Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Logo
Boats on the Tims ford lake.

Decherd

Decherd was founded in 1853. Decherd owes its beginning to the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad which was completed in 1851 through what was to become the town of Decherd. The town is named for Peter S. Decherd, who along with his business partner Ezekiel D. Sanford in 1852, purchased the land and in 1853 developed it into a town complete with blocks and streets.

The town was originally incorporated in 1856, then again after the Civil War in 1868. The Civil War dominated life in Decherd during the war years. No major battles were fought in the area, but several skirmishes were fought over control of the railroad. From 1885 to 1901 the town, along with many towns in Franklin County, was officially unincorporated due to the “Four Mile Law”, which allowed for the selling of liquor within four miles of schools in incorporated communities only. The town was re-chartered by the General Assembly on April 22, 1901.

Governor Benton McMillin signed the private act creating the town. J.F. McGill became mayor in June of that year. R. Ross Powell was the first city recorder. The town also had one Town Marshall. The population in 1900 was about 1000.

In 1890, James Terrill built and established Terrill College on the site where Decherd Elementary School now stands. Decherd is proud of its three largest employers, Nissan Power Train Assembly, Kroger and Henley Supply & Millworks. We have two schools; North Middle School and the before mentioned Decherd Elementary. Decherd’s Lions Club has been active since 1957 providing glasses and eye screenings to our citizens. Our two city parks, Hank Weddington Park and John L. Sanders Park, provide picnic areas, walking trails, softball and playgrounds for all to enjoy.

Decherd is definitely a town on the move into the 21st Century. We have housing available, eateries galore, places to work and play. When you are in Decherd, you can get to anywhere in the world.

We are very proud of our history and this wonderful place to work and live.