For more information, visit the Rockwood 2000 website.

Nashville, Tennessee --- A museum dedicated in Rockwood today has strong ties to the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Tennessee Department of Safety Commissioner Fred Phillips delivered the keynote address at a ceremony for the Highway Patrol Station Museum on the corner of Nelson and Kingston Streets.

"The Tennessee Highway Patrol has a 75-plus year history of promoting safety in communities throughout the state. We are honored that the community of Rockwood has recognized the service and dedication of Troopers, both past and present, with the remarkable task of restoring a piece of THP history," said Phillips. "While the agency has evolved into a highly-trained, modernly equipped department, it remains firm in its commitment to serving the citizens in a responsible, dedicated manner."

The street where the museum is located, Kingston Avenue , was commonly known as the Dixie Highway . It was once the primary road through Rockwood, as well as a major connector to much of east Tennessee . The station was built in 1936 in response to concerns for public safety along the new, expanded road system. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is believed to be the oldest THP station east of Nashville . Its architecture also makes it important. The building is Craftsman style, and features a Crab Orchard stone exterior with a tile roof.

When the station was in use, state Troopers traveled by motorcycle from Rockwood to Bristol daily. Before radio communication became reliable, messages were left for them at local stores, restaurants and other businesses. Businesses which were holding messages for Troopers would post a flag outside their storefronts, so Troopers would know to stop there.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol occupied the station until 1952, when a new building was constructed. A community group, Rockwood 2000, secured a grant to restore the building and convert it into a museum.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.