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When American settlers first came to Bradley County, or the the  Ocoee District as the area of land south of the Hiwassee and Tennessee rivers was called it was mostly populated by Cherokee Indians.
Aware that they would soon be forced to surrender this land to the United States, the Cherokee Tribe was divided into two groups. Some wished to move the reservation to west of the Mississippi, while others wanted to stay and fight against removal.
A council was held at Red Clay Park in 1834 and a treaty was made ceding all land to the United States. The Cherokees consider Red Clay Park sacred ground and it was here that the Trail of Tears, the forced migration of the Cherokee from this land to modern day Oklahoma began.
After the treaty signed at Red Clay was deemed valid by the United States Government settlers began to enter the nation to build the what would become the towns of Cleveland, Ooltewah and Athens Tennessee.
 Bradley County was officially created in February 1836. Its name honored Colonel Edward Bradley, a Revolutionary War veteran who served with Andrew Jackson during the War of 1812.
Soon after a log courthouse was erected upon the southwest corner of the public square. This served the county until 1839, when a brick building was erected. It was then one of the best structures of it's kind in East Tennessee. A jail was built in the same year, solidifying the creation of this new American city.
Bradley County continues to focus on keeping it's community crime free with the help of their current Sheriff Tim Gobble.
The first school in Cleveland was taught in a house just west of the spring until Oak Grove Academy was completed in 1840. The present excellent school system of Cleveland had its origin in the appointment of a board of education in June 1882.
The first bank established in Cleveland was the Ocoee Bank, Started in 1855. The first official newspaper was the Banner, a Democratic paper established in 1854. In 1872 a Republican paper was established called Commercial Republican, eventually to changing it's name to the Herald.
During the civil war Cleveland suffered severely. The country for miles around was laid waste, troops were quartered in churches and public buildings; property was destroyed and business practically stopped.
As soon as peace returned, however, the work of restoration was begun, and the town has since continued to prosper. It is now one of the most beautiful and history filled towns in the State. Downtown Cleveland is a quaint and historic city center filled with shops and restaurants and rich in the history of the development of the state of Tennessee.
Religion has always played an important role in Bradley County's history. In fact the organization of churches had begun several years before the removal of the Cherokees.Three denominations maintain their headquarters in the county: the Church of God, the Church of God of Prophecy, and the Church of God Jerusalem Acres.
There are many historical churches listed on the National Register of Historic Places located in Cleveland including; The Broad st. United Methodist Church, The first Presbyterian Church and St. Luke's Episcopal church, built by J.H. Craigmiles in 1878 in memory of his daughter.
 
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Bargain Properties >Bargain Homes
Most buyers want a home that is in tip-top condition and ready for them to occupy, but many homes sell for bargain prices because they need work. Buyers love "fixer-uppers" for the obvious reasons: the affordable price and the satisfaction of remodeling the house to accommodate your tastes and needs.
Whether you are buying the property for yourself or as an investment, choose a house that is in a good location and structurally sound. It should be priced enough below market value (usually 25%) to allow plenty of room for a profitable re-sale after the work is completed.
It is important to educate yourself before taking on a fixer-upper project. Inexpensive cosmetic improvements often give the greatest return on your investment-- paint will increase the value three times for every dollar invested. Landscaping, carpeting, and light fixtures are also relatively inexpensive improvements. Try to avoid purchasing a house that needs expensive structural improvements such as a new roof, plumbing, wiring, or foundation repairs.
Remodeling a kitchen will rarely add more than the cost of the upgrade, but new appliances usually give a fine return. An extra bathroom is the best renovation from an investment point of view, often giving twice its cost in added value.
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| Q |
How can you give your home the equivalent of sunglasses?
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| A |
Install low "E" squared glass filters sunlight, saves on energy costs and prevents fading of furniture, drapes and carpets. |
 See More Real Estate Trivia > |
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- NUMBER1EXPERT™ 
