Historical Marker

'Little Red Well'

Historical marker location:
319 E Main St, Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee
( Marker is on East Main Street (Tennessee Route 151) 0.1 miles south of Zina Street, on the right when traveling east.)

Audiobooks about the history of Tennessee.
The town of Bell Buckle, Tennessee, is known for its annual Webb School Arts and Crafts Festival, which has been held every October since 1976. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Tennessee random facts
Macon County, Tennessee has a rich history that dates back to the early settlement days. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Creek tribes. However, as European settlers began to move into the region in the late 18th century, conflicts between the settlers and Native Americans arose.

The county is named after Nathaniel Macon, a prominent politician and statesman of the early 19th century. Macon County was officially established in 1842, carved out of parts of neighboring Sumner and Smith Counties. The county seat, Lafayette, was named after the Marquis de Lafayette, a French general who fought in the American Revolutionary War.

One significant event in Macon County's history was the Civil War. Like much of Tennessee, the county was divided with strong Union and Confederate sympathies. The Battle of Hartsville, fought in 1862, took place in Macon County and was a significant victory for the Confederates. The war brought destruction and hardship to the area, but the county began to slowly rebuild in the post-war period.

Throughout the 20th century, Macon County experienced periods of growth and change. Agriculture played a significant role in the county's economy, with tobacco, corn, and livestock being major commodities. In recent years, Macon County has also seen an increase in industrial development and tourism, particularly due to its scenic beauty and proximity to the Cumberland River. Today, Macon County continues to honor its history while striving for economic development and progress.

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

  • 1842 - Macon County is officially established by the Tennessee General Assembly.
  • 1843 - Red Boiling Springs, a popular resort town known for its mineral springs, is founded.
  • 1861 - Macon County strongly supports the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
  • 1890s - The county experiences economic growth with the establishment of tobacco factories.
  • 1930 - The Cordell Hull Dam, later renamed the Old Hickory Dam, is completed on the Cumberland River, providing hydroelectric power and flood control for the region.
  • 1937 - Flooding caused by heavy rainfall leads to significant damage in Macon County.
  • 1960s - Due to the construction of highways, Macon County becomes more accessible and experiences increased tourism.
  • 1970 - The city of Lafayette, the county seat of Macon County, is incorporated.
  • 1999 - A tornado strikes Macon County, causing extensive damage and several fatalities.