Enochs Mill
3072 Little Blue Creek Rd., McEwen, TN Local significance of the building: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.
Tennessee was the last state to secede from the Union during the Civil War. It joined the Confederacy in June 1861, but a significant portion of its population remained loyal to the Union, leading to a bitter and divided conflict within the state.
European settlers began to arrive in the late 18th century, and the county was officially established in 1809. It was named after Parry Wayne Humphreys, a judge and congressman from Tennessee. The early economy of Humphreys County was primarily based on agriculture, with crops such as cotton, tobacco, and corn being grown on the fertile lands along the Tennessee River.
During the American Civil War, Humphreys County was divided, with some residents supporting the Union and others supporting the Confederacy. The county saw several skirmishes and raids, but major battles were not fought in the area. After the war, the economy of Humphreys County struggled, but rebounded in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the development of industries such as lumber, mining, and manufacturing.
In the 20th century, agriculture remained an important part of the local economy, with the introduction of soybeans and the growth of the poultry industry. The construction of the Kentucky Dam on the Tennessee River in the 1940s also brought economic benefits to the county, as it provided flood control, electricity, and recreational opportunities. Today, Humphreys County continues to thrive as a rural community with a diverse economy, including agriculture, industry, and tourism.
Humphreys County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Humphreys County, Tennessee.
- 1809 - Humphreys County was established on October 19.
- 1823 - The first county seat was established in Reynoldsburg.
- 1830 - The county seat was moved to Johnsonville.
- 1864 - During the Civil War, the Battle of Johnsonville took place in Humphreys County.
- 1870 - The county seat was moved again to Waverly, where it remains today.
- 1900s - Agriculture, timber, and coal mining were major industries in the county.
- 1944 - The Tennessee Valley Authority began construction of Kentucky Dam on the Tennessee River, providing electricity and flood control.
- 1963 - The completion of Interstate 40 through Humphreys County improved transportation and brought growth to the area.
- 2000s - The county continues to develop and expand, with a focus on tourism and outdoor recreation.