The Edgeworth Inn

Monteagle’s Chautauqua Assembly was founded in 1883, and has been continuously operating since its inception. In the same way that the Colonial chapter of America’s history is perpetuated in Williamsburg and the Shakers are still represented in Shaker Town, this village on Monteagle Mountain presents a living example of Victorian summer cottage life.

The vast majority of Chautauqua were founded in the new England States, making this “Chautauqua of the South” even more rare. Integrating the ideals of the last century two with traditional Southern hospitality, this Assembly in particular has a uniquely pleasant atmosphere. Interspersed amongst the renowned concerts at Sewanee, there Socratic sojourns on quiet mountain trails and the informative discussions at area gatherings, you will discover a distinctly Southern ambiance. Once you have watched the sun rise or set while rocking on the porch, you will begin to feel a change in yourself. It is this particular magic that continues to summon people “far from the madding crowds: to peaceful surroundings which permeate souls”.

Those who congregate in Monteagle find themselves freed from the burdens of business, the hustle and bustle of city life and even the simplest concerns of the day. The emphasis shifts for each person towards contemplation and personal development in every sense. The quality of life in this atmosphere continually astounds even the longtime residents of The Monteagle Assembly. Perhaps that’s why everyone you meet in this pastoral setting is smiling.

The Chautauqua of the South

Many families in the Victorian Era left the cities in the summertime and spent two to three months in the nearby mountains. This exodus to the more natural and cooler setting was motivated not only by a desire to escape the summer heat and to relax, but also as a serious quest for physical and spiritual well-being.

The Chautauqua was a natural consequence of such informal gatherings of people from all walks of life. The idea was first proposed at the 1873 Methodist Episcopal camp meeting in Chautauqua, New York, by John Heyl Vincent and Lewis Miller. Inspired by the Lyceum movement, these men suggested combining the summer retreat with eight week programs offering members secular and religious instruction as well as lectures by authors, explorers, musicians, and political leaders. Somewhere between revival meetings and country fairs, Chautauqua were attended by thousands each year. The combination of education and entertainment in a pristine mountain setting caught on rapidly; the Chautauqua Movement spread throughout America and Europe during the latter part of the 19th century.

Despite the immense popularity of the movement, only thirteen original Chautauquas in the world are still active today. The Monteagle Assembly is a National Treasure whose existence helps define our country’s history.