‘Freedom Silo Reelfoot Lake’ completed in Tiptonville

THE FREEDOM SILO OF REELFOOT LAKE

The painting of “Freedom Silo Reelfoot Lake” in Tiptonville (Lake County) Tennessee was completed August 15, 2024. 

A historic 90’ tall concrete grain silo is the canvas for an impressive American flag and eagle mural, painted by renowned muralist Farley Lewis and his son, Andrew. This project began with the collaboration of America’s Muralist, Raine W. Clotfelter, and Katrina Greer, Director of Reelfoot Lake Tourism Council. Greer’s combined love of Reelfoot Lake, history, preservation and tourism prompted her to research the possibility of promoting tourism and retail development at the Reelfoot Lake area using the silo as a landmark.

Upon seeing Raine Clotfelter’s Freedom Silos in Monette, MO and Madison County, Ohio, Greer invited Raine to visit Reelfoot Lake and the Tiptonville Silos. The planning of Freedom Silo Reelfoot Lake was set in motion. 

Planning continued with Tiptonville Mayor, Cliff Berry, Jr, Reelfoot Lake Tourism Council Board Members, and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

Reelfoot Lake is home to over 90 eagle nests, and this inspired Raine’s design of the American flag and eagle mural on 70’x80’ of the 90’ silo. Farley Lewis was then commissioned for the painting. 

Farley Lewis, an award-winning artist, has left his creative mark on America through captivating murals including mural work for Bass Pro Shops since 2007. His journey began with a mural at the age of 20, and over the next four decades, he has painted murals in Africa, the Middle East, Canada, Mexico, and all across the USA. In January 2018, Farley stepped away from his role as a pastor to heed the call of beauty. Now, through paintings, workshops, videos, murals, and house portraits, he  shares the stirring beauty he captures on canvas with the world. His art celebrates nature—the ultimate masterpiece—and reveals something of the divine artist’s heart. As Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim  the work of his hands.” Farley’s vibrant silos stand as testament to this truth, connecting rural communities through art and  inviting travelers to experience America’s scenic wonders. 

Lake County, established in 1870, was named after Reelfoot Lake, which formed due to a series of earthquakes in 1811- 1812. Tiptonville serves as the county seat. The local economy centers around agriculture, with cotton and soybeans as the  chief crops. Lake County boasts several Tennessee Century Farms. Cotton gins once operated alongside the Illinois Central  Railroad tracks, ginning as much as forty bales per day in the 19th and early 20th centuries. 

This historic group of silos including 2-90’, 2-70’ and 2-50’ were built in 1965 for storage of soybeans, corn, and wheat  for the Lake County Seed Company. The neighboring cottonseed oil mill was active from 1906 to 1971.   We invite you to visit the Reelfoot Lake area to see this majestic eagle and American flag painting which is located on  Highway 78 at 201 Carl Perkins Parkway, Tiptonville, TN. There are several excellent restaurants around the lake, and some  offer a great view of the silos. And visit often to enjoy the peace and tranquility of our rural area blessed with flora and fauna,  majestic eagles, wildlife, and outdoor activities.

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