As published in the Murfreesboro Post, Michelle Willard, Managing Editor, October 25, 2007
Local historians and civic leaders wished Rutherford County a happy 204th birthday Thursday morning at the historic courthouse.
“It’s just an exciting day for Rutherford County and the Heritage Partnership to celebrate to county’s history,” said Kay Morrow, a founding member of the Heritage Partnership of Rutherford County.
The Heritage Partnership and County Commission recognized the anniversary of the incorporation of Rutherford County with a rededication of the Rutherford Monument on the Northwest corner of the Square.
Last month, county commission agreed to designate October as Rutherford County Month to commemorate the creation of the county on Oct. 25, 1803.
Rutherford County was created by the General Assembly from portions of Davidson, Wilson, Williamson and Sumner counties and named in honor of Griffith Rutherford.
Denise Carlton of the Heritage Foundation has always heard a friend of Rutherford’s wanted to honor him by bestowing his name on the county.
The cover from ‘Griffith’, published 1975. Raising the flag is Dick Shacklett.
“That’s an understatement,” Carlton said. “He was one of six brigadier generals in the Revolutionary War … . He was directly under General Washington and a friend of Washington’s.”
He also led the Rutherford Wagon Train – and in turn many families from North Carolina – during westward expansion in the years following the war for independence. He eventually settled in Gallatin in 1792.
Washington appointed him in 1794 to the Council of the Territory of Tennessee and became council president.
“These are just some of the things we should know,” Carlton said.
County Mayor Ernest Burgess said this is an opportunity to learn about the county’s history and look into it’s future at the same time.
“It’s a chance to celebrate where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re going,” Burgess said.
In honor of Rutherford County Day on Thursday only, admission to Oaklands Historic House and Museum is free.