the visitor center, a recreation of the store York ran in 1920s tell of his life and heroism, and how he used his celebrity to improve life for others. It’s an inspiring story about an inspiring son of Tennessee.