The Sylacauga Meteorite

Located in Sevierville, Tennessee, Smoky Mountain Relic Room is owned and operated by Chase Pipes, who also owns Smoky Mountain Knife Works. Over the years, Smoky Mountain Relic Room has developed a unique collection of historical items, from fossils to meteorites.

Meteorites are defined as small rocks found on earth after impacting the planet from space. Collecting meteorites can be challenging, and finding them in the wild is rare. One of these rare exceptions happened to Ann Hodges of Sylacauga, Alabama.

On November 30, 1954, Mrs. Hodges was taking a nap in her home when she was woken up by a forceful impact. Over the next few minutes, days, and months, she came to understand what had happened: a nine-pound piece of meteorite crashed through the ceiling, hit a nearby radio, and ricocheted into her thigh, leaving a serious bruise.

Following the event, Mrs. Hodges became recognized as the first human to be struck by a meteorite. Unfortunately, her landlord seized ownership of the meteorite and Mrs. Hodges’ fame, which included a Time magazine photo.

The events transpired quite differently for Mrs. Hodges’ neighbor, Julius Kempis. The Kempis family was not struck by their chunk of the Sylacauga meteorite, but they did have full ownership of the rock. The family hired a lawyer and negotiated a sale that funded a new car and a new home.

Individuals interested in beginning their meteorite collection can visit therelicroom.com. The store holds a large meteorite and space collection.