Tullahoma

The place lies near Carthage in Smith County, where the Cumberland River meets the Caney Fork. The river junction offered a crossing for travellers moving between Nashville and the upper country of the Cumberland plateau. A ferry and tavern at the crossing served the road that climbed from the river valleys toward the mountain passes. In 1804 the settlement at Carthage was chosen as the seat of Smith County, and its position at the confluence made it useful for carrying goods between the river and the overland routes.