If you ever find yourself on the Cherohala Skyway that's located outside of Tellico Plains, Tennessee, you will eventually come across one of the most unusual graves in this area, one whose story is just as unique as the location itself.
Located some distance above the Unicoi Overlook on the North Carolina side of the Skyway lies a solitary grave hidden beneath the shadow of a rather impressive bridge and a small grove of pine trees that stand guard over the elderly man who had passed on this land and the remains of the very land in which he spent his final moments. The grave belonged to a man named Absolum Stratton.
According to local legend, Absolum Stratton(1772-1852) was out visiting his son John, who lived on the Tennessee/North Carolina border in August of 1852. John lived within 200 yards of the Tennessee state line in a big, two story log cabin. Absolum had suddenly fallen ill during his visit, much to the dismay of his family. Since he did not fear death, he spoke openly about his ultimate fate, knowing good and well that he would never recover from his illness. John and his sons rushed to cut down a large tree and used the wood to construct a coffin by hand. Before he left this world, Absolum made his final request, which his family gladly honored. Because he loved Tennessee and North Carolina equally, his final wish was to be buried in both states at the same time. His coffin was placed on the state line, with his head residing in North Carolina and his feet, in Tennessee.