Tressa Bush, a lifelong resident of Smith County, Tennessee, has always had a deep connection to the land and history of Smith County. Growing up in a family that valued hard work and community, she developed a passion for preserving the stories that shaped her hometown. As she looks back on the area’s history, she often reflects on how progress is often seen as a constant forward march. We’re quick to trade the old for something newer, something faster. But as Tressa Bush sees it, sometimes the past holds more value than we realize.
One such story is the river economy of Smith County—a chapter in history that’s often overlooked but essential to understanding the foundation of this region. Before highways and railroads took over, the Cumberland River was more than just a waterway; it was the lifeline of the community. It carried more than just water—it brought money, people, and ideas, connecting Smith County to the world beyond. In the 1800s, the river was our gateway to prosperity, and the people who lived along it thrived because of it. Tressa believes that rediscovering the lessons of that river economy could offer us valuable insights into who we are today.
Steamboats: The Movers of the Past
The introduction of steamboats changed everything. These boats didn’t just chug up and down the river—they were engines of transformation. When steamboats arrived in Smith County, they brought opportunities that the community had never experienced before.
Farmers could now send tobacco, corn, and livestock to market faster than ever before. Sawmills could ship lumber, tanned hides, whiskey barrels, and even iron from local foundries. If it could be loaded, it could be shipped. The boats moved goods and connected us to far-away markets. This was cutting-edge technology for the time.
Tressa Bush explains, “When the steamboats came, they didn’t just bring products, they brought hope. The towns along the river flourished because of that trade.”
The river towns like Carthage and Gordonsville weren’t just small stops. They became buzzing centers of commerce. Landings, warehouses, and inns sprang up to serve the river trade. Steamboats made these towns the heart of regional trade, and the river was the reason they had such potential.
River Towns Had a Rhythm
The towns along the Cumberland River had their own rhythm. Life revolved around the arrival of the next steamboat. Some weeks brought excitement with a boat’s arrival; other times, there was a delay. But there was always movement—always something to look forward to.
Carthage played a significant role in this economy. While not the biggest town in Tennessee, Carthage was pivotal. With its river access, it became a place of connection. And it wasn’t just the larger towns that thrived. Smaller towns like Dixon Springs and Rome were also important hubs of trade.
“Rome once had a post office, a ferry, and stores. It wasn’t a large town, but it played its part,” says Tressa. These small towns may not be widely remembered today, but they were key to the river economy’s success.
What We Traded
Smith County’s economy was built on hard work and fertile land. Farmers sent downriver whatever they could produce: tobacco, pigs, mules, and chickens. But one often overlooked export was people. Young men left Smith County, heading west or north. They carried with them their skills and hopes. Some came back, others settled elsewhere, but they all took a piece of Smith County with them.
The river also brought imports. Items like fabric, tools, sugar, and coffee came upstream. Newspapers from Nashville and other cities shaped opinions and news. The river was not just a trade route—it was a conduit for culture.
Why It Faded
The decline of the river economy didn’t happen overnight, but it came nonetheless. Railroads and improved roads eventually made steamboats less necessary. The trains were faster, more reliable, and less dependent on weather. Trucks could get goods delivered more quickly. Over time, the river became less important.
But Tressa Bush offers a contrarian view: “Maybe we gave up on the river too soon. We thought that faster always meant better. But the river offered something that speed can’t—community.”
The river towns thrived not just because of trade, but because of the relationships that formed. People did business with their neighbors. The river brought people together, creating connections and a sense of belonging.
In today’s world, it’s easy to forget that sense of place. With two-day shipping and online transactions, it’s hard to find that community feel. But it’s still there if you know where to look.
What We Still Have
Even though the economy tied to the river faded, the river itself hasn’t gone anywhere. The Cumberland River still flows through Smith County, and its legacy is still present. You can walk the banks and see old landings if you know where to look. And you can still hear the stories of old-timers whose grandfathers worked the docks and raised the tobacco that floated downstream.
Tressa believes, “We don’t have to recreate the past, but we can bring back parts of it. The river spirit can live on through tourism, festivals, and history walks. It’s a way to preserve the essence of what made this county special.”
There’s already progress being made in this direction. The Cordell Hull Lake area is a hub for tourists, and local historical groups are working hard to preserve these stories. But there’s more to be done.
A River Town State of Mind
Tressa’s favorite takeaway from the river economy is that it wasn’t just about business—it was a mindset. People in these river towns understood where they stood. They were connected, but they were grounded. Progress was happening, but there was also patience.
In today’s fast-paced world, we may long for the sense of purpose, connection, and patience that the river economy once offered. It’s a reminder of how progress doesn’t always need to be measured by speed but by the strength of the relationships we build along the way.
Smith County may have left its river economy behind, but its spirit is still here. It’s up to us to remember and revive it in new ways.
“Maybe that’s what Smith County can teach us now,” says Tressa Bush. “Not just about the past, but what we’re still made of. We’re not just some county along a river. We’re the county the river helped build.”
Rick Vermillion is a business owner in Colorado Springs, CO.