Mitchell T. Kinder

Cleveland's rich history includes serving as the last Cherokee Indian capital in the East and as the headquarters for eight Pentecostal denominations. The images in Postcard History Series: Cleveland depict the residences, businesses, churches, motels, and schools of the area. Most of the cards have been carefully selected from Mitchell T. Kinder's collection, the largest known postcard accumulation featuring Cleveland and Bradley County, totaling over 500 cards.

Bradley County consists of rolling hills in two valleys at the base of the Smoky Mountains. In 1711, the Yuchi Indians and their land fell to the Cherokee Indians, who inhabited the area until their land was ceded to the county in the Treaty of Echota in 1836. The county was named for Col. Edward Bradley, a friend of Andrew Jackson and veteran of the War of 1812. While agriculture dominated the local economy well into the 19th century, a diverse industrial base grew to employ thousands and bring prosperity to the county. Religion has also been important to Bradley County, as it is home to seven denominations' international headquarters. Images explore the county seat of Cleveland as well as Charleston, Tasso, McDonald, Georgetown, Flint Springs, and other communities.