People are drawn here for the affordable housing, excellent schools, job opportunities and central location. Its level basin and rich agricultural land encouraged settlement, and the largest city in the county, Murfreesboro, was named in 1811 in honor of Revolutionary War hero Colonel Hardy Murfree, an early settler. Also the site of a major Civil War battle at Stones River, the county has a rich history and strong legacy. Since the early days, the county has served as a main corridor and thoroughfare between the capitol city of Nashville, and another large Tennessee city, Chattanooga.
Today is no exception.
Rutherford County is one of the fastest growing counties in Tennessee, and has experienced an economic boom that is continuing. Large events include La Vergne's Old Timers celebration, Uncle Dave Macon Days Festival, Jazzfest, the International Grand Championship Walking Horse Show, and the Heart of Tennessee Scottish Celebration. A major historical site is the Stones River National Battlefield, operated by the National Park Service. The battlefield is the site of one of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War. Living history presentations, encampments, tours, a museum and a national cemetary provide educational enjoyment over the 570-acre site.