In 1889, Frederick Gates, a Methodist minister from New York, envisioned a town of social temperance and industry where "no manufacture, storage or sales of intoxicating liquor or beverages" would take place. He and several other notable gentlemen chose this area. Mr. Gates created the East Tennessee Land Company and advertised the "Great Land Sale of 1890" across the country. The sale was a success; thousands came from all over to buy land that is now known as "The Town that Temperance Built."