By Angela Russell
You may or may not know that Dickson County came into existence during a General Assembly meeting in Knoxville Tennessee in 1803. The county was formed from both Robertson and Montgomery Counties. Since its beginning, Dickson County has progressed tremendously through the years. Today the county bears very little resemblance to its humble beginnings. If you are seeking a bit of nostalgia, or would like to learn more about Dickson County's rich history, there are a few historic sites that you will want to visit.
The Courthouse Square in Charlotte Tennessee has been donned the oldest working courthouse in Tennessee. Built in the early 1800’s, the courthouse is still in operation today. Some reports indicate that the courthouse was built by slave laborUpon entering the courthouse, you will see modern technology melded together with craftsmanship dating over 200 years old. The building is in remarkably good shape, considering its age. General Sessions court is currently held in this building on each Friday. Anyone wishing to experience a taste of Dickson County’s rich history should stop by the courthouse and take a stroll through the halls. Many county residents are all too familiar with this historic building; anyone required to go to court over a traffic violation has sat on pews on the second floor of this building awaiting their case to be heard. Historic Downtown Dickson is yet another area of the county that is filled with history. Downtown Dickson boasts of the Old Train Depot, the Holbrook Hotel, which was the birthplace of Frank Clement and many other buildings filled with history. Many shops on Old Spencer Mill provides historic tours of a Grist Mill that was in operation in the early 1800’s. Tours come with interpreters and demonstrations of the operation. Today Old Spencer Mill offers a camping area for those wishing to set up camp in the historic area. A large reception area is also available for events such as weddings or family reunions. The facility has been modernized to include heating and air conditioning and is handicap accessible. Drouillard House and Conference Center was erected in 1868 and underwent renovation in 1997. Drouillard House is a large mansion built by Captain James P. Drouillard when he reopened the iron plantation after it closed in 1862. The property has had many owners since its Victorian beginning, currently the mansion houses On-Site Workshops and is only open to the public a select few times per year. The mansion boasts of accommodations for up to 43 people and the Kitchen Team will prepare your meals buffet style.
Dickson County has a rich history that should be experience by all residents and tourists alike. If you would like detailed information on any of the above venues, contact the Dickson County Chamber of Commerce or the facility itself. Main Street There are lots of places to shop on main street. Most of them are housed in buildings that were built early on. The War Memorial building, built during the depression is belived to be one of only two such buildings in existence today. |
