|
• All Feature Articles
Sumner County Showing Signs of Rapid Growth as Music City Booms
by Rich and Laura Lynch
The team from Music City Nashville took a drive into Sumner County in mid-June to scout out potential new locations for the home office. While driving along I-40 we exited onto Route 109 heading north and we were amazed to see a TDOT road widening project in action. According to the TDOT website the current project entails reconstruction and widening for nearly 35 miles encompassing improvements that are intended to address congestion, improve safety and traffic operations, and accommodate growth along this rapidly developing corridor.
Historical marker honoring Johnny and June Cash.
As our day trip snaked through Gallatin and Hendersonville - the county seat of Sumner County, and the county's largest city, respectively - one thing became clear. This region is growing at a pace that mirrors the constant construction currently seen underway in Davidson County. On our quick journey we observed numerous apartments, housing projects and hotels in various stages of development just a quick 20 miles north and east of Nashville.
In a way, this makes perfect sense. Back in the day, when established country stars such as Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison wanted to pitch a tent near Music City, they chose Hendersonville for its proximity to the action while maintaining a lifestyle just out of the gaze of the bright lights and big city.
Now, the town of Hendersonville has recently posted new markers to commemorate these two icon's place in the community's history. One sign honors Johnny Cash, signaling the Old Hickory Lake parcel where he lived with June Carter Cash for over 35 years. The other honors the land originally owned by Roy Orbison who lost two sons in a house fire, which was later preserved by Cash as an orchard to honor the Orbison family. These two plaques are sure to drive tourism traffic to the Caudill Drive properties that helped paved the way to the region's current spectacular growth spurt.
Historical marker honoring Roy Orbison.
|
