Travel Features

The Last Resident of Land Between the Lakes

March 31, 2025 | Lydia

My recent visit to Land Between The Lakes (LBL) was a unique experience, particularly my stop at the home of Cleo Griffin, the last resident to remain after the TVA takeover in the 1960s. It's a place steeped in history, a link to the over 2,000 families who once called this land home.

Standing before the failing structure, you can almost feel the past. Griffin, a World War II veteran who bravely fought in the Battle of Monte Cassino, held an unbreakable connection to this land, his birthplace near Model, Tennessee. Despite efforts to relocate him, his heart and feet would always lead him back to Land Between the Lakes. Eventually, he was allowed to stay, living here until 1989.

It's clear that this site is now carefully protected as a vital piece of LBL's story. Security cameras are visible, and respectful signage reminds visitors of its historical significance. This isn't just an old house; it's a memorial to the resilience of the human spirit and a testament to a unique chapter in American history.

Knowing the story of Cleo Griffin, and the efforts now underway by groups like the Fort Campbell soldiers to stabilize his home, underscores the importance of treating this location with the utmost respect. It serves as a powerful reminder of the communities displaced and the individual who, despite it all, held onto his roots. Let's all ensure we leave no trace and allow this silent sentinel to continue telling its important story for generations to come.

Here's a video of my experience...

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