Decherd, TN

Decherd, located in Franklin County, is a town that is dedicated to progress, moving forward into the 21st century with a focus on and dedication to its development. Home to Nissan North America, Decherd is growing every day with a city government that is reaching out to its more than 2,000 residents. A part of the Tullahoma, Tennessee Micropolitan Statistical Area, Decherd’s Mayor works hard to make Decherd a great place to work, live and play!   Please contact Margaret Lynch for more information.

History

Founded in the mid 1800’s, Decherd’s beginnings came about thanks to the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad which was completed in 1851. The town was named for Peter S. Decherd, who donated the right of way to the railroad on the condition that the depot be located near the Decherd Plantation.   Incorporated in 1868, from 1885-1901, the town wasn’t officially incorporated because of the “Four Mile Law,” which allowed the selling of alcohol within four miles of schools in incorporated communities only.  By 1890, Decherd had built and established Terrill College, the current site of the Decherd Public School. An important part of the prosperity of the town, Decherd became the terminal for lines going to Huntsville, Alabama, Fayetteville, Lewisburg and Columbia, TN. Before the Civil War, eight passenger trains stopped at the Decherd depot and while today, trains still pass through, the depot is gone and the passenger trains are no more. While no major battles were fought in Decherd during the Civil War, skirmishes were fought for control of the railroad and the Elk River.  Today, Decherd stands as a city that embraces the future while honoring its past and looks forward to the next one hundred years.

Attractions & Activities

Crimson Clover First planted in 1892, Crimson Clover, (considered a legume that builds up the soil) the potential for it wasn’t realized until 1902 when Lee Ruch decided to seed a field of crimson clover. A beautiful sight, it’s also a valuable cash crop! Join the Crimson Clover Ball held in May when the fields are in full bloom.  Rebel’s Rest Major R. Fairbanks a founder and trustee at the University of the South built Rebel’s Rest in 1886. The Fairbanks family occupied the house in 1963 when the University took over the building as a guest house and for entertaining.  Falls Mill Tucked into the southwest corner of Franklin county is a great spot for a picnic. Falls Mill has one of the largest waterwheels still operating in the country and museum takes you back in time, showing you the past via the factory.

Parks Recreation

Hank Weddington Park Come visit the park and bring your favorite book and picnic basket! Fun things to do for the whole family are just waiting for you!
Tims Ford Park One of the most accommodating parks in Tennessee, there are over 400 acres of family fun including bicycle and hiking trails, a swimming pool and secluded cabins that feature all the modern amenities as well as campsites for people who love the outdoors. A marina is also available, with a snack bar, bait shop and even a place to clean your fish!
For more information on Real Estate in the area please contact local expert Margaret Lynch.