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WORTH THE DETOUR
LBL's Last Residential Home
The Cleo Griffin home place tells one of the most personal and complex stories tied to the creation of Land Between the Lakes. While the land had already been acquired by the Tennessee Valley Authority, Cleo Griffin was allowed to continue living here for years afterward. He lived alone, remaining on property that was no longer his, not out of defiance, but because leaving proved difficult in ways that went beyond logistics.
Griffin struggled with his mental health, and although he was placed in a retirement home in Dover, Tennessee, he repeatedly walked back to this house. Over time, it became clear that allowing him to stay was the most humane option. As a result, Cleo Griffin became the last person to live within what would eventually become Land Between the Lakes, and for many years, its only resident.
Quick Facts
- Former Home of LBL's Last Resident
- Access to Structure Not Allowed
- Easily Accessible by Vehicle
- Near Great Western Iron Furnace
- Leave No Trace
- Respect the Heritage
The house still stands today, though time and neglect have taken their toll. The structure is in poor condition, but it remains recognizable as a home rather than a ruin. Walking around the site, you’ll see how life once unfolded here in quiet isolation, long after the surrounding communities had vanished.
This detour isn’t about abandonment or decay. It’s about acknowledging the human side of a massive transition. The Cleo Griffin home place marks the end of residential life in LBL and serves as a reminder that landscapes don’t change without affecting the people tied to them. Visit respectfully, leave everything as you find it, and take a moment to consider the story behind the walls.
