Rutherford County offers a fascinating journey through the decades and centuries
Whoever says history is boring hasn’t been to Rutherford County. The region is rich with must-see treasures, offering you a chance to peek into the past and absorb the colorful stories that define its people and places. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking to explore someplace new, the county’s historic homes, museums and landmarks allow you to travel through eras from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond.
Civil War Sites
Your trip through time begins in Murfreesboro. Start at The Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County, which tells the story of the city during the Civil War through immersive exhibits, displays and programs. The Heritage Center is free and open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Just a short drive away is the Rutherford County Courthouse, a historic centerpiece of the town square. Built in 1859, this architectural gem played a pivotal role in Civil War battles and remains a symbol of the city’s enduring legacy. A museum on the courthouse ground floor houses city artifacts dating back 200 years.
Next up is a self-guided tour of Oaklands Mansion, a beautifully restored 19th-century home originally owned by the Maney family. Take a leisurely stroll through the property’s lush gardens and grounds and hear the stories of the enslaved people who worked the land. Tours are available by reservation Tuesday through Friday.
Civil War-era history comes alive at The Historic Sam Davis Home and Museum in Smyrna.
Explore the early life of Sam Davis, a Confederate scout known as the Boy Hero of the Confederacy, and learn more about the complexities of life in the South during and after the Civil War. Open Monday through Saturday, the 168-acre site gives you a glimpse of life in the 1800s. In La Vergne, the Mary Kate Patterson Home stands as a tribute to Patterson, who was a Confederate spy and local hero. The house is closed to the public, but the outside marker is part of the Leading Ladies of Rutherford County History trail.
The Power of the Movement
For a deeper dive into local African American history, be sure to visit the Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center in Murfreesboro. The Bradley Academy was the first educational institution in Rutherford County and one of the first to enroll enslaved individuals who had been freed. Today, the center – open Tuesday through Saturday – showcases African American contributions to the region’s art, culture and Civil Rights Movement.
In Smyrna, take a quick drive by a replica of the Smyrna Rosenwald School, which was part of a national initiative to improve education for African American children in the early 20th century. The school, which is now a community center, was an inspiring example of the power of education and community resilience.
In Murfreesboro, the Allen Chapel AME Church, a landmark that has been a cornerstone of the community since 1889, chronicles the progress made by the African American community post-Reconstruction and leading up to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. While the church isn’t open to tours, the congregation still hosts Sunday service each week.
More to Discover
Rutherford County was once home to Cherokee, Chickasaw and Creek Native American tribes, who left a lasting historical imprint on the region. In the 1830s, however, the Indian Removal Act forced thousands of Native Americans to leave their ancestral lands in the Southeast. What became known as the Trail of Tears passed through Middle Tennessee, including Rutherford County, and is solemnly commemorated by markers along the Twin Forks Trail near Murfreesboro, Stones River National Battlefield in Murfreesboro, and at the Mary Kate Patterson Home in La Vergne.
Located on Murfreesboro’s Middle Tennessee State University campus, the Center for Historic Preservation offers engaging programs and resources that delve into the region’s rich heritage. Be sure to check the schedule for public exhibits or events during your visit.
A visit here isn’t complete without a trip to Cannonsburgh Village, a reconstructed pioneer village that offers a glimpse into 19th-century life. This local treasure features a gristmill, one-room schoolhouse, the World’s Largest Cedar Bucket and more!
Don’t miss a live performance at Murfreesboro’s Center for the Arts. The building that houses the center previously served as a post office, which was also the city’s first federal building and the county’s main library. Today, the Center for the Arts hosts plenty of family-friendly and Broadway-worthy plays and musicals year-round, as well as an art gallery with rotating exhibits featuring the works of local artists.
Plan Like a Pro
When planning your visit to Rutherford County, start by checking the weather so you can enjoy outdoor attractions like farms, parks and historic sites rain-free on a sunny day. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, especially if you’ll be exploring Cannonsburgh Village or Civil War sites. Rutherford County’s historical sites are easily accessible and often include opportunities for guided tours, special events and family-friendly activities. Many locations host seasonal activities, so be sure to check their websites for more information. Finally, map out your stops, as some attractions may have specific hours or require reservations.