Murfreesboro, Tennessee: World's Largest Cedar Bucket

A new rebuilt World's Largest Cedar Bucket was brought back to Cannonsburgh Village on Oct. 22, 2011. Ever since the original was burnt, the local Rutherford County Blacksmiths' Association was dedicated to rebuilding it. It took a little longer than expected to find red cedar that was the right hue, free of knots and could be cut into large enough planks.

The new bucket was built to similar dimensions as the old bucket: 6 feet tall, 6 feet wide at the base up to 7 1/2 at the top, able to hold 1566 gallons. It was built with thicker planks to make it more durable. Now, it's kept locked behind a fence.

Bucket remains burned. All that is left is what could honestly be just someone's firewood. The lady at the visitor's center said they were hoping to rebuild it, but it is not a priority.

The Cedar Bucket (since destroyed) used to belong to my grandfather's business. He owned the Cedar Mill in Murfreesboro and the bucket was used for promotions of cedar buckets. My parents' old house is full of the smallest and largest cedar buckets. I have a tiny one that I use as a pencil holder.

It was absolutely heartbreaking to learn about the bucket being set on fire. It broke my father's heart. His father (Howard Crigger) passed away when my father was only 19. The bucket meant so much to my father and his sister.

We look forward to the rebuilding of the World's Largest Cedar Bucket. I cannot wait to have my young families picture taken in front of it, as we have had many times over the years.

I just thought I'd send an update on the beloved bucket. After the arson incident last Father's Day, the bucket's charred remains were fenced in. The woman working the gift shop told us that a local group has promised to rebuild, but she doesn't know when that will be.

On June 19, the World's Largest Cedar Bucket in Murfreesboro, Tennessee was destroyed by fire apparently set by arsonists. The 118-Year old bucket and sheltering gazebo were burned up in an early morning blaze at the Cannonsburgh Pioneer Village....