Gov. Bill Lee Visits Wayne County for America's 250th Anniversary

Governor Bill Lee made his way to Wayne County on Friday, March 27, to celebrate America’s 250th birthday early. The Governor is currently on a year-long, 95-county tour that began on July 1, 2025, and is scheduled to run through July 4, 2026. The tour, themed “Tennessee: The Original Frontier,” is to celebrate the anniversary of America’s independence. It highlights Tennessee’s rural communities, agricultural heritage, and historic sites, all of which Wayne County has in abundance. It was an honor for the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors to host the governor’s visit to Wayne County at The Bridges in Waynesboro.

Governor Lee was greeted upon arrival by local leaders, business owners, and residents of the community. During his visit, a tour of the historical natural bridge on the property was conducted by local historians Tim Anderson and James Lee Dixon, along with Stan and Winnette Bevis, owners of The Bridges.

“We’re traveling to shake hands with Tennesseans and really to remind one another to set aside all the differences and remind ourselves of what we agree upon, which is that we live in the greatest country in the world,” Lee said.

Following the tour, Governor Lee met with and addressed the crowd by saying he was proud to be celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary with Tennesseans across the state, noting Tennessee’s people are what make the state special.

“One of Tennessee's greatest contributions to America’s success is the strength of our agricultural industry,” said the governor. “I’m proud to honor our rich heritage and commitment to ensuring family farms are preserved for future generations, along with environmental and conservation efforts to help guarantee Tennessee’s unmatched natural beauty remains untouched and protected for years to come.

“It’s our last year, and what we [Lee and his wife Maria] will do is go to every single county, all 95 counties in Tennessee, before July 4th, and have stops just like this where the community comes out,” continued Governor Lee. “There’s no agenda here; I’m not running for office. I don’t want anything from being here other than to say thank you for what you do.”

“We were thrilled to host Governor Lee along with our community leaders," stated Martha Kelly, Wayne County Chamber Executive Director. “It has been an honor to share our part of Tennessee and show him a one-of-a-kind historical landmark of natural beauty that only Wayne County has.”