News Summary
The beloved statue ‘Big John’ in Kingsport, Tennessee, has been destroyed during an attempted relocation. The towering figure, a symbol of the city since the 1970s, came apart due to years of deterioration. Local residents are shaken and have initiated a crowdfunding campaign to create a replacement statue, reflecting their deep connection to the landmark.
Kingsport Community in Shock as Iconic Statue “Big John” is Destroyed
In a turn of events that has left the residents of Kingsport, Tennessee, reeling, the beloved statue known as Big John has been destroyed during an attempted relocation. This towering figure, which stood proud outside the former Pratt’s Barbecue, was an iconic part of the city’s landscape for decades. The incident unfolded over the weekend when a crew attempted to lift and transport the statue to a new mini-golf business.
A Big Problem in the Making
Witnesses at the scene described the moment the crane hoisted Big John into the air. To their horror, the statue came apart during the process, leaving onlookers stunned. It turned out that years of exposure to the elements had taken a toll, as the intricate structure had rotted from the inside. This surprising revelation contributed to the loss of one of Kingsport’s landmark figures, which had been an emblem of the local dining scene since the 1970s.
A Brief History of Big John
Big John wasn’t just any ordinary statue; it was a 20-foot tall *depiction of a Native American,* symbolizing a rich part of the Pratt’s Barn Restaurant heritage. The statue had been a part of the local community’s fabric since its inception in the late seventies. Historical records, including newspaper clippings from the Kingsport Times News dating back to September 9, 1978, show how the statue had become an integral part of the town’s identity.
Prior to its destruction, Big John was recently sold at auction after the popular Pratt’s Barbecue closed its doors on Father’s Day last year. The statue was set to see a new home at an exciting mini-golf venture that promised to add yet another layer of fun to Kingsport. Unfortunately, fate had other plans.
Restoration Efforts and the Final Blow
The statue had undergone several restoration efforts in the past. Notably, in 2018, it received a new fiberglass head after a mishap left it with a broken neck. This valiant attempt to preserve a piece of Kingsport history was too little, too late, as time ultimately caught up with Big John. Those who witnessed the collapse shared how they felt a deep sense of loss for the community’s collective memory.
It’s worth mentioning that Big John became even more beloved as a part of an estate sale that recently occurred, featuring valuable items from the late Tom Pratt’s family. Interestingly, the original head of the statue was sold at the same auction where the current owner, John Hendricks, acquired Big John just before the ill-fated relocation attempt.
Crowdfunding for a Replacement
In light of this unfortunate event, the Kingsport community has rallied together to create a GoFundMe campaign aimed at raising funds for a replacement statue. This initiative reflects the strong communal spirit of the town and the value that residents place on their local history. As images of the statue’s collapse spread across social media, many have shared their memories and photos of Big John over the years, celebrating the joy it brought to generations of visitors.
A Lasting Legacy
While Big John may no longer stand tall outside Pratt’s Barbecue, its legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts and minds of Kingsport residents. As discussions unfold about the possibility of bringing a new version of this iconic statue to life, one thing is clear: the spirit of Big John will always be a cherished part of the city’s history—a reminder of the good times, community bonding, and the unique character that defines Kingsport.
As the town looks to the future, residents will forever treasure their memories of Big John, a statue that resonated profoundly within the community.
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Additional Resources
- WJHL
- Wikipedia: Big John statue
- WCYB
- Google Search: Big John statue Kingsport
- Johnson City Press
- Google Scholar: Big John statue Kingsport
- WJHL – Son speaks out
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Big John statue
- WJHL – Community celebration
- Google News: Big John statue Kingsport
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
