Historical Markers in Trousdale County, Tennessee
Tennessee was the site of the first commercial nuclear power plant in the United States. The Tennessee Valley Authority's Watts Bar Nuclear Plant began operating in 1996 and remains in operation today.
About Trousdale County
Trousdale County Timeline
Trousdale County, located in central Tennessee, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in the early 19th century. The county was formed in 1870 from parts of Macon, Smith, Sumner, and Wilson counties, and was named after William Trousdale, a prominent military and political figure from Tennessee.
In its early years, Trousdale County saw rapid growth and development, fueled by the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s. This transportation infrastructure brought increased commerce and trade to the area, allowing the county to thrive economically. Agriculture, particularly tobacco farming, played a vital role in the county's economy during this time.
The growth and prosperity of Trousdale County continued well into the 20th century, with several industries, including coal mining and manufacturing, being established in the area. The construction of the Hartsville Nuclear Power Plant in the 1970s further contributed to the county's economic growth, although the plant was ultimately never completed.
In recent years, Trousdale County has focused on revitalizing its economy and attracting new businesses. The county has invested in infrastructure projects and implemented initiatives to promote job creation and tourism. Today, Trousdale County remains a close-knit community with a strong sense of history and a promising future.
In its early years, Trousdale County saw rapid growth and development, fueled by the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s. This transportation infrastructure brought increased commerce and trade to the area, allowing the county to thrive economically. Agriculture, particularly tobacco farming, played a vital role in the county's economy during this time.
The growth and prosperity of Trousdale County continued well into the 20th century, with several industries, including coal mining and manufacturing, being established in the area. The construction of the Hartsville Nuclear Power Plant in the 1970s further contributed to the county's economic growth, although the plant was ultimately never completed.
In recent years, Trousdale County has focused on revitalizing its economy and attracting new businesses. The county has invested in infrastructure projects and implemented initiatives to promote job creation and tourism. Today, Trousdale County remains a close-knit community with a strong sense of history and a promising future.
Trousdale County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Trousdale County, Tennessee.
- 1790: Trousdale County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Shawnee.
- 1802: The territory of Tennessee was admitted into the Union.
- 1860: The population of Trousdale County was approximately 6,000, with a significant number of slaves.
- 1870: Trousdale County was officially established, named after William Trousdale, a former Governor of Tennessee.
- 1880: The county's economy relied heavily on agriculture and the production of tobacco, corn, and livestock.
- 1900: The county's population reached its peak at around 10,000 residents.
- 1930: The Great Depression had a significant impact on Trousdale County, leading to a decline in population and economic activity.
- 1946: Hartsville Nuclear Power Plant, the nation's first uranium enrichment facility, was established in the county.
- 1964: The Hartsville Nuclear Power Plant was decommissioned due to changing national energy policies.
- 1990: Trousdale County experienced an economic boost with the opening of the Tennessee Enterprise Industrial Park.
- 2010: The county's population stood at around 7,870 residents.