This year – 2021 – Jena is observing its sesquicentennial year or 150th anniversary. During the Civil War and for several years thereafter, the only post office in this section was called “Hemp Creek” post office. In 1871, Hemp Creek postmaster was informed that all reference to creeks, streams, etc., must be eliminated and a new name selected. According to the story, Andrew Forsythe was given the task of naming the post office and after a great deal of study, he decided to call it Jena in honor of that great seat of learning in Germany, saying, “it would commemorate Napoleon’s victory at that place and perhaps someday our Jena will become a great seat of learning.” Special features on Jena’s Sesquicentennial can be found on pages 10-11A in this edition.
News
November 9, 2021
Jena’s Sesquicentennial Year