On the surface, Southwest Tennessee is a collection of charming small towns, mom-and-pop eateries, courthouse squares and barbecue gems. Dig a little deeper and you’ll uncover the fascinating stories, people and places that have shaped American history and culture. It’s defined, in part, by the stories of the larger-than-life figures with ties to the area.
In Southwest Tennessee, you can learn of the railroad history of the area, stroll through the home of Railroad Legend Casey Jones, learn how President Andrew Jackson and frontiersman David Crockett are tied to the area. Get to know Walking Tall Legend Sheriff Buford Pusser of McNairy County, who famously fought crime along the Mississippi state line in the 1960s.
Explore the history of African-Americans in the South, with sites that tell the stories of slavery and war, early freedom and the blues culture and the struggle for civil rights. You’ll find these towns dotted with markers detailing the skirmishes and turf struggles of the Civil War. These stories aren’t confined to the battlefields — homes, churches and courthouses have stories to tell from their days as headquarters, hideouts and hospitals. You can also visit what is arguably the best-preserved Civil War battle site in the South at Shiloh National Military Park, the site where one of the bloodiest conflicts of the war raged for two cold, wet days on the banks of the Tennessee River.
Hunting and fishing in Southwest Tennessee are excellent year-round, being bordered on the east by the Tennessee River, home to many lakes, five State Natural Areas and five Tennessee State Parks which have been recognized as the best in the nation. From sunsets over farmland to the wildlife on the riverbanks, Southwest Tennessee’s quiet natural beauty is an attraction on its own. This is truly a haven for Tennessee explorers, for those who love the charm of a small-town square, the satisfaction of a down-home meal, the ghosts of America’s history and the adventurous spirit of a good road trip.
Visit Southwest Tennessee
www.visitswtenn.com
