Henderson County, Tennessee

122nd Illinois Infantry Regiment 14 Monroe Avenue 18th Illinois Mounted Infantry 22 Monroe Avenue 24 Monroe Avenue 26 Monroe Avenue 31 Natchez Trace Drive 38 South Main Street 39th Iowa Infantry Regiment 40 South Main Street 42 South Main Street 50 South Main 50th Indiana Infantry Regiment 52 South Main 54 Main Street 58 South Main Street 7th Wisconsin Light Artillery A Concealed Assault A Dogged Defense A Fire Terrible In Its Intensity A Lull in the Fighting A Panicked Stampede A Very Successful Campaign Battle for Lexington Battle of Parker's Crossroads Battlefield Overview Casualties of War Civil War Artillery Confederate Artillery Position Confederate Horseholders Cyrus Livingston Dunham Desperate Fighting Dibrell's Position Doe Creek Cemetery Doe Creek Church and School Doe Creek School Dunham Strikes Back Dunham Takes the Offensive Dunham's Artillery is Forced to Withdraw Dunham's Position Enfilading the Line Farmers State Bank and FirstBank: A Century of Community Banking Flight to Safety Forrest Averts Disaster Forrest Seizes the Advantage Forrest's Artillery Forrest's Artillery Leads the Attack Forrest's Big Show Forrest's Raid Forrest's Raid Forrest's Tactics Forrest's West Tennessee Raid Freeman's Battery Freeman's Battery Fuller's Assault History of Sardis Cemetery Hometown of Buddy Cannon Lt. Col. Alonzo Napier Manning the Guns Manning the Guns McPeake Cabin Mills Darden Mills Darden Montgomery High School Morton's Battery Napier's Assault on the 39th Iowa Nathan Bedford Forrest Parker's Cross Roads Parker's Crossroads Parker's Crossroads Parker's Crossroads City Park Pleasant Exchange Prelude to Battle/December 31, 1862—the Battle/Union and Confederate Forces Prof. B.A. Tucker Raiders' Escape Route Red Mound Reverend R. Swift Russell & Woodward's Advance Scotts Hill Surprise and Chaos The Battle Begins The Battle of Parker's Crossroads The Battle of Parker's Crossroads The Battle of Parker's Crossroads The Battle of Parker's Crossroads The Battle of Parker's Crossroads The Battle of Parker's Crossroads The Battle of Parker's Crossroads The Battle of Parker's Crossroads The Confederate Escape The Federal Forces The Lexington-Huntingdon Road The Tides of War Three Desperate Charges Union Cemetery Union Wagon Train Veterans Memorial Veterans Monument Withdrawal to the Split-Rail Fence "Charge Them Both Ways" "Give 'Em Hell" "The General Demands An Unconditional Surrender"
Henderson County, Tennessee, located in the western part of the state, has a rich history that stretches back to its establishment in 1821. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw, prior to European settlement. The first European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, primarily from North Carolina and Virginia, and established small farming communities along the banks of the Tennessee River.

In the early years of its formation, Henderson County experienced rapid population growth and economic development. Agriculture, particularly cotton cultivation, became the dominant industry, with plantations and farms dotting the countryside. The growth of the cotton industry led to the introduction of slavery in the region, further shaping the social and economic landscape of Henderson County.

During the Civil War, Henderson County played a crucial role as a strategic transportation hub. The Battle of Lexington, fought in September 1862, was one of the most significant engagements in the county's history. Although a Confederate victory, the county experienced significant destruction and loss of life during the conflict.

After the Civil War, Henderson County entered a period of recovery and rebuilding. Freed slaves sought to create new lives for themselves, establishing schools and churches as centers of their newly won freedom. Economic diversification became a priority, and industries such as timber, livestock, and manufacturing began to emerge. The county's economy gradually shifted away from reliance on agriculture.

Today, Henderson County continues to thrive as a rural community with a rich agricultural heritage. The county is known for its picturesque landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, hunting, and camping. Henderson County also cherishes its historical roots, with several museums, landmarks, and annual events celebrating its colorful past.
Brief timeline of the history of Henderson County, Tennessee:

  • 1790s: European settlers began to arrive in the area that would become Henderson County, Tennessee.
  • 1821: Henderson County was officially established as a county in the state of Tennessee.
  • 1830s: The county experienced rapid population growth as more settlers arrived in search of fertile land.
  • 1840: The county seat was established in the town of Lexington.
  • 1861-1865: Henderson County, along with the rest of Tennessee, was divided by the American Civil War.
  • 1890s: The railroad arrived in the county, bringing economic development and increased connectivity.
  • 1930s: Henderson County, like the rest of the nation, was greatly affected by the Great Depression.
  • 1950s-1960s: The county experienced social and cultural changes as civil rights movements gained momentum.
  • 2000s: Henderson County continues to thrive with a diverse economy and a growing population.

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

Audiobooks about the history of Tennessee.