POINTS OF INTEREST

n                   NATCHEZ TRACE – A National Parkway of 450 miles from Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi, goes through the southwest corner of Hickman County.  It was first an Indian trail, then a post road, and widely used to transport troops and supplies.  It gives the traveler a peaceful drive through beautiful countryside, with many historic sites along the way.  No trucks or commercial vehicles are allowed.

n                   GORDON HOUSE – One of the oldest homes in Hickman County, it was built around 1817-18 by Captain John Gordon.  He was a prominent early settler, first Postmaster of Nashville, owner of a trading post and ferry on Duck River.  His acclaim as a fearless fighter and spy was acknowledged from Nashville to Natchez.  His home is owned by the Natchez Trace Association and has been restored outside.

n                   BAKER’S BLUFF – One of the most scenic views along the Natchez Trace.  It overlooks Duck River and fertile farmland, typical of this area.

n                   JACKSON FALLS – A historic rest stop on the Natchez Trace near Shady Grove.  Large spring and waterfalls made this a good camping place for troops traveling down the Trace.  Among them was Andrew Jackson, for whom the falls were named.

n                   NATCHEZ TRACE NATURE WALK – Scenic sight along the Natchez Trace.

n                   OLD GRIST WATER MILL – On Leatherwood Creek.  Parts of the mill still remain in log cabin that was built by the Brooks family when they settled there in 1799.  Presently a Spring Water Marketing Operation.

n                   BON AQUA SPRINGS – Site of the Bon Aqua Hotel, a booming railroad town of the early 1900’s.

n                   GRINDER’S SWITCH – In the 1900’s, Grinder’s Switch was a shipping town.  In more recent times, this quiet farm community has become known all over the word as the home town of Mine Pearl, the imaginary spinster of Sara Ophelia Colley Cannon who grew up across the river in Centerville.  Over the years through her comedy, Mrs. Cannon brought laughter to millions.  Through this same comedy, she preserved a valuable picture of life in the h ills of Tennessee during the Twenties and Thirties.

n                   BIRTHPLACE OF BETH SLATER WHITSON – Beth Slater Whitson was the composer of many of our most loved songs, such as “Let Me Call You Sweetheart”, Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland”, and many others.

n                   LEE’S FURNACE (OLD FURNACE) – Iron Ore Furnace built in 1830 by Lee and Gould.  Located near the Bucksnort Exit off I-40.

n                   THE JAMES BUCHANAN WALKER HOME – Located on West End Avenue in Centerville, it is on the National Register of Historic Places.  The home is privately owned but is open to the public on the Christmas Tour of Homes.

n                   TARKINGTON STORE – R.D. and Edith Tarkington opened Tarkington General Store in 1927 and started a family tradition that lives today.  Now the store is co-owned by their son, C.W. Tarkington, his wife, Elizabeth, and their daughter, Pam Allen.  People near and far return to yesteryear at this one-of-a-kind old country store.  Located at 6688 Hassell’s Creek Rd., Lyles.

n                   NACOME CONFERENCE CENTER – For over a hundred years it was known as the Beaverdam Springs Resort and was a favorite vacation site for President James K. Polk.  Purchased in 1939 by the Presbyterian Synod of Tennessee, NaCoMe is today the largest Christian conference center in the midsouth.

n                   HICKMAN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – A small museum is open to the public giving tribute to Hickman County’s Minnie Pearl and Beth Slater Whitson.  Visitor information is also available.

n                   HICKMAN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY – Located upstairs in the Courthouse on the Town Square in Centerville.  There one will find historical books for sale as well as additional books and information for in-office genealogy research.

n                   HICKMAN COUNTY AGRICULTURAL PARK & FAIRGROUNDS – Includes a large multi-purpose pavilion.  The county fair is held here.  It is also utilized for many other functions such as livestock shows throughout the year.