Resting on the Cumberland River in nortecentral Tennessee, thisriverboat town was settled in the early 1800s by Scotch-IrishPresbyterian descendants from Granville County, North Carolina. Firstcalled Beech Hill, the town was renamed Granville when it wasincorporated in 1837. The area's rich bottom land attracted farmers, andthe river contributed to the community's rapid growth as an agriculturalcenter. Farmers and their slaves brought tobacco, livestock, and lumberto market. As waterway commerce increased, Granville became ariverboat town with numerous warehouses. The town catered to theriverboat workers and passengers with a hotel, saloon, general stores,blacksmith shop, post office, bank, gristmill, pharmacy, funeral home,barber shop, and doctors' offices. The community's proximity to theriver has made it appealing to many people throughout the years,including Gen. George Patton, who utilized the area duringWorld War Il for training and maneuvers.
Authored by the Granville Museum, Inc., Granville tells the story ofthe town from its early growing years to the present, as local commercehas shifted from agriculture to recreation. Today, the past is brought backto life throughout the year with Heritage Day, the Quilt Festival,riverboat cruises complete with jazz bands, and even a CountryChristmas Celebration. This book, with over 200 images, is a testimonyto the unique personalities which made up rural life in our country.The Images of America series celebrates the history ofneighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archivalphotographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the pastthat shape the character of the community today. Arcadia is proud toplay a part in the preservation of local heritage, making historyavailable to all.