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Williamson County, located in the Middle Tennessee region of the United States, is known for its rich and fascinating history. From the Civil War to the music industry, this county boasts many interesting facts that you may not know. Here are seven of them:
1. Franklin was once called "Little Harpeth." In 1799, just two years after Tennessee was established as a state, the town of Franklin was founded. However, before it was known as Franklin, it was called "Little Harpeth" after the Harpeth River that flows through the area.
2. The Civil War played a significant role in Williamson County's history. In 1864, the Battle of Franklin took place, which was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. The community lost many of its citizens in the fight against the Union army.
3. Williamson County was once home to numerous plantations. Prior to the Civil War, plantations peppered the land in Williamson County with cotton being the primary crop. Many wealthy plantation owners based their fortune in the area, including Colonel William Polk who owned the legendary "Rattle and Snap" mansion. Many of the original plantation homes still stand today, and some are open to the public.
4. The Carter House witnessed the Battle of Franklin. The Carter House, located in Franklin, was used as a field hospital for both the Union and Confederate armies during the Battle of Franklin. The house became a museum in 1951 and is now a popular tourist destination.
5. Williamson County played a crucial role in the country music industry. In the 1950s and 1960s, musicians flocked to the county to record at RCA Studios in Nashville, known as "Music Row." The county is where a then-unknown Dolly Parton recorded her first single, and it was where Elvis Presley recorded many of his iconic hits.
6. The Leiper's Fork Village was home to two famous presidents. Both Andrew Jackson and James K. Polk lived in Williamson County at one time. Andrew Jackson moved there in 1804, and he built the Hermitage mansion where he would eventually retire to. James K. Polk lived there for a few years before moving to Nashville. Polk's family even continued to own property in the area long after he was gone.
7. William "Extra Billy" Smith was a prominent figure in Williamson County. William Smith, nicknamed "Extra Billy" for his multiple terms as governor of Virginia, moved to Williamson County in 1849. Smith became a prominent landowner and slave trader in the community, and he fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War.
In conclusion, Williamson County has a fascinating history that includes the Civil War, former Presidents, the music industry, and prominent figures in American political history. Whether you are a history buff or just looking to learn something new, Williamson County is definitely worth exploring.
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