WELCOME TO BUTLER, TN!
Known world-wide as the
"town that wouldn't drown!"
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All active-duty U.S. military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force)
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Members of the National Guard and Reserves
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Up to 5 accompanying family members
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Military ID required.
Help Preserve Our History!
The Museum of Butler depends on people like you to help keep the stories and heritage of Butler and the Watauga Valley alive for future generations.
Share your time, lend your talents, or support our mission with a financial gift. Every contribution makes a difference!
Love our local history? We're also accepting applications for open positions on the Butler & Watauga Valley Heritage Association Board of Directors.
CONTACT US for more information and to learn how you can get involved!
MUSEUM 2026 SEASON
May 23 - October 31, 2026
ADMISSION: $5 per person
Children under 12 are FREE
No charge for parking.
JOIN US to become a Friend of The Museum for your $25 donation to receive an Annual Pass for you and your family. Download form here.
Thanks for your support!
Experience the story of Old Butler
The Butler and Watauga Valley Heritage Museum opened in 2000 to honor the citizens of Butler as well as Watauga Valley, Roan Valley and Elk Valley. This first class Museum showcases the history of Butler and the relocation of the town to higher ground to make way for Watauga Lake to provide flood control and cheap electricity.
As you walk into the exhibit area, you will notice that this is not your typical small town Museum. The historical exhibits bring to life the early days of Old Butler and depict the extraordinary effort in relocating this small town, showing why it is known as “the town that would not drown”.
The Museum provides an incredible snapshot of a typical East Tennessee farming and lumber community and tells the story about life from a bygone era. It also reminds us of the price paid for the luxuries that we can experience today.
Our Tours
Relive the history of Old Butler, the only incorporated town to be intentionally flooded by the TVA.
Our carefully curated exhibits will give you a glimpse into our past, the families whose lives were forever changed and the beauty of the Watauga Lake that surrounds us.
Visit our History Museum
W.S. Stout General Store
American Veterans Memorial Walk
Museum Gift Shop
NEW! America 250 Digital Exhibit
our sponsors
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Ballad Health - Johnson County Community Hospital
Humphrey Masonry Supply, Inc.
Maymead, Inc.
