The history of the City of Loretto, Tennessee

The city of Loretto, Tennessee was founded in 1812 and originally called Glen Rock. In 1871, the name was changed to Loretto.

The first settlers to make their home in the Loretto  area were primarily Catholic, of German descent.

The main source of income for the area was farming. Several sawmills, gristmills, and wagonmakers  added to the bustling economy of the area..

The landscape changed when the railroad was brought to Lawrence County and  Loretto in 1886.

This further added to the excitement of the area, and brought new residents and new businesses to Lawrence County and to Loretto.

The number of sawmills quickly grew, with eight to ten in operation at any time.

The business of hauling lumber by rail was very lucrative, and Lawrence County and the Loretto area had plenty of marketable timber to be  harvested and made into lumber.

Loretto continued to thrive, and today is one of the fastest growing areas within southern Middle Tennessee  and the fastest growing community in Lawrence County.

The town supports several industries, and a multitude of small businesses.

Their government is comprised of a mayor, vice mayor, alderman/woman and a city manager.

The current population is 1,665, according to the 2000 census.