The Tennessee Copper Company was formed in 1899.  During the same year, the Burra Mine opened in Ducktown.  Construction of a smelter was begun in Copperhill.  In the early 20th century, the Tennessee Copper Company merged to form a British corporation, The Tennessee Copper Company and Ducktown Sulfur, Copper, and Iron Company, LTD.  By 1907, the Tennessee Copper Company was trapping sulfur dioxide gas, which had previously been polluting and denuding the surrounding area.  It was condensed to produce sulfuric acid.  Copperhill (population 600) was born when the name of the Post Office at McCays was changed in 1908.  Copperhill was burned nearly to the ground on two nights in December of 1910.

By 1936, the Tennessee Copper Company was the only company operating in the Basin.  The company provided housing for the miners.  When promoted, a miner would move to another house higher up on the hill.  Then someone would move into his old house.  The company store provided food, clothing, and hardware items.  Purchases were deducted from paychecks.  Unfortunately, many miners never got out of debt.