Coffee County, Tennessee

18th Indiana Battery 20th Tennessee Volunteer Infantry A Railroad Town Army of Tennessee Army of the Cumberland Baillet Home Baillet Sisters Beech Grove Engagement Braxton Bragg's Headquarters Public Square Camp Forrest Camp Forrest Monument Coffee County / Franklin County Coffee County / Grundy County Coffee County UDC Memorial Confederate 1st/3rd Kentucky Calvalry Confederate Cemetery Confederate Cemetery Confederate Cemetery 920 Maplewood Ave. Confederate Memorial Corporal Brian James Schoff Desert Storm Experiment in Armor Fort Nash Fort Rains Along Fort Street Fortress Tullahoma General A. P. Stewart's Division General Forrest's Farewell Order Memorial General Henry H. "Hap" Arnold George Dickel & Co.'s Cascade Distillery Granny Hickerson Cemetery Henry Watterson In Honor of Dr. Frank L. Wattendorf Isham G. Harris James W. Starnes Korean War L.D. Hickerson House Livery Stable LT Kara Hultgreen USN Lt. Gen. Robert M. Bond Major James Duricy USAF Manchester Powder Mill Maplewood Confederate Cemetery Oakwood Cemetery Old Isham Old Stone Fort Old Stone Fort Pioneer Armored Maneuvers Pledge to the South Provost Marshall's Headquarters South Jackson Street Public Square Rangers The Civilian Conservation Corps The Red Caboose Tullahoma Campaign Tullahoma Campaign Tullahoma Campaign Tullahoma Campaign Tullahoma Campaign Tullahoma Campaign Tullahoma Veterans Memorial Verandah Hotel — RR Depot and Dr. Cowan House Vietnam War Memorial War Comes to Manchester Wilson-Crouch World War I and II Marker
Coffee County, Tennessee, located in the southern part of the state, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The county was named after John Coffee, a military leader and close associate of Andrew Jackson. In 1836, Coffee County was officially established, becoming one of the many counties formed during the westward expansion of the United States.

The early settlers of Coffee County were primarily farmers who took advantage of the fertile soil and abundant natural resources. They cultivated crops such as tobacco, cotton, and corn, and raised livestock for sustenance and trade. The county quickly became known for its agricultural prowess, and many settlers prospered from these endeavors.

During the Civil War, Coffee County played a significant role as a strategic location for both Union and Confederate forces. In 1863, the Battle of Tullahoma took place within the county, resulting in the retreat of Confederate troops and the eventual Union control of the region. The war brought destruction and hardship to Coffee County, but it also marked a turning point in its history.

In the years following the Civil War, Coffee County experienced a period of rebuilding and progress. The arrival of the railroad in 1852 brought new opportunities for trade and commerce, spurring economic growth. The county saw the rise of industries such as lumber mills, textile factories, and brick manufacturing, cementing its position as a growing and dynamic community.

Today, Coffee County continues to thrive as a vibrant and diverse region. It is home to a population that embraces its rich history while embracing modern developments. The county is known for its annual events, including the world-renowned Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, which attracts visitors from around the globe. With a blend of its agricultural heritage and a growing emphasis on technology and industry, Coffee County remains an important part of Tennessee's cultural and economic landscape.
Brief timeline of the history of Coffee County, Tennessee:

  • 1836: Coffee County is established, named after John Coffee, a prominent early settler and surveyor.
  • 1850: The county seat is established in Manchester.
  • 1861-1865: Coffee County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1870: The Beecher Male and Female Institute, now known as the Old Stone Fort Museum, is founded in Manchester.
  • 1919: Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) is established in Tullahoma, bringing technological advancements and employment opportunities to the county.
  • 1930: Construction of the Coffee County Courthouse in Manchester is completed.
  • 1945: The Coffee County Fair, now known as the Coffee County Agricultural Fair, begins as an annual event.
  • 1992: Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is held for the first time in Manchester, attracting thousands of attendees and boosting the local economy.
  • 2011: A new Coffee County Central High School is constructed in Manchester.
  • 2019: Tullahoma celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years since its founding.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Coffee County, Tennessee.