Charlotte was established as the Seat of Dickson County Government on August 4, 1804 by an act of the Tennessee General Assembly. Settlement began in the late 1790’s as a frontier community which served the Cumberland Furnace Iron Works six miles north of town. Between 1804 and the onset of the Civil War, Charlotte developed into a thriving market town. Charlotte was incorporated in 1838. All roads, north south, east and west went through town. After the completion of the railroad on the south side of the county, the prosperity of Charlotte waned leaving the community with its historic courthouse and Square. One hundred and four years later, the county remains the community’s largest employer. In August 2004, Charlotte celebrated its Bicentennial. The center piece of the community is the Historic Dickson County Courthouse which remains the oldest courthouse still in use in Tennessee. In 1973 Charlotte Courthouse Square Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
An act of the Tennessee General Assembly which created the Town of Charlotte as the seat for Dickson County government on August 4, 1804, mandated that two acres be set aside for a public square based on the original town plan. The General Assembly further directed that “a courthouse, prison and stocks” were to be erected on the site. In September 1806 Term of the Dickson County Quarterly Court, funding was authorized and bids were let for the construction of a log Court House. As the iron industry grew, agriculture flourished and more settlers moved into the area claiming or purchasing land grants, the county fathers determined the need for a larger and more substantial structure. A two story, brick courthouse was built to replace the original log structure.
On May 30, 1830, a tornado demolished most of the Town of Charlotte severely damaging the brick courthouse. On July 6th the Quarterly Court quickly authorized repairs to the school house for meetings, the removal of all brick from the courthouse site to search for records and papers, and repairs to the jail. Phillip Murray, a local undertaker and builder, was authorized to rebuild the brick courthouse on the foundation of the damaged building. By the end of July, construction was begun and in. October 1830 of the Dickson County Quarterly court met in the newly rebuilt courthouse.
Between 1870 and 1899 Dickson sought to wrest the control of county government from Charlotte. By 1899, Circuit and Chancery courts were held in Dickson, while County Court sessions were held in Charlotte, thus creating a division within the county which impacted commerce, industry, politics and religion. The maintenance, repairs and operation of two facilities were costly. In October 1926, Quarterly Court appropriated $32,000.00 to construct a new courthouse in Dickson and to repair the one in Charlotte. After considerable debate, a committee was appointed to select a site in Dickson although no provision was made to fund the project. At the next session of court, the committee reported “...the original lot that the old courthouse is situated on...” was the best location. It was also owned by the county and did not require the purchase of additional land on the south side of the county.
On April 8, 1930, the County commissioners appropriated $30,000.00 to be used for repairing and remodeling the Courthouse in Charlotte. Nashville architects Doughtery and Gardner were selected to draw the plans and specifications for the courthouse. Two new wings were added; the four chimneys were torn down, the roof was raised, the 100 year old stone steps removed at the entrances to be replaced by new concrete steps. Seven offices were located on the first floor; the entire second floor comprised the courtroom auditorium with seating for 220 people.
During the next forty-seven years this facility served the needs of county government. By the early 1970's the court systems and county governmental functions were severely cramped for space. In 1977 a two story courthouse annex was constructed on the south side of the square. With the exception of the General Sessions Court, all court and county business were moved into the courthouse annex.
Debate occasionally arises as to the best location for the Dickson County “Seat of Government.” The population explosion coupled with the rapid growth of business and industry along Interstate 40 has in many minds justified the removal of the county offices to the Dickson area. However, the legalities of accomplishing this move as well as the cost have negated the issue to date. The City of Charlotte has served as the county seat for 205 years, and has preserved the architectural history and a quality of life which reflects the evolution of county government through two centuries.
Promise Land was established and settled by African-Americans shortly after the emancipation from slavery. Many of the earlier residents had been slaves working at the furnace. During the Reconstruction Period, land was set aside to allow former slaves to establish themselves as free people. The community thrived from about 1870 to 1920. After World War I, many young men and women began to move north searching for better working conditions and opportunities. In 1957, the Promise Land School closed due to lack of students.
Work is currently underway to restore the school as a one-room schoolhouse museum. It currently houses many displays of memorabilia and photographs interpreting the Promise Land Community and life in this African American community. The Promise Land School was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
Building construction started in1932 and was completed in 1933 and since has been occupied by various groups: Civic, Community, Veterans, City and County Officials and many others.
This building was erected for the purpose of honoring all veterans, living and deceased. It has become a perpetual memorial to veterans of all wars.
From 1933 to the end of World War II, this structure was also occupied by the Dickson County Library for the use of all citizens in Dickson and surrounding counties.
This facility also became headquarters for The Draft Board during the years of 1939 and 1940. It also served as a departure point for citizens leaving for the military, during the period of 1933 to 1946.
The building was used regularly by music groups such as school bands and recitals held by music instructors and their students, with the auditorium being filled to capacity on each occasion.
Bond drives were held in this building and on the Memorial Building grounds during World War II. City, County, State and National Officials spoke at these events. Judges, Mayors, Congressman, Senators and Governors all participated to boost moral during this time.
Young adults such as the Coalition Club of Woman held dances on the lower level for fund raising purposes. The McDowell Music Club consisting of ladies who were music teachers, conducted music studies and also hosted many music functions in this building in these same years. These two organizations were comprised of citizens across Dickson and surrounding counties.
» Dickson County Veterans Services
Founded in 1803, Dickson County was named for William Dickson, a Nashville physician and legislator who reportedly was a friend of President Andrew Jackson. Dickson County's rich history includes industry in the iron furnaces of Cumberland Furnace.
