In 1880, famous English author and social reformer Thomas Hughes launched his new American colony -- Rigby, Tennessee as a cooperative, class-free, agricultural community.  This was conceived of as a place where the "second sons" of English nobility could come and apply their talents in the less accepted professions, such as crafts and farming. In England the eldest son inherited the title and estate and younger sons received nothing. It was expected for these sons to enter law, clergy, medicine and the press and for those who didn't enter these profession, there was nothing for them.

The colony grew to about 350 members, but after a hard winter and an outbreak of typhoid fever that left seven dead, people started leaving Rigby. By December, 1881 the population had dropped to sixty, but by the end of 1882 the population was back up to 150. This was suppose to be a vision of Utopia, but in this class-free society, there were those who did not want to carry their fair share. Promises by the company that sold them the land and the promised by Thomas Hughes that failed to come discouraged many people. 

Since Thomas Hughes wife refused to move to Rigby, Thomas made regular trips to Rigby, but stayed in England. The colony was beset with problems that grew until only the children of the settlers were left behind. Today the homes are restored and tours are offer through them. The Harrow Road Cafe offers a selection of Cumberland Plateau home cooking and British Isles specialties. I tried the Shepherd's Pie which was a delight, but it should have been called a Vegetarian Pie as it had no meat. It was suppose to be roast beef, but apparently they ran out of beef and just used carrots and celery. Today the people of Rigby are friendly and depend on tourism to survive. Beautiful crafts are offered at reasonable prices. If you are ever in this part of Tennessee, do drop in and view this Utopian colony.

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