Hartsville Nuclear Plant – Hartsville, Tennessee - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place
Hartsville Nuclear Plant is permanently closed.

Hartsville Nuclear Plant

Hartsville, Tennessee

This abandoned nuclear cooling tower casts a shadow over a bucolic town. 

View all photos
Hartsville Nuclear Plant KenJ (Atlas Obscura User)
Hartsville Nuclear Plant KenJ (Atlas Obscura User)
Hartsville Nuclear Plant Brian Stansberry (Creative Commons)
a better panorama KenJ (Atlas Obscura User)
Hartsville Nuclear Plant KenJ (Atlas Obscura User)
Hartsville Nuclear Plant KenJ (Atlas Obscura User)
Hartsville Nuclear Plant KenJ (Atlas Obscura User)
Hartsville Nuclear Plant KenJ (Atlas Obscura User)
bucolic silo grazing the open range KenJ (Atlas Obscura User)
Hartsville Nuclear Plant KenJ (Atlas Obscura User)
89
405
Top Places in Tennessee
Silky O'Sullivan's
Memphis, Tennessee
Isaac Hayes's Gold-Plated Cadillac
Memphis, Tennessee
S.S. Sultana Memorial
Knoxville, Tennessee
 See All

Planning for the next century’s electrical needs, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) broke ground on the Hartsville Nuclear Plant in 1975.

At the time, the plant would be the world’s largest nuclear plant. Amid much controversy, the sleepy town boomed with construction workers and new businesses that catered to the growing population. Just under a decade later, the decision was made to halt the entire project. Outside the four planned generators, there were a few buildings partially constructed. Various crews later dismantled most of the power plant. 

The boomtown went bust and mostly things went back to rural life for residents, except for the iconic nuclear cooling tower. Some refer to this tower as a giant empty beercan looming over the forests and pastures. Eventually, TVA gave up most of the land for business development. 

Know Before You Go

A short drive from Hartsville heading east on Highway 25 will lead you to Powercom Industrial Park, turn south into the park and take the first left. When you come to a four-way stop, turn left again and find Smith Way with most of the abandoned buildings. Walking next to the public roadway should be fine, but take trespassing signs seriously. 

power stations nuclear buildings architecture
Nearby
The Little Tunnel
16.81 miles
Cedars of Lebanon State Park
22.82 miles
Pinky Ring Pizza
35.68 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
The Little Tunnel.
Westmoreland, Tennessee

The Little Tunnel

This tiny 19th-century tunnel was built so a man could move his cows from one field to another.
Cedars of Lebanon State Park
Lebanon, Tennessee

Cedars of Lebanon State Park

This park contains one of the largest concentrations of cedar glades, a unique and rare ecosystem.
A “Hot Matty” pizza topped with pickles, house-made ranch, Calabrian chiles, dill, and so much cheese.
Madison, Tennessee

Pinky Ring Pizza

Pickles belong on pizza and this freewheeling outpost proves it.
Nashville, Tennessee

Peace Sign Geoglyph

A heartwarming message to those entering and departing Music City from above.
Related Places
London, England

The Ostler's Hut

This is London's smallest listed building.
Lindsborg, Kansas

1904 World's Fair Swedish Pavilion

A preserved relic of the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair and a center of Swedish American Culture.
Visaginas, Lithuania

Orthodox Church of the Nativity of Saint John

Originally built for nuclear power plant workers, this church sits between apartment buildings.
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Philtower and Philcade Buildings

Tulsa's historic skyscrapers define the oil boom era of Art Deco construction, and are known for their ornate arched lobbies.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web