Hughes family celebrates 202-year farming tradition
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As communities across the nation prepare to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, one local family is marking a milestone of its own.
The Hughes family of Flat Top Mountain Farm is celebrating 202 years of continuous family ownership and stewardship of the land they have called home since 1824. Today, ten generations later, the family continues to farm the mountain while preserving its agricultural heritage for future generations.
This June, the family will welcome visitors to their annual Lavender Festival, offering an opportunity for guests to experience both the beauty of the blooming lavender fields and a piece of local history.
“Our family has lived and farmed on this mountain since 1824,” said Terry Hughes, an eighth-generation farmer. “We’ve watched generations come and go, but the land remains a reminder of where we came from and the responsibility we have to preserve it for future generations.”
Flat Top Mountain Farm traces its roots to the early settlement of the mountain and remains family-owned and operated today by descendants of the original Hughes family. Throughout more than two centuries, the family has witnessed the transformation of the Sequatchie Valley region while maintaining its commitment to agriculture, land stewardship, and community.
The Lavender Festival, held June 4–21, provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy U-pick lavender, lavender products, mountain views, local food, and educational demonstrations. More importantly, it offers a chance to connect with the history and traditions that have shaped rural Tennessee for generations.
“While our country celebrates 250 years, we’re grateful to be part of a farming legacy that has remained rooted on this mountain for more than 200 years,” said Kerry Hughes Dishman of Flat Top Mountain Farm. “The festival is an opportunity to share not only the lavender fields, but also the history, values, and agricultural traditions that have been passed down through our family.”
In an era when many family farms have disappeared, the Hughes family hopes their story serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving agricultural heritage and rural communities throughout the Sequatchie Valley region.
Flat Top Mountain Farm is located at 638 Bowman Cemetery Road, Soddy-Daisy in Bledsoe County.
For additional information, visit flattopmountainfarm.com.