Rushing, John, Farm
5760 N. TN 69A, Camden, TN Local significance of the district:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The city of Nashville played an important role in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. The city was the site of the first sit-in protest in the United States, when a group of African American college students staged a sit-in at a segregated lunch counter in downtown Nashville in 1960.
One significant event in Benton County's history was the construction of the Tennessee River's Kentucky Dam in the 1930s. This damming of the river led to the creation of Kentucky Lake, which borders the county and became a major tourist attraction and economic boon for the area. The construction of the dam also brought about significant changes in the landscape and further influenced the development of Benton County.
During the Civil War, Benton County saw its fair share of military action. Union and Confederate forces both vied for control of the region, resulting in skirmishes and battles. The Battle of Johnsonville, which took place in 1864, was a notable engagement in Benton County. Despite the destruction caused by the war, the county rebounded and continued to grow in the following years.
In the late 20th century, Benton County experienced economic diversification and saw the rise of industries such as manufacturing and agriculture. Today, it is home to a thriving community, with its natural beauty and recreational opportunities attracting tourists and residents alike. Benton County continues to evolve while cherishing its past, making it a unique and historically significant part of Tennessee.
Benton County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Benton County, Tennessee.
- 1807: Benton County, Tennessee is established on December 19.
- 1845: Camden becomes the county seat.
- 1862: Benton County is heavily affected by the American Civil War.
- 1870: Benton County's population reaches 8,791.
- 1930: Construction of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) dams begins, which greatly transforms the county's landscape and economy.
- 1943: Construction of Kentucky Dam on the Tennessee River is completed.
- 1975: Benton County establishes Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park.
- 2020: Benton County celebrates its 213th anniversary.