Oakham
a.k.a. Elizabeth J. Magness Home for the Aged and Indigent
US 70 Bypass, McMinnville, TN Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
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 Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, was originally built as a church in 1892. It later became one of the most famous music venues in the world and is often referred to as the "Mother Church of Country Music."
The early settlers of Warren County were primarily of Scotch-Irish and English descent. They relied on agriculture, with corn being the main crop in the early years. The county's fertile lands and plentiful water sources, such as the Barren Fork River and Collins River, made it an ideal location for farming. As the county developed, more crops, such as apples and peaches, were grown and became important to the local economy.
The 19th century brought significant growth to Warren County, largely due to the introduction of the railroad. In 1852, the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad reached the county, connecting it to major trade centers. This led to the establishment of industries including timber mills, iron foundries, and textile mills. The railroad also made it easier for people to access and settle in the county, contributing to its population growth.
Warren County has always had a strong sense of community and a rich cultural heritage. It is known for its annual celebration, the Warren County A&L Fair, which began in 1856. The fair showcases local agriculture, crafts, and entertainment, attracting visitors from nearby areas. Today, Warren County continues to be a vibrant community that values its agricultural roots while embracing modern development and industry.
Warren County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Warren County, Tennessee.
- 1807 - Warren County is established as a county in the state of Tennessee.
- 1810 - The county's first courthouse is built in the town of McMinnville.
- 1815 - The first school in the county is established.
- 1837 - The Southern Standard, the county's first newspaper, is founded.
- 1861-1865 - Warren County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
- 1867 - The Tennessee Reform School, later known as the Tennessee Industrial School, is established in McMinnville.
- 1889 - Bonnaroo, a music and arts festival, is founded in the county.
- 1890 - The Tennessee Central Railway reaches McMinnville, boosting the local economy.
- 1917-1918 - Warren County contributes soldiers for World War I.
- 1938 - The Great Hurricane of 1938 causes significant damage in the county.
- 1943-1945 - Warren County residents serve in World War II.
- 1965 - Cumberland Caverns, a popular tourist attraction, opens for public tours.
- 1990 - The Tennessee legislature designates McMinnville as the nursery capital of the world.
- 2002 - The McMinnville-Warren County Airport officially opens.