Trade Mill & Native Heritage Days

Celebrate the culture and history of one of the oldest communities in the state during the 5th Annual Trade Mill & Native Heritage Days on Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22 at the historic Trade Gristmill.

This fun, family-friendly event features Native American demonstrations, storytelling, hit and miss engines, kids zone, petting zoo, music and vendors. The festival is held on the grounds of the Trade Community Center, the original location of the mountain gaps where Native Americans and frontier families traded goods.

​During 1700's, Trade was established as a trading post known as "The Trade Gap" for Native Americans, pioneers and fur traders. The trading post, according to historic legend, was established by Daniel Boone which connected the Great Warrior Path through the Shenandoah Valley and Tennessee Valley to Piedmont in North Carolina.

​Later, the property became home to a rural school which served children from first to eighth grade. During the 1980s, as schools were being consolidated, it closed.

​Fast forward to 2008, when the Trade Gristmill celebrated its grand opening at the Trade Community Center grounds. Most of the parts comprising the newly constructed mill date back to pre-civil war. Today the old school building houses a museum at the mill to give visitors a glimpse in to the history of the oldest community in this part of Tennessee.

​Originally called "Trade Days" the annual festival launched in 1999 and became an annual favorite through 2011. After the hiatus, organizers brought the event back, with a new name and features to draw locals and visitors to celebrate the long and rich history of this small community. This year will be the fifth year of the rebranded festival.

​During the weekend, attendees will enjoy the 5th Annual Intertribal Powwow with contests and demonstrations. To learn more about the competition, social dances and schedule, visit TradeMillPowWow.com.

Please note: The Trade Community Center is located at 228 Modock Road in Trade, TN.