The journeys that these folks charted led them to stay to build good lives and our modern-day community. As a result of our diverse settlement and history, we are home to many unique communities and interesting people that enjoy all that Hohenwald and Lewis County have to offer today!
In 2022, Lewis County Tennessee offers the same abundant resources and natural beauty in our landscapes and pristine streams that drew seekers and explorers to our area. Through our leadership in the Nashville’s Big Back Yard and the Buffalo River Blueway regional initiatives, we continue to share our beautiful place and natural resources with visitors and residents.
We welcome you to Lewis County and look forward to knowing you and your plans for your future soon!
Chart your journey today and come for a day, weekend, or lifetime!
We invite you to use this website for information on our many interesting destination attractions, events, lodging, dining, shopping, and venue options make lifestyles and visits enjoyable. And be sure to call Debbie Landers at 931-796-4084 for more visitor and tourism information to make your unique itinerary.
Early explores and settlers traveled through the lands that became Lewis County on the historic Natchez Trace, including Meriwether Lewis for whom the county is named. In the 1700’s and 1800’s, many early travelers on this route of southern and westward settlement decided to stay and claim their place in the county's rich bottomlands and hardwood forests located along pristine streams. Prior to their arrival, the Cherokees called this rich and abundant area home.
The next group to come were the Swiss who settled the New Switzerland Historic Township in 1895. Their new community was platted in perfect squares with wide streets in keeping with Swiss traditions. Settlers from Germany also arrived during this period and organized Hohenwald - The City of High Forests. In 1897 the towns merged. Hohenwald became the county seat of Lewis County. Hohenwald has many design features found in Swiss Townships and German Villages that offers unique dining, lodging, housing options, event space, parks, and entertainment areas that remain today.
In the mid-1970's, Stephen Gaskin and over 1500 modern day seekers traveled from the West Coast to create The Farm, one of the longest operating intentional communities in the nation. Many innovations have launched there including the Swan Creek Land Trust, solar and sustainable building practices, institutes on sustainability and permaculture, publishing companies, and natural health methods. All continue as successful enterprises today.
Later, the founders of the Elephant Sanctuary located on the western side of the county and the Lewis County Amish Community settled along Highway 20 on the way to The Farm. Our Wine District is located on Highway 412 at our gateway near Maury and Hickman Counties. Finally, Lewis County is home to 50+ homesteader families who came to live off-grid throughout the county. Many are members of our unique Sonneshine Movement today.
Why was Meriwether Lewis on the Natchez Trace?
In September 1809, Meriwether Lewis was living in St. Louis as the appointed Governor of the Upper Louisiana Territory. He left St. Louis for Washington, DC, on September 4, 1809, to protest the War Department’s denial of payment vouchers that he had submitted for reimbursement. Lewis traveled with his personal servant, a free African American man named John Pernia (sometimes also spelled Pernier.)
Bicycling on the Trace is a favorite pastime around here. Easy on and easy off the Natchez Trace Parkway is at the Meriwether Lewis Park, which commemorates the death of one of the great explorers of America.
Please be sure to check out our business members who love catering to bicyclists coming through our area. Search here.
Some of our most popular events include:
Hohenwald Springfest
Friday Night Block Party
South Central Area Fair
Oktober Heritage Festival
Annual Christmas Parade
Previously known as Oktoberfest in Hohenwald, the Oktober Heritage Festival emcompasses more of the cultural background of the Swiss settlement in the late 1800's. Today it means all the peoples who are a part of our community.
Dining is not a problem, but you will want just the right experience during your visit, whether it is a quick meal or fine dining experience. Please visit our recommendations and let them know you found out about them through the Chamber of Commerce.
We offer motel, BB's, long-term accommodations, camping, RV park, wineries and more. Can't find what you're looking for? Call us at 931-796-4084 and we'll help you find just the right place for you to stay during your visit.
Looking for other places to visit during your trip to Tennessee? You can get the Tennessee State Guide by clicking on the image or this link:
Built In 1896 along the North Carolina and St. Louis Railway Line, the Hohenwald Depot was the point of entry for newcomers to our area. The railroad brought immigrants from all over the world, including Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, to help establish the Hohenwald we know today. The names of employees from when it was a functioning train depot are still etched into the side of the walls in the freight room!
Have you ever stroked a polo bear? Well you can, at the Lewis County Museum of Natural History. Did you know Meriwether Lewis was murdered here? There is a great place to discover more about this great mystery. The Lewis County Museum of Natural History and Discovery Center is a great place to visit.
Copyright © 2020 Hohenwald-Lewis County Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.