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Tullahoma, TN

Frequently asked questions

Tullahoma, TN

Tullahoma is a city in Coffee and Franklin counties in southern Middle Tennessee, United States. The population was 20,339 at the 2020 census In 2019, the population was estimated to be 19,555. It is the principal city of the Tullahoma micropolitan area (a 2009 estimate placed it at 99,927), which consists of Coffee, Franklin, and Moore counties, and is the second largest micropolitan area in Tennessee. 

Tullahoma was founded in 1852 as a work camp along the new Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad. Its name is derived from the Choctaw language, and means "red rock".

An alternative explanation (see Sam Davis Elliott's Soldier of Tennessee and sources cited therein) of the name is that Peter Decherd, who donated the land for the railroad right-of-way (and was therefore given the right to name two stations along the line), named one station Decherd, after himself, and the other as Tulkahoma (later changed to Tullahoma). Tullahoma was the name of Decherd's favorite horse, which had been named for a Choctaw chief captured by Decherd's grandfather. (There was also a town called Tullahoma in Mississippi, which later changed its name to Grenada.)

The earliest settlement was by farmers from Virginia and North Carolina. Using African-American slave labor, they developed plantations for tobacco and hemp. Slaves also tended their livestock, both horses and cattle. Early families were named Moore, Decherd (pronounced as Deckard), Anderson, Ragon, Montgomery, Ferrell, Stephenson, and Gunn.

Tullahoma is located in the southwest corner of Coffee County at 35°22′7″N 86°12′48″W (35.368511, -86.213258), and extends south into Franklin County. It is situated at the edge of the Highland Rim, with flatter topography than in the surrounding area. The region was known as "the Barrens" to the first settlers.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 23.6 square miles (61.0 km²), of which 23.5 square miles (60.8 km²) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km²), or 0.30%, is water.

Tullahoma places a strong emphasis on the health and wellness of its residents. Start your fitness journey at Planet Fitness, which provides a comprehensive range of exercise equipment and classes. Fit-10 Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. For outdoor enthusiasts, explore the scenic trails at Short Springs Natural Area where you can enjoy hiking and nature walks. D.W. Wilson Community Center offers swimming pools, sports courts, and fitness classes. Southern Tennessee Regional Health System provides essential healthcare services and wellness programs to support your health goals. Enjoy a relaxing massage or spa treatment at Cumberland Institute of Holistic Therapies.

The top sites in Tullahoma, TN are the Hands-On Science Center (HOSC), Beechcraft Heritage Museum, and Short Springs Natural Area.

Population: 20,665 (2021). ZIP code: 37388. Area code: 931. Elevation: 1,073 ft (327 m). Area: 23.6 square miles (61.0 km²).

FAQs

What is Tullahoma, TN is known for?

Today, Tullahoma is a hub for aviation, aeronautics, and avionics activities and industries. The University of Tennessee Space Institute is a one-of-a-kind educational and applied science facility. Engineers and technicians in Tullahoma created the X-43 as part of NASA's Hyper-X program. The unmanned experimental hypersonic aircraft design achieved a speed of Mach 9.68 during a 2004 test.

Is Tullahoma, TN a good place to live?

Tullahoma is in Coffee County. Living in Tullahoma offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many young professionals and retirees live in Tullahoma and residents tend to be conservative. The public schools in Tullahoma are above average.

What is the history of Tullahoma, TN?

Settled in the early 1800s by pioneers from eastern Tennessee, it served as a railroad camp during the construction of the Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis Railway in the early 1850s. The city developed in the late 19th century as a summer resort. Growth was stimulated during World War II with the establishment nearby of Camp Forrest, an infantry training center, which later became the site of the Arnold Engineering Development Center (an aerospace testing installation that provides the basis of Tullahoma’s economy) and the University of Tennessee Space Institute (1964). 

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Tullahoma

Niche

Tullahoma

Britannica

Hands-On Science Center (HOSC)

Beechcraft Heritage Museum

Short Springs Natural Area

Planet Fitness

Fit-10 Fitness

Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital

Short Springs Natural Area

D.W. Wilson Community Center

Southern Tennessee Regional Health System

Cumberland Institute of Holistic Therapies

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.