Rutherford County, TN FAQs
What is the history of Rutherford County, TN and what are its notable landmarks?
- located in Middle Tennessee
- established on October 25, 1803
- named in honor of Griffith Rutherford, a North Carolina legislator and Revolutionary War general
- was home to several Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Creek.
- The first European explorers to visit the area were French traders in the late 1600s.
- In the late 1700s, settlers began to arrive in the area.
- The first permanent settlement was established in 1801 by William Lytle, who built a fort on the banks of the Stones River. This fort was named for Lytle and was the first settlement in what is now Murfreesboro, the county seat of Rutherford County.
- During the Civil War, Rutherford County was the site of the Battle of Stones River, which took place from December 31, 1862, to January 2, 1863. The battle was a significant Union victory and helped to secure control of Middle Tennessee for the Union army.
- After the Civil War, Rutherford County continued to grow and develop.
- In 1911, Middle Tennessee State Normal School was established in Murfreesboro, which later became Middle Tennessee State University.
what are the notable landmarks in Rutherford County, TN?
- Stones River National Battlefield
- commemorates the Battle of Stones River, which took place from December 31, 1862, to January 2, 1863, during the Civil War
- features hiking trails, exhibits, and a cemetery where over 6,000 soldiers are buried
- Oaklands Mansion
- this historic plantation home was built in 1810
- listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- features 17 acres of gardens and grounds and offers tours of the mansion and its outbuildings
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Established in 1911, MTSU is the largest undergraduate university in the state of Tennessee
- features several historic buildings, including Kirksey Old Main, which was built in 1890 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Sam Davis Home
- residence of Confederate soldier Sam Davis, who was executed for espionage during the Civil War
- It is now a museum and features exhibits on Davis and the Civil War
- Discovery Center at Murfree Spring
- this interactive children’s museum features exhibits on science, history, and art
- offers hands-on activities and educational programs for children of all ages
- Cannonsburgh Village
- this open-air museum features historic buildings from the 1800s, including a schoolhouse, gristmill, and blacksmith shop
- also offers guided tours and educational programs on early Tennessee life
What are the recreational activities available in Rutherford County, TN?
- Outdoor Recreation: The county has many parks and recreational areas, including the Barfield Crescent Park, the Gateway Island, and the Walter Hill Dam Recreation Area. These parks offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, picnicking, and other outdoor activities.
- Sports: Rutherford County is home to several sports complexes and arenas, including the Adams Tennis Complex, the StarPlex Baseball Complex, and the Murfreesboro Soccer Club. These facilities offer a variety of sports and activities for both adults and children.
- Golf: There are several golf courses in Rutherford County, including Old Fort Golf Course, Indian Hills Golf Course, and Cedar Crest Golf Course. These courses offer challenges for players of all skill levels.
- Cultural and Entertainment Activities: Rutherford County offers a variety of cultural and entertainment activities, including the Center for the Arts, the Murfreesboro Little Theatre, and the Main Street Murfreesboro Jazz Fest. These activities offer opportunities to experience live performances, art, and music.
- Shopping and Dining: The county is home to many shopping centers, including The Avenue Murfreesboro and Stones River Mall, as well as a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars. These offer opportunities to enjoy shopping and dining experiences.
