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10 Fun Facts About Rutherford County

Former State Capital: Murfreesboro served as Tennessee’s capital from 1818 to 1826, making it a temporary hub of state governance during its early years.
#1
Battle of Stone's River: One of the Civil War’s bloodiest battles occurred here, with over 23,000 casualties from December 31, 1862, to January 2, 1863, shaping the region's history.
#2
Exact Center of Tennessee: Rutherford County is recognized as the geographical center of Tennessee, marked by a monument in Murfreesboro.
#3
Legend of Black Fox Springs: A legendary Cherokee chief reportedly escaped a pioneer hunting party by diving into the “bottomless” springs near Murfreesboro, adding local folklore to the area.
#4
Named Twice: Murfreesboro was initially named "Cannonsburgh" in 1811, then renamed for Colonel Hardy Murfree, a Revolutionary War hero, reflecting its early ties to state politics.
#5
First Temperance Society in the U.S.: Murfreesboro’s First Presbyterian Church founded the nation’s first temperance society in 1827, promoting abstinence from alcohol long before Prohibition.
#6
Home of Sam Davis: Known as the "Boy Hero of the Confederacy," Davis was a Rutherford County native, executed as a Confederate spy in 1863 for refusing to reveal military secrets.
#7
The "Human Fly" Tragedy: In the 1920s, a daredevil attempting to scale the Murfreesboro courthouse fell to his death, becoming an infamous part of local lore.
#8
Middle Tennessee’s Dairy Revolution: The opening of Carnation Milk's processing plant in 1927 marked a shift to dairy farming, stabilizing the local economy during tough times.
#9
Centennial Flood of 1902: One of the county’s most destructive floods occurred on March 28, 1902, submerging much of Murfreesboro, destroying infrastructure, and requiring months of recovery efforts.
#10

A Brief History Of Rutherford County

October 25, 1803

Establishment of Rutherford County

Following a favorable petition by local residents, the Tennessee General Assembly officially created Rutherford County from portions of Davidson and Williamson Counties.
October 25, 1803

1805

Jefferson Designated as the First County Seat

Jefferson, situated between the East and West Forks of Stone’s River, was established as the county’s first permanent seat of justice and began to thrive as a bustling river town.
1805

November 29, 1811

Murfreesborough Becomes the County Seat

After concerns about Jefferson’s location and declining river traffic, a committee selected Captain William Lytle’s land for a new county seat. Initially named “Cannonsburgh,” it was renamed “Murfreesborough” in honor of Colonel Hardy Murfree.
November 29, 1811

1818

Murfreesborough Serves as Tennessee’s Capital

Due to its central location and political significance, Murfreesborough became the state capital, hosting the General Assembly until 1826 and experiencing a boom in population and business.
1818

July 4, 1851

Arrival of the First Passenger Train

The Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad completed its line to Murfreesborough, marked by the arrival of the first passenger train. This event significantly enhanced transportation and economic growth in the county.
July 4, 1851

December 31, 1862 – January 2, 1863

Battle of Stone’s River

One of the Civil War’s most significant battles occurred near Murfreesborough, resulting in over 23,000 casualties. The Union Army’s subsequent occupation impacted the county for the remainder of the war.
December 31, 1862 – January 2, 1863

1951

Urban Redevelopment Begins in Murfreesboro

The city launched a major urban renewal project in collaboration with the federal government, focusing on removing substandard housing and revitalizing the downtown area, signaling economic and social progress.
1951

Rutherford County Map (1878)

VIEW FULL MAP (.JPG)

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Mailing Address

111 East Main Street,
Murfreesboro, TN 37130

Phone

(615) 893-7219

Email

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