Sumner County, Tennessee

A Frontiersman Settles in the Wilderness A Pioneer Cemetery A Typical Settler's Cabin Abraham “Abram” Bledsoe AmVets Memorial Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church Big South Tunnel Bill "Hoss" Allen Bishop William McKendree Bledsoe Monument Bledsoe's Fort and Monument Bledsoe's Fort Historical Park Bledsoe's Fort, 1783-1806 Bledsoe's Lick Bledsoe's Lick Bowen Plantation House Bridal House Cairo Rosenwald School Camp Trousdale Capt. Horace Lawson Hunley Captain Ellis Harper City Cemetery / Mexican War Monument Civil War in Sumner County Cold Spring School Cold Spring School Confederate Memorial at First Presbyterian Church Cragfont Cragfont Durham's Chapel Rosenwald School Eventide Fighting for a Way of Life First Long Hunters First Presbyterian Church Fort Smith Free Hill Road Gallatin Public Square Gallatin, Tennessee General Griffith Rutherford General William Hall Hawthorne Hill Hazel Path Mansion Historic Cold Springs Historic Monthaven Home of Johnny Cash Howard Schools Hugh Rogan Hugh Rogan In Memory of all American Veterans Invasion of Kentucky Isaac Bledsoe James B. Jameson House Jonathan Browning Mansker Creek Mansker's Station Maywood Monument to the Fallen Morgan and Johnson Nathaniel Parker, Hunter and Explorer Parker's Chapel Peter Vertrees Randy's Record Shop Restoring the Orchard Richland Rock Castle Rock Castle Rogana Rose Mont Rose Mont Rosemont Saundersville United Methodist Church Scattersville Community Site of Bledsoe's Fort Sumner County / Trousdale County Sumner County Tennessee Mexican-American War Monument Taylor Swift Tennessee / Kentucky Tennessee Maneuvers World War II Tennessee's First African-American Civil War Volunteers The Cash Home The Clark House The Isaacs The Nathaniel Parker Log Cabin The Orchard Thomas Sharpe Spencer Memorial Town of Cairo Trousdale Place Tyree Springs Union High School Unsettled and Dangerous Years Volunteer State Community College White House and Tyree Springs William Brimage Bate William Henderson William Owen Bradley Williamson and Adams Carriage Factory Wynnewood Ziegler's Station Zollicoffer's Headquarters
Sumner County, Tennessee, has a rich history that stretches back to the Native American settlements that existed long before the arrival of European colonizers. The area was home to the Cherokee, Shawnee, and Chickasaw tribes, who utilized the fertile land along the Cumberland River for agriculture and hunting. European exploration and settlement began in the late 1700s, with early explorers like Daniel Boone and John Donelson venturing into the region.

In 1786, Sumner County was officially established, becoming one of the first counties in Tennessee. The county was named after Revolutionary War hero, General Jethro Sumner. The early settlers faced many challenges, including conflicts with Native Americans and the harsh wilderness. However, they persevered, and by the early 1800s, Sumner County had become a thriving agricultural community, known for its production of tobacco, corn, and livestock.

During the Civil War, Sumner County played a significant role as a strategic location between the Union and Confederate forces. Several skirmishes and battles took place in the area, including the Battle of Hartsville and the Battle of Gallatin. The war brought destruction and hardship to the county, but it also led to the emancipation of enslaved individuals and brought about social and economic changes.

In the decades that followed, Sumner County experienced growth and transformation. The expansion of railroads and the development of industries such as lumber, textiles, and manufacturing spurred economic prosperity. Today, Sumner County is known for its historical significance, beautiful landscapes, and a thriving community that blends the charm of the past with modern amenities and opportunities.
Brief timeline of the history of Sumner County, Tennessee:

  • 1786 - Sumner County is established as one of Tennessee's original counties.
  • 1794 - Gallatin becomes the county seat of Sumner County.
  • 1812 - The County Courthouse in Gallatin is destroyed by fire.
  • 1820 - A new County Courthouse is constructed in Gallatin.
  • 1862 - During the American Civil War, Union and Confederate forces clash near Gallatin.
  • 1901 - The Tennessee Central Railway is completed, connecting Sumner County to Nashville and other major cities.
  • 1974 - The county experiences significant damage from an F3 tornado.
  • 2010 - The population of Sumner County surpasses 160,000 residents.

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

Audiobooks about the history of Tennessee.