National Register Listing

Western State Hospital Historic District

a.k.a. Western State Hospital for the Insane at Bolivar;Western Sta

US 64, Bolivar, TN
Local significance of the district:
Health/medicine; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

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.
The first self-made female millionaire in the United States was Sarah Breedlove, also known as Madam C.J. Walker. She was born on a plantation near Delta, Tennessee, in 1867.
Tennessee random facts
Hardeman County, TN has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1823. Named after Thomas Jones Hardeman, a congressman from West Tennessee, the county was originally occupied by Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw and Choctaw. These tribes left their mark on the region with numerous burial mounds and artifacts that can still be found today.

In the mid-19th century, Hardeman County became a hub for agriculture, particularly cotton farming. The fertile soil and ideal climate made it an ideal location for plantations, and many wealthy landowners settled in the area. Slavery played a significant role in the county's early history, with enslaved laborers working the fields and contributing to the county's economic growth.

During the American Civil War, Hardeman County witnessed various battles and skirmishes. Some residents fought for the Confederacy, while others supported the Union. The Battle of Davis Bridge, which took place in 1862, was a pivotal moment in the county's history, as Union forces successfully defended the bridge from Confederate attacks.

Following the war, Hardeman County faced the challenges of Reconstruction. The economy shifted from relying on agriculture to more diversified industries such as manufacturing and retail. The town of Bolivar, the county seat, became a center for commerce and trade, attracting businesses and residents looking to rebuild and move forward.

Today, Hardeman County retains its agricultural roots while also embracing modern industries. With its beautiful scenery, historical sites, and welcoming community, the county continues to be a place where the past meets the present, making it a unique and captivating area to explore.

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

  • 1823 - Hardeman County was established by the Tennessee General Assembly
  • 1825 - The county seat was selected and named Bolivar
  • 1830 - Population of the county was recorded at 3,911
  • 1861-1865 - Hardeman County residents served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War
  • 1882 - The Hardeman County Courthouse was built and still stands today
  • 1909 - The first automobile was brought to Bolivar
  • 1940s-1950s - The county experienced significant population growth due to World War II and the industrial boom afterwards
  • 1989 - The Hatchie River Bridge, a historic landmark, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places
  • 1992 - The Hardeman County Historical Commission was established
  • 2007 - The West Tennessee Solar Farm, the largest solar farm in Tennessee at the time, was built in Hardeman County