National Register Listing

Gainesboro Historic District

Roughly bounded by Cox, Minor, Montpelier and Mark Twain Sts., Gainesboro, TN
Local significance of the district:
Commerce; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

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.

The Battle of Stones River, fought near Murfreesboro, Tennessee, during the Civil War, was one of the bloodiest battles of the conflict. It resulted in over 23,000 casualties, including over 3,000 deaths.
Tennessee random facts
Jackson County, Tennessee, situated in the Upper Cumberland region, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee and Creek, who lived off the land and left behind burial mounds as a testament to their presence. However, the arrival of European settlers in the late 18th century marked a significant turning point for the county.

In 1796, Jackson County was officially established and named after Andrew Jackson, who would later become the seventh President of the United States. The county's fertile soil and abundant resources attracted settlers, primarily of Scottish and Irish descent, who quickly developed agricultural communities. Tobacco, corn, and livestock became the main sources of income, allowing the county to prosper.

During the mid-19th century, Jackson County faced the challenges and hardships of the Civil War. Like many areas in the South, the county was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Union and others the Confederacy. The Battle of Granville, fought in 1863, marked a significant event in the county's history, leaving behind scars that can still be seen today. After the war, Jackson County, like much of the South, had a period of recovery and rebuilding.

In the 20th century, the county saw advancements in transportation and technology. The construction of the Cordell Hull Dam on the Cumberland River in the 1930s created Center Hill Lake, providing jobs and recreational opportunities for the community. The emergence of the railroad and the subsequent decline of agriculture marked a shift towards industrialization and manufacturing. Today, Jackson County continues to evolve, embracing its heritage while welcoming new growth and development.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Jackson County, Tennessee.

  • 1801: Jackson County, Tennessee was established on November 6, 1801.
  • Early 19th century: The county was named after President Andrew Jackson, who would later become the seventh President of the United States.
  • 1812: The War of 1812 brought conflicts and uncertainty to the region.
  • 1840s: The construction of railroads in the area helped facilitate trade and economic growth.
  • 1861-1865: Jackson County, like many other parts of Tennessee, experienced the Civil War.
  • 1963: Cordell Hull Dam on the Cumberland River was completed, creating the beautiful Cordell Hull Lake.
  • 1980s: The county experienced periods of economic decline, particularly in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
  • 1996: The Tennessee Heritage Conservation Trust Fund helped preserve important historical sites in the county.
  • Present: Jackson County remains a scenic and rural county in Tennessee, known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.