Caryville dragon, local landmark, restored

The big, green dragon that has served as an iconic local landmark for residents of Caryville has been restored. Original creator Jim Cole repainted the sculpture, which has stood in the town since the late 1980s and served as an advertisement for a local fireworks display company. The statue has withstood multiple sales of the property and is presently on land owned by Dollar General. Cole and a local resident paid for the restoration of the statue, which had been damaged by fire and graffiti as well as the elements. The 40-foot statue has become not only a local icon but a popular stop off point for families traveling along I-75 to take pictures.