Fayette County

The Little County That Could

Come explore everything that Fayette County has to offer. From a small antebellum town to kayaking down the Wolf River or learning about the vast agriculture, this area has a lot to offer. Fayette County is primarily a rural agricultural area, but it also has a vast forest area filled with cypress-studded swamps. This unique natural treasure makes up the southern part of the county and is favored by sports enthusiasts and environmentalists. The best-known outdoors event, the National Field Trails for bird dogs, held annually since 1903, is also in Fayette County. So come and find these hidden treasures!

Grand Junction

National Bird Dog Museum

This museum houses information, art, photography, and memorabilia representing a variety of pointing dog and retriever breeds, hunting, field trial activities and shooting sports. The facility is designed for the enjoyment of all who appreciate the special partnership between man and dog. Dog lovers, don’t forget to check out the gift shop.

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Ames Plantation

This 18,400-acre plantation is home to a wealth of 19th-century history pertaining to the settlement and culture of southwestern Tennessee. It is privately owned and operated, and functions as one of the Research and Education Centers for the University of Tennessee’s Agricultural Experiment Station system. During the Heritage Festival each October, visitors can imagine life in the 1800s through re-enactments, demonstrations, and the historical buildings and furnishings of Heritage Village. In February, the plantation hosts the National Field Trial Championship for All-Age Bird Dogs.

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LaGrange
POPULATION: 133 (2010) LaGrange, Tennessee is a must-see stop on any day trip east of Memphis. If you’re a history buff or just interested in the beauty of bucolic, rural scenery and Antebellum architecture, plan your trip today. The entire town of LaGrange is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a stop on the Tennessee Trails and Byways’ Walking Tall Trail. This Antebellum center of Southern wealth, culture, and education was originally a Chickasaw village named ““Itey Uch La”,” meaning “”Cluster of Pines.”” Markers along Hwy 57/Main Street detail the town’’s origin and history, from Native American trading post to Union stronghold during the Civil War. Today, it has only about 200 inhabitants who care for the beautiful historic buildings along Hwy 57

Woodlawn Historical Marker

This 1828 home was occupied by both sides during the Civil War and served as headquarters for Union Maj. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman for a time. The Woodlawn Home is part of Historic Homes & Buildings of La Grange.

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La Grange Historic District

La Grange is home to many beautifully restored historic structures (some private residences), concentrated on Main Street/Hwy 57 and the few blocks to the north and south. Take your own detour off Main; the homes are visible from the street. Places of interest include Tiara, Westover of Woodstock, Tyrone Place, The Allen Cogbill Home, Hancock Hall, Twin Gables, Gable Villa, Woodlawn, LaGrange United Methodist Church, The Old Parsonage, Immanuel Episcopal Church, LaGrange Cemetery and LaGrange Civic Center.

 

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Mineral Slough Boardwalk & Winbon C. Cowan Trail

Interpretive markers identify native trees along the 600-foot long, elevated boardwalk and 1,500-foot walking trail, located in Ghost River State Natural Area. This site offers excellent bird watching year-round.

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Rossville

Rossville Historic District

This district is composed of buildings dating from 1870-1950 and are representative of the town’s transition from a railroad town to a center of commerce.

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R. S. Johnson Store

This store was opened in 1927 as R. M. Johnson General Merchandise. R.M. Johnson was foreman on construction of Macon-Rossville Road. He opened it when road completed. The building was also Amoco gas station at one time. He also operated a sorghum mill and grist mill.

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Wolf River Cafe

This café sits on the site once occupied by Rossville’s gas station, a favorite spot for dime Cokes and penny candy. The current restaurant has been a local favorite for over 20 years. The two businesses behind the café are housed in the town’s original fire station and jail, which held only two prisoners at a time.

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Somerville
The historic town of Somerville is the county seat of Fayette County. Somerville’s Town Square is the historic commercial center of the town and heart of the County’s operations from its county seat. Great shopping and wonderful annual festivals enhance the scenic beauty of this charming court square. Take a break from driving at the shops and restaurants in this quaint small town. Lots of history can be found here including stories of finding pre-Civil War bullets in the store’s walls.

Somerville Historic District

Located in the county seat of Fayette County, the district is comprised of buildings constructed between ca. 1830 and ca. 1930 around Court Square and irregular pattern along N. Main St.

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Somerville Cemetery

Although the entrance says the cemetery was established in 1838, it was actually established in 1829.

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Tent City Historical Marker

The Tent City marker tells the story of Black Fayette County sharecroppers who were evicted from their lands for participating in a voter registration drive and attempting to exercise their political power.

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Tennessee Pewter

A true symbol of fine taste, class and style, Tennessee Pewter has graced the most sophisticated homes and tables for decades. Our pieces have celebrated birthdays, baptisms, holidays, weddings and other cherished events, holding precious memories and serving as beautiful heirlooms for future generations. The prestige, beauty and elegance of Tennessee Pewter—just like its finish—never fades.

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Boondocks Western Store

Boondocks offers the latest styles in boots and apparel from brands that have been staples in the western industry for years. You will find quality goods at the lowest price possible. We take great pride in making sure you are fitted properly and look great in your selections. We don’t want to be a “Jack-of-All Trades” store, we want to be experts at what we do; so we only focus on boots, apparel and accessories. We leave the animal feed and tractor parts to the other guys.

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