Photo: Sam Davis Home, circa 1810, . Listed on the National Register in 1969. Photographer: wikipedia username: dwhartwig, [cc‑2.0] via wikimedia commons, accessed September, 2025.
Smyrna Town Hall is located at 315 South Lowry Street, Smyrna, TN 37167. Phone: 615-459-2553
Photo: Sam Davis Home, circa 1810, . Listed on the National Register in 1969. Photographer: wikipedia username: dwhartwig, [cc‑2.0] via wikimedia commons, accessed September, 2025.
Neighborhoods
The history of Smyrna, Tennessee [†], is a story of an agrarian community that evolved through significant historical events, including the Civil War and the Cold War, and was ultimately revitalized by industrial development. The town's story is one of resilience and transformation.
Early Beginnings and the Railroad
The town's history begins in the mid-1800s as an agricultural community with large farms and plantations. A notable example is the Sam Davis Home, now a state historic landmark. The name "Smyrna" comes from the Smyrna Presbyterian Church, founded in 1810. When the railroad arrived in the 1850s, a train depot was built and the new community was named after the church. Smyrna was first incorporated in 1869, but its charter was later rescinded. The town re-incorporated in 1915, adopting a mayor and commission form of government.
The Civil War and its Legacy
Due to its strategic location on the railway line, Smyrna played a role during the Civil War. The town is the boyhood home of Sam Davis, a Confederate soldier captured and hanged as a spy by Union forces in 1863. He is remembered as the "Boy Hero of the Confederacy" for refusing to betray his comrades. His home is a significant historical site and museum. The area also saw skirmishes, such as Wheeler's Raid in 1862, after which a local residence, the Johns-King House, was used as a Confederate hospital.
Mid-20th Century: Military Influence and Economic Setback
In 1941, a military installation known as Sewart Air Force Base was established. During the 1950s and 60s, the base was a major economic driver for Smyrna, supporting thousands of military personnel. However, the base's closure in 1970 was a severe economic blow, causing a significant population drop. In response, community leaders formed an economic development committee to convert the military property for industrial use, a move that proved pivotal for the town's future.
Modern History and Economic Growth
The revitalization efforts of the 1970s led to the recruitment of new industries. This growth was solidified in the early 1980s when Nissan announced it would build its first U.S. manufacturing plant in Smyrna. The Nissan plant became a cornerstone of the local economy, creating thousands of jobs and fueling massive population growth. The former air force base was also repurposed, becoming the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport, which is now the busiest general aviation airport in the state. Today, Smyrna continues to grow, successfully balancing its small-town charm with a thriving economy driven by industrial and commercial development.
† Adapted from: gemini.google.com, accessed September, 2025. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.