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The
first permanent white settlement in Giles county
was in 1808 on the Elk River at the mouth of
Richland Creek. William Price cleared trees and
canebrakes to lay off a town and then
sold lots. Early settlers helped each other
build log homes and the settlement grew to a
successful shipping point. This settlement was
known as Elkton or Elkville.
Due
to nature's shifting of the riverbed the shipping
point was moved two miles upriver to a more
advantageous point. This new settlement was
known as upper Elkton while the original
settlement was known as lower Elkton. Upper
Elkton began to grow and flourish as businesses
were established and the town became a major
riverboat stop.
Located near a major stagecoach route connecting
Nashville to Athens and Huntsville Alabama the
river town prospered and by the early 1880's
Elkton boasted four dry goods and grocery
stores, a hotel, two blacksmith shops, a
drugstore, a bank, doctors, a female academy and
many mills and gins.
The
great flood of 1902 destroyed many of the fine
homes, churches and buildings that were built in
the flourishing community. What was once
considered a promising location for the county
seat was virtually devastated overnight.
Although Elkton never fully recovered from the
great flood of 1902 its transformation over the
years has elevated it into the quiet farming,
ranching and family friendly community it is
known as today.
For
a more detailed view of Elkton's history
please visit the Elkton Historical Society's
website.
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