Nestled in the southeastern corner of Weakley County, Gleason is a West Tennessee community celebrated for its sweet potatoes and ball clay mines, an unexpected pairing that highlights the town’s unique character.
The City of Gleason was originally known as Oakwood, a name inspired by a large oak tree that famously grew through a crack in the old post office floor. The community kept this name from 1850 until 1903, when it was officially renamed in honor of Mr. W.W. Gleason, a prominent businessman and grocery store owner who played a significant role in both Gleason and nearby Dresden, Tennessee.
With a population of nearly 1,500 today, Gleason is a small town with a reputation that reaches far and wide thanks to its role in the agriculture and ball clay mining industries.
The Sweet Potato Capital of Tennessee
The railroad arrived in the mid-1800s and became a critical factor in Gleason’s agricultural development. While cotton and tobacco took center stage in the early years, the town’s sandy soil and favorable growing conditions made it a prime location for cultivating sweet potatoes.
Rail service made transporting these products to distant markets possible and profitable, thanks to low transportation costs, which fueled both the local and state economies.
Photo Credit: City of Gleason, TN
Today, Gleason proudly wears the title of “Tater Town USA,” and the community celebrates its rich agricultural heritage each September with its annual Tater Town Special, a festival that has drawn visitors from near and far since its founding in 1974.
Despite the festival including sweet potatoes in nearly every form imaginable, that’s not just what it’s about. It’s also a celebration and reminder of how agriculture continues to shape Gleason’s identity and economy.
A Hidden Gem Beneath the Surface
Beyond its agricultural roots, Gleason holds another treasure—Tennessee ball clay. This unique type of clay is a critical ingredient in manufacturing ceramics and is known for its plasticity and white-firing properties.
Mr. Kelly Finch was the first to discover clay on his land in Weakley County in the 1920s. He was digging a well to water his livestock when he suddenly couldn’t dig any deeper. Upon further investigation he discovered it was minable clay, and after getting it tested, it was found to be of superior quality.
Over the past 124 years, ball clay mining has become a cornerstone of Gleason’s economy. Home to the largest ball clay deposits in the U.S., Gleason supplies materials to industries around the world, earning its well-deserved title as the “Ball Clay Mining Capital of the World.”
Words matter, but numbers tell the real story. With 90% of U.S. manufactured title including Tennessee ball clay, our state is #1 for ball clay mining.
The region’s rich deposits, combined with the expertise of its highly skilled workers, make this small Weakley County town a leader in this specialized field.
H.C. Spinks Clay Co., Gleason, TN
Whether you’re savoring a slice of sweet potato pie at the Tater Town Special or learning about the process of Tennessee ball clay mining, Gleason offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation that is sure to impress.
To learn more about Gleason, visit www.cityofgleasontn.com.
