Crockett County History
The earliest European settlers in Crockett County arrived in the early 1800's. Lured by the rich Delta land, they created West Tennessee's first incorporated town, Cherryville. The area continued to grow and it soon became clear that a new county should be formed.
Derived from four neighboring counties, Crockett was formed in 1871. It's named after the famous Davy Crockett. The county seat, Alamo, is named after the town in Texas where Crockett and many other brave Tennesseans volunteered in the war for Texas independence. Most, like Crockett, did not survive.
Crockett County has an intriguing history, but its future is even more exciting. Located in one of the fastest growing areas of the state, Crockett has much to offer its residents and visitors alike. With a peaceful landscape, pleasant people and positive outlook, Crockett County makes its mark as one of the finest communities in Tennessee.
Alamo
Crockett's county seat was first incorporated a century and a half ago, in 1855, before the county was officially formed. The town was named Cageville after one of its prominent citizens, Lycurgus Cage. After the county was created in 1871, Cageville was renamed Alamo in honor of the place where Davy Crockett gave his life. Today Alamo has the largest population of the towns in Crockett County with just over 2,400. The court square, where the county courthouse sits, is an active business area. The town boasts its own school system and a clean city park, complete with tennis courts and a ballfield. There's also the Crockett Golf & Country Club located nearby for swimming and golfing enthusiasts. Friendship
Settlers first arrived in the area that is now Friendship in 1824. They set up a saw mill, cotton gin and general store. In 1844, the government was set to put a post office in the area. At the time, there were two stores and they were doing business about a mile apart from each other. By mutual consent, they split the distance and moved their stores to the site of today's downtown. This act of friendship inspired the town's name. Friendship was first incorporated in 1859. The town's first school was opened in 1870. Electric power was first sent to residents from a small plant in 1910. And, in 1912, Friendship's first automobile was driven to town. Today, Friendship continues to be a community that takes pride in its accomplishments. It has a ballfield and city park. The town is also home to Crockett's newest industrial heavyweight, Advantage Manufacturing. |
Bells
Founded in 1855 and incorporated in 1868, Bells Depot was named after William Bell, who built the first house in the town. Later the name was shortened simply to Bells. Before Bells was formed, Cherryville, a few miles away on the Forked Deer River, was the main shipping point for the area. William Bell and his brother John visited Daniel Cherry at his store on the way back from scouting for fertile land to purchase. Cherry told them about "the best land they could want." The brothers bought the 1,000 acres where Bells now stands, for $1 per acre. Bells is the second largest town in Crockett with a population of nearly 2,200. It has its own school system with modern facilities for both the school and city hall. A vital city, Bells continues to grow. It is home to the county's largest employer and a new speculative building and industrial park. Recreation is plentiful at the city's ball field, tennis courts, parks and pool. Gadsden
Gadsden is the historical site of the first large scale strawberry growing operation in the state of Tennessee. The town was incorporated in 1867. A 1903 business directory lists 6 groceries, 1 druggist, 3 doctors, 1 blacksmith, 1 barber, a livery stable, a harness ship, a hotel, 1 undertaker, 3 pastors, and a depot agent for the L&N (Louisville & Nashville) railroad. Today with a ballfield, city park and nearby Davy Crockett Lake, Gadsden residents have always found it a pleasant place to live. Located on Highway 70/79, it may be one of the first towns in Crockett to experience significant expansion due to the growth of Jackson's population. Already, several new homes have gone up near the Madison County line and more are expected. |
Maury City
Maury City was established in 1876 and incorporated in 1911; however, its history dates back to the early 1800's. In 1825, according to the best available information, the territory of what is now Crockett County did not have even one religious organization or church building. At that time, the circuit rider of Jackson Methodist Church began to preach, by appointment, once every four weeks in a home near the present location of the town. In 1830, the county's second regular meeting house of worship was erected and shared by all the denominations in the area.
Today, Maury City has two schools, a primary and an elementary school, a ballfield, city park and tennis courts for recreation. The town also boasts its own medical clinic. With the completion of the expanded Highway 412, Maury City is poised for growth. The town's government has made positive steps to take advantage of the new highway and create economic and community expansion.
Maury City was established in 1876 and incorporated in 1911; however, its history dates back to the early 1800's. In 1825, according to the best available information, the territory of what is now Crockett County did not have even one religious organization or church building. At that time, the circuit rider of Jackson Methodist Church began to preach, by appointment, once every four weeks in a home near the present location of the town. In 1830, the county's second regular meeting house of worship was erected and shared by all the denominations in the area.
Today, Maury City has two schools, a primary and an elementary school, a ballfield, city park and tennis courts for recreation. The town also boasts its own medical clinic. With the completion of the expanded Highway 412, Maury City is poised for growth. The town's government has made positive steps to take advantage of the new highway and create economic and community expansion.