Settlers in the early 1790′s were drawn to this area due to the fertile soil and abundance of natural resources. Large tracts of land were assured to these pioneers for little or no cost by Tennessee land grants. In 1793, the discovery of iron ore provided the foundation for the area’s first industrial development. James Robertson, the “father of middle Tennessee”, purchased land on Barton’s Creek on which the first iron works was built. In 1804, Robertson sold the furnace to Montgomery Bell, who became one of Tennessee’s wealthiest industrialists.

On May 10, 1864, the railroad was completed through Dickson County and the first train passed through, headed to Lucas Harbor on the Tennessee River. Andrew Johnson, the military governor of Tennessee, was a passenger on that train. The completion of the railroad brought about development and growth of other towns in the county, including White Bluff and Burns.

The building of Highway 70, then known as the “Broadway of America” because the highway stretched from San Francisco to New York, and the construction of Interstate 40 have done much to shape Dickson County over the years.

Dickson County has a history rich in industry and farming and continues to thrive today partly because of our forefather who had visions, hopes, and dreams for our communities and paved the way for progress and growth.

By Shirley Ponder

Referenced from The Heritage of Dickson County, Tennessee 1803-2006, County and Community Histories section