National Register Listing

Williston Historic District

a.k.a. See also:Crawford General Store;Craford's Experimental Farm

Roughly, along Hotel and Railroad Sts. and Walker Ave., Williston, TN
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Exploration/settlement

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1995.

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Tennessee.
Tennessee was the birthplace of the Ku Klux Klan, a notorious white supremacist organization that terrorized African Americans and other minority groups throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The group was founded in Pulaski, Tennessee, in 1865.
Tennessee random facts
Fayette County, located in the southwestern part of Tennessee, has a rich history that dates back to the prehistoric era. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw and Choctaw, who hunted and fished in the region. European explorers, such as Hernando de Soto, arrived in the 16th century, but it wasn't until the early 19th century that significant settlement began.

In 1824, Fayette County was established, named after the Marquis de Lafayette, a French general who had provided crucial support during the American Revolutionary War. The county seat was initially located at Somerville and later moved to Moscow, where it remains today. Agriculture played a vital role in the county's early development, with cotton becoming the primary crop. Slave labor was employed on large plantations until the abolition of slavery in 1865.

During the Civil War, Fayette County experienced significant turmoil. It was occupied by both Union and Confederate forces, resulting in numerous skirmishes and battles. After the war, the agricultural economy faced challenges due to the destruction of infrastructure and the loss of labor. However, the introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century brought new opportunities for commerce and trade.

Throughout the 20th century, Fayette County continued to evolve. The development of modern infrastructure, such as roads and schools, improved the lives of its residents. Agriculture remained an essential part of the county's economy, although diversification began to take place. Today, Fayette County is known for its strong community spirit, beautiful natural landscapes, and the preservation of its historical heritage, making it an appealing destination for visitors and a home to its proud residents.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Fayette County, Tennessee.

  • 1824: Fayette County, TN is established.
  • 1827: Somerville is chosen as the county seat.
  • 1861-1865: Fayette County is heavily affected by the American Civil War.
  • 1916: Double Springs School is established as the first consolidated school in the county.
  • 1940s: Military training is conducted at Camp Tyson, bringing economic growth to the area.
  • 1959: Fayette County Lake is constructed as a recreational spot.
  • 1968: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivers a speech in Somerville during his Poor People's Campaign.
  • 1978: Wolf River is designated as a state scenic river due to its cultural and natural significance.
  • 2007: The city of Oakland in Fayette County becomes a Tennessee Main Street community.