The Tennessee River was used as a water route of settlers who braved the land called “Mussel Shoals” which the early explorer, John Donelson called in his diary of the late 1770’s “a dreadful experience terrible roaring and current flowing in every direction”.

The Land Ordinance of 1789 provided for the sale of public lands.  The Tennessee Land Company purchased land from Georgia.  Lands were obtained from Cherokee and Chickasaw cession.