About Lawrenceburg and Lawrence County, Tennessee

Lawrence County - Lawrenceburg, Tennessee is called the “Crossroads of Dixie” with US Hwy 64 and US Hwy 43 intersecting. With a population nearing 15,000 Lawrenceburg has become a destination city in South Central Tennessee. Lawrence County’s history presents a colorful past. Lawrence County was created October 21, 1817, by an act of the Tennessee General Assembly from mostly Indian Territory as a result of the Treaty of 1816 with the Chickasaw Indians.

The county seat, Lawrenceburg, was chosen in 1819 because of its proximity to the center of the county and the fact that Jackson's Military Road ran on the eastern edge of the town. In April, 1821, the road was changed to go through the center of the town. This road was a major thoroughfare from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, and has played a significant role in the development of the county. The county and county seat were both named in honor of Captain James Lawrence, U.S. Naval hero of the War of 1812. The Natchez Trace Parkway, part of the National Park System, runs through the northwestern part of the county.

One of the first commissioners and justices of the peace from Lawrence County was David Crockett. He ran a water-powered grist mill, powder mill and distillery in the area near Shoal Creek. Although he was only here for five years, David Crockett had a tremendous impact on the county and is a main attraction for tourists. A Tennessee State Park is named in his honor and located on the banks of Shoal Creek in Lawrenceburg.

In 1944, the Amish people migrated to this area and have been an asset ever since. They are simple-living people, holding onto their strong religious and cultural beliefs. They do not believe in bearing arms, worldly pleasures, electricity, mechanical machinery or automobiles. They are farmers and skilled craftsmen, and one of this county’s main tourist attractions.

Visitors love to see the Old Order Amish community live 19th Century lifestyles and open their farms (except on Sundays and holy days) to those interested in buying their baked goods and handicrafts.

In Summertown, Tennessee, located on 3 square miles, The Farm is home to approximately 200 persons. Founded in 1971 with a spiritual commitment to simple living and self-reliance, The Farm has pioneered a wide range of social and physical technologies appropriate to low-cost, high satisfaction community living.

Lawrence County is also the birthplace of Southern Gospel Music and visitors to historic downtown Lawrenceburg can see where it all began at the James D. Vaughan Museum on the Square.

Our Downtown Square is an old-fashioned town square, complete with a statue of David Crockett - perfect backdrop for a photo! Right off the square there is a David Crockett Cabin. We also have one of the only two Mexican War Monuments in the U.S. Come see the historic sites, stroll the antique malls and a wide variety of other stores, then stay for coffee, ice cream, or lunch.

Experience southern hospitality at its finest on the Square - including a historic restaurant, trendy coffee shop, and ice cream/candy store. Our old-time drug store will even serve you an ice-cold malt with lunch at its counter. Come to shop, sightsee, and enjoy a treat!

Lawrenceburg offers a wide array of full-service and fast-food restaurants to meet your tastes. BBQ is a local specialty, along with catfish, hushpuppies, and sweet tea!

There is a central pavilion when you're ready for a rest, or 'sit a spell' in the benches along the sidewalks and watch the world go by. Friendly folks may stop by to say hello. Public restrooms are available. There are several banks and an ATM located on the Square.

The Lawrenceburg Square is "antique heaven," with antique malls/stores galore. The selection is outstanding and the prices are reasonable.

Upscale clothing and children's store owners will give you personal attention. Stores along the Square are great places to shop for gifts. There is also a Christian bookstore and several music stores. The selection is unlike you'll find anywhere else, and the pace is leisurely.

The City of Lawrenceburg is a destination community for shopping of all types - from department store to discount store, plus full-service grocers, drug stores, and more.

Other famous residents of Lawrenceburg include former State Senator Fred Thompson, now an actor appearing on the hit TV show Law and Order and also fills in for Paul Harvey on his radio show. Many will remember his performance in the movie Hunt for Red October. The late Michael Jeter, best known for his TV role in Evening Shade and his movie role in The Green Mile, also had roots in Lawrenceburg.

Several people have influenced Lawrence County's history. Colonel George Henry Nixon was Colonel during the Civil War, a politician, and the person most responsible for the railroad coming to Lawrence County. James Jackson Pennington was our most famous inventor having invented and patented a working model of an "Aerial Bird" -- similar to a zeppelin -- in 1877. Thomas Paine was a lawyer, politician, and teacher, but most important, he was appointed the first Commissioner of Education in Tennessee in the 1880's by the Governor. During this time he helped develop the public education system. In 1899 Paine was appointed Commissioner of Agriculture. James D. Vaughan transformed Lawrenceburg into the undisputed capital of Gospel Music in America. People came from all over the south to attend his school of music. Vaughan Publishing Company printed gospel music books and had branch offices in South Carolina, Mississippi, and Texas.

In addition to the year-round attractions, Lawrence County plays host to festivals and celebrations practically every weekend from May to October with events such as the Summertown Bluegrass Festivals, Oktoberfest in Loretto, the south's largest Antique Tractor Show, the Middle Tennessee District Fair, the State Championship Barbecue Cook-off, the James D. Vaughan Homecoming Singing, the Heritage Festival, David Crockett Days - the list goes on and on...

Several hotels and meeting facilities are located in Lawrenceburg. Campers will enjoy a stay at the David Crockett State Park, complete with restaurant, swimming pool, walking trails, fishing, and more!

Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, is located south of Nashville and Columbia, TN, and north of Florence, AL. Directions: Take Highway 43 or Highway 64 to Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The Square is located two blocks west of the intersection of Highway 43 (N. Locust Avenue) and Highway 64 (W. Gaines Street).

The Lawrenceburg Square is home to several museums, with displays that will delight adults and children alike:

James D. Vaughan Museum
2nd Floor, Sun Trust Bank Building
25 Public Square, Lawrenceburg

Cherokee & David Crockett Museum & Cultural Center
Public Square, Lawrenceburg

David Crockett Cabin/Museum
South Military, Lawrenceburg

Old Jail Museum
Waterloo Street, Lawrenceburg

For more information on visiting Historic Downtown Lawrenceburg, please contact:

City Hall - 931/762-4459
MainStreet - 931/629-1216