Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Tennessee — Birthplace and home of America’s most decorated WWI soldier — Alvin York single-handedly captured 132 German soldiers, killed 28, and silenced 35 machine guns on October 8, 1918. Gary Cooper played him in the 1941 film. York lived here in Pall Mall, TN until 1964.

Visitor Information

About Sgt. York State Park

Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park in Pall Mall preserves the home and grist mill of Sergeant Alvin York — America’s most decorated soldier of World War I. York single-handedly killed 25 German soldiers and captured 132 prisoners in the Argonne Forest (October 1918). Born in this remote Fentress County community, York used his fame to improve education in his impoverished mountain homeland, founding the Alvin C. York Agricultural Institute.

Things to Do

Touring York’s preserved home and grist mill, visiting the grave site, viewing the museum exhibits on WWI and York’s remarkable life, hiking, and exploring the Wolf River valley. The 1941 film “Sergeant York” (Gary Cooper) told his story. Free admission.

About Sgt. York Park

Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park in Fentress County preserves the farm and grist mill of America’s most decorated World War I soldier. York — a pacifist conscientious objector from the Tennessee mountains — single-handedly killed 25 German soldiers and captured 132 more on October 8, 1918, in the Argonne Forest. His Medal of Honor action made him the most famous American hero of WWI. Gary Cooper won an Oscar portraying him in the 1941 film.

Things to Do

Touring York’s farm and grist mill, visiting the York family cemetery, attending the annual WW1 commemoration, exploring the Upper Cumberland mountain culture, and learning about the reluctant hero who became America’s most famous soldier.

Insider Tips

WWI hero’s home: Alvin York was the most decorated American soldier of World War I — he single-handedly captured 132 German prisoners and killed 25 enemy soldiers in the Argonne Forest (1918). Pro tip: York was a pacifist from the mountains of Fentress County who wrestled with his conscience before fighting. Gary Cooper: The 1941 film “Sergeant York” starring Gary Cooper won an Academy Award — Cooper visited the real York at this homestead.

Best Time to Visit

Year-round: The homestead is open for tours. Veterans Day (November): Special ceremonies. Memorial Day: Patriotic observances. Fall: Beautiful Fentress County foliage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Alvin York do?

On October 8, 1918, Corporal York led seven men against a German machine gun nest in the Argonne Forest, France. He killed 25 enemy soldiers and captured 132 prisoners — essentially single-handedly neutralizing 35 machine guns. He received the Medal of Honor and became America’s most celebrated WWI hero. After the war, he returned to his Fentress County farm.