Rugby
English Colony
State: Tennessee
County: Morgan County
Founded: 1880
Abandoned: Semi-ghost
Peak Population: 450
Rugby was founded in 1880 by Thomas Hughes (author of Tom Brown's Schooldays) as a utopian community for younger sons of English gentry. The colony failed but 20 original Victorian buildings survive. The Thomas Hughes Library contains 7,000 Victorian books.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Year-round
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Quick Facts
- Founded by Thomas Hughes
- 20 Victorian buildings survive
- 7,000 Victorian books in library
Location
Address: Rugby, TN
Coordinates: 36.3667, -84.7333