South Main Street

Dickson, Tennessee:  Incorporated in 1899

In 1857, on the plat of the Town of Smeedsville was laid out along the proposed Nashville and Northwest Railroad.  Mr. C. Berringer, of Allegheny City, PA purchased a large tract of the land which comprised most of the 5th district, platted out lots and placed them on the real estate market.  Berringger’s goal was to establish a colony of farmers and mechanics from the northeast.  In 1864 the first train passed through Smeedsville on route to the Tennessee River.  By 1868, the community constituted a good-size settlement.  In 1873, when the town was chartered, the name was changed to Dickson.

In 1864, W.H. Crutcher is believed to have constructed the first store on North Main Street, as well as the first hotel.  By 1870, the town had grown to a population of 150 inhabitants.  With the end of the Civil War and the advent of the railroad, the community rapidly grew throughout the rest of the 19th century.  Dickson developed as a railroad town on the Nashville & Northwest line. 

Much of the commercial activity that took place was due to the agricultural and timber business.  Sawmills sprang up in the surrounding area.  The Dickson Planning Mill operated by the Cowan brothers was the largest.  Tool handles, hardwood flooring, white oak barrels, and spokes for buggy wheels were some of the products manufactured locally for the broader retail market.  Bankers, druggists, doctors, dentists, dealers in paint, oils, glass, varnishes, groceries, general merchandise, hardware fine wines, whiskies, tobacco wagons, carriages, and shoes all set up their businesses downtown.

By the early 20th century local business included the U.S. Tobacco Company, Henry I Siegel Company, the American Cigar factory and the Red Cap Garment Company.  In 1905 a devastating fire leveled most of the downtown district.  The town rebuilt and by 1925, the population reached almost 3,000 residents.  Downtown merchants depended upon the railroad for their prosperity as goods could be transported in and out of the area.  Hotels to accommodate the traveling public were built, professional business established, the first Chamber of Commerce was founded, local citizens formed the Dickson Development Company to attract new businesses and industries as the town spread to include many residential areas.    

The City of Dickson became the population economic and population center of the County.  Steady growth and expansion occurred throughout the 20th century.  In 1966 I-40 opened providing greater access to markets across the country.  Go to www.cityofdickson.com