Discovering Smyrna’s Story: A Look Back at Our Town’s History
Hey everyone! Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and explore the fascinating history of our very own Smyrna, Tennessee. It’s amazing to think about all the changes our town has seen, from its humble beginnings to the vibrant community we know and love today. You might know some of the stories, but let’s piece them together and uncover some interesting details about how Smyrna became the place it is.
Where did the name come from?
Our town’s name has a simple yet meaningful start. Smyrna was named after the Smyrna Presbyterian Church. This wasn’t just any church; it was a little square log building built by the very first folks who settled here, Revolutionary War veterans who came all the way from North Carolina and Virginia. They chose the banks of Hart’s Branch of the Stone River as their new home. Interestingly, there’s another piece to this puzzle. When the railroad depot was built later on, an early resident named Silas Tucker, who was a member of that same Smyrna Presbyterian Church, might have suggested using the name “Smyrna” for the new town. It seems our town’s identity is tied right back to those early settlers and their community spirit, with a possible nod to the church’s biblical roots in the Book of Revelation. So, the name “Smyrna” carries a bit of a double meaning, connecting us to our founders and hinting at the growth that was yet to come.
Growth
Speaking of growth, the arrival of the railroad in the 1850s was a game-changer for our little community. It turned Smyrna from a quiet, mostly farming area into a bustling town. Our location became important because we served as a refueling station for the trains chugging between Nashville and Chattanooga. Imagine the excitement when those first trains rolled through! Land around the depot was offered for sale, which really spurred development and brought more people and businesses to the area. The Smyrna Railroad Depot itself was first built in 1851 and then replaced with a sturdier one in 1873. This was all thanks to the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad getting the go-ahead back in 1845 to connect us to major ports. What’s fascinating is that the railroad’s arrival even changed how our town was laid out. Instead of the traditional town square, businesses started popping up along the railroad tracks, making the depot the new heart of Smyrna. It’s pretty cool to see that the original sign from the Smyrna Depot has even made its way back home, a real symbol of our town’s economic history. And if you’ve been downtown lately, you know they’re working hard to revitalize the Depot District, bringing a fresh, modern vibe to this historic part of town. The railroad wasn’t just about transportation; it really laid the tracks for the Smyrna we know today.
Sam Davis
No talk about Smyrna’s history would be complete without mentioning one of our most significant figures: Sam Davis. His boyhood home, the Sam Davis Home, is a true landmark here. It’s recognized as a state historical site and a major attraction in Middle Tennessee. Sam Davis was a Confederate Civil War hero who, despite being just 21 years old, showed incredible bravery. Captured in November 1863 for being a spy, he famously chose to be hanged rather than give up any information about his fellow soldiers. His powerful words, “I would rather die a thousand deaths than betray a friend” , really show the kind of person he was. The Davis estate, originally spanning 200 acres but now 168 , is preserved as a working plantation from the 1800s , and you can even take tours to get a glimpse into life back then. It includes the main house, outbuildings, slave quarters, and the family cemetery. While we rightly remember Sam Davis for his courage, it’s also important to remember the full picture of life at the Sam Davis Home. We’ve learned more about people like “Uncle” Charlie Waldron, who was born into slavery on or near the Davis plantation. Sharing these stories helps us understand the complexities of our history and remember everyone who lived and worked here during that time.
Today in Smyrna, Tennessee
Fast forward to the mid-20th century, and Smyrna experienced another huge transformation with the arrival of Sewart Air Force Base. Established in 1941 during World War II, it was first called Smyrna Army Airfield and served as a training facility for B-24 (and even some B-17 ) pilots. Later, the base was renamed Sewart Air Force Base to honor Major Alan Sewart. During the 1950s and 1960s, the base brought in a massive wave of people, with over 10,000 military personnel and their families calling Smyrna home. This really changed the feel of our town, bringing in people from all over. The base also provided lots of civilian jobs, giving a big boost to our local economy. However, things changed again in 1965 when the Department of Defense announced that several bases would be closing, and Sewart was one of them, with the closure happening around 1970. This was a tough time for Smyrna, as the population dropped significantly, from over 11,000 in the 60s to just around 3,000 after the military families moved away. It was a real economic shock for our community.
But the people of Smyrna are a resilient bunch! After the airbase closed, local leaders got together and formed an Economic Development Committee to bring new businesses and jobs to our town. The land from the base was divided up between Rutherford County, the State of Tennessee, and the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. In the 1970s, we saw some key industries move in, like Better Built Aluminum, Cumberland Swan (now known as Vi-Jon, Inc.), and Square D. This helped our population bounce back, nearly tripling between 1970 and 1980. Then came a truly pivotal moment in the early 1980s with the arrival of Nissan North America. It was a huge deal because Nissan chose Smyrna to be the home of the very first Japanese automobile manufacturing plant in the entire United States! The first car rolled off the assembly line in 1983. The Nissan plant is now a massive, multi-billion dollar facility and a major employer, providing jobs for around 8,400 people. It’s incredible to think about how our town transformed from a military community to a major manufacturing hub. Also, the old airbase didn’t go to waste. It’s now the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport, and it’s become the busiest general aviation airport in Tennessee and the third-largest overall in the state.
Another significant event that shaped our area was the creation of Percy Priest Lake in the 1960s. After getting the thumbs up from Congress, the Corp of Engineers started buying up land in 1966, and the lake was officially impounded in 1969. This lake has been a fantastic addition to our community, providing a reliable source of good quality water and tons of opportunities for recreation like boating, fishing, and swimming. It’s really enhanced the quality of life for all of us in the Smyrna area.
Looking at Smyrna today, it’s clear how much we’ve grown and thrived. We’re now the largest town in Tennessee by population , which is pretty amazing! Even with all this growth, we’ve managed to keep that friendly, small-town feel that so many of us appreciate. Smyrna has even been recognized as one of the “Top Ten Best Places to Retire” and one of Fortune Magazine’s “50 Best Places to Live for Families”. We have a fantastic park system that draws in visitors for sports tournaments , and there are even plans for future growth at the Smyrna Airport, possibly including a new home for the Air National Guard. And let’s not forget about all the local small businesses that are the heart and soul of our community. There are also exciting new developments on the horizon, like the $200 million Sewart’s Landing project.
We also have some great landmarks that remind us of our history. The restored Smyrna Train Depot in the downtown area is a real focal point, hosting events like our popular farmers market. And near the airport, we have the Capt. Jeff Kuss USMC Memorial, a tribute to the Blue Angels pilot who tragically passed away here. We’ve also been home to some notable folks over the years :
- Sam Davis: Confederate Civil War hero
- William Barksdale: Confederate General
- Patricia McKissack: Children’s writer
- Sonny Gray Major: League Baseball pitcher
- Capt. Jeff Kuss :Blue Angels pilot honored with a memorial
These landmarks and people are all part of what makes Smyrna so unique.
Conclusion
Smyrna’s journey through history is a testament to the strength and spirit of its people. From its early days as a small agricultural community named after a little church, through the transformative impact of the railroad and the significant presence of the air force base, to its current status as a thriving manufacturing and residential hub, Smyrna has consistently adapted and grown. The challenges faced, such as the closure of Sewart Air Force Base, were met with determination and innovation, leading to the recruitment of key industries like Nissan that have shaped our present prosperity. The creation of Percy Priest Lake further enhanced our quality of life. Today, Smyrna stands as a vibrant community that honors its rich past while embracing a promising future. It’s a place where that small-town feel still thrives even as we continue to grow, and it’s something we can all be proud to be a part of.
