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The City of La Vergne, TN September 10, 2010 - 12:42PM |
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History La Vergne: It's What You've Been Looking For! Just because La Vergne celebrated its 38th anniversary in the year 2010 doesn’t mean it’s a new town. The history of the City goes back to the 1700’s when the ancestors of some of La Vergne’s current residents settled in the area to begin their new life. The man the city was named after, Francois Leonard Gregorie de Roulhac de lavergne, eventually moved to Tennessee from France. He lived on the land, often turning his cattle onto what he reportedly termed as "la vergne". Many historians have translated that to mean "the green" -- as in green pasture -- and say that’s how the town got its name. Others however, say that the town was named La Vergne because of Roulhac’s family name. However the name came to be, the United States Post Office officially gave the city its name the same day that Roulhac died in 1852. In late 1862, as a result of a Civil War battle, most of La Vergne was burned. During the war, both the Union and the Confederacy held the City at one time or another. La Vergne was first incorporated Feb. 28, 1860 but the incorporation was rescinded in 1881; since the Civil War -- no city officials had been elected and there weren’t enough adults to let the town organize a Board of Mayor and Alderman and town constitution. From 1881 to 1958, La Vergne was a small farming community with a population of under 1,000 people. What turned La Vergne around and headed in its present direction was a number of things including a public water system, the Men’s Club and a genuine effort by community members to speak as a group. The City was re-incorporated in 1972 and Vester Waldron was chosen as the first mayor of the City. Others who have served as the town’s mayor include: A.C. Puckett, Jack Moore, Shirley Winfree, Mike Webb, Sherry Green and Ronnie Erwin. In 1990, the U.S. Census showed that the city had 7,499 people living within the limits. In 1994, the number had grown to 11,088. A special election in 1998, showed 16,001 people in the City. With the results of the 2000 Census, 18,687 people were counted in the city. That’s 149% growth in the 1990s. A special census in 2003, showed 21,265 people in town. Another special census in 2006 showed 25,278 people in town. By the 2008 special census, there were 26,427 people in town. With the population growth, and the good fortune of being in the right location for business, La Vergne has become THE place for business and industry to locate during the past few years. Ingram, Bridgestone and other national and international companies currently call La Vergne home. La Vergne is centrally located in the country, being a day's drive from approximately 75 percent of the population in the U.S. Interstate 24 runs through the city and Interstates 65, 40 and state road 840 are within 10 miles from the city limits. That, plus the city’s proximity to major urban areas, makes it the place that residents and businesses want to call home. From humble beginnings more than 200 years ago, La Vergne has become one of the fastest growing cities in Tennessee and the country. Located between Nashville and Murfreesboro, La Vergne’s small-town feel with big city amenities offers everything anyone could want. That’s why we say, "La Vergne: It’s What You’ve Been Looking For!" Historical facts: Late 1700s-First residents settle in area which is to become La Vergne. 1820-Roulhac family moved to La Vergne area. 1837-James B. Buchanan named postmaster at Buchananville (what is to later by La Vergne). 1852-Rouhlac dies, Postmaster names post office the "La Vergne Post Office". 1860-City first incorporated. 1862-At least seven Civil War-related battles/skirmishes fought in the City. 1862-Most of city burned during Civil War. 1881-City incorporation rescinded. 1900-Two tornadoes rip through La Vergne, destroying female academy, school for boys and more. 1904-First telephone in La Vergne. 1913-Telephone co-op formed. 1923-Electricity reaches La Vergne. 1945-Tennessee Farmer’s Co-op opens. 1959-Men’s Club organized. 1961-La Vergne Utility District organized. 1961-La Vergne Primary School built. 1963-La Vergne Lions Club organized. 1965-La Vergne Fire Department established. 1968-La Vergne calls to Smyrna no longer long distance. 1970-La Vergne Rescue Squad established. 1971-Firestone (later Bridgestone) opened. 1972-City incorporated, council elected, Vester Waldron named first mayor. 1974-La Vergne Council increased to five members. 1976-Roy Waldron School built. Late 1970’s-Senior Citizens Club established. Late 1970’s-Library established. 1982-La Vergne Tennessee and La Vergne France twinned as sister cities. 1986-89-La Vergne on-line with Metro Nashville sewer system. 1987-La Vergne name officially changed from one word to two (La Vergne). 1988-La Vergne High School built. 1988-City changes charter to Aldermanic style. 1989-Property tax initiated. 1990-La Vergne population counted at 7,499. 1993-La Vergne Water Plant opened. 1994-La Vergne population counted at 11,088. 1996-La Vergne population counted at 14,275. 1997-Cedar Grove School built. 1998-La Vergne population counted at 16,001. 1999-Rock Springs School built. 2000-La Vergne population counted at 18,687. 2002-Rock Springs Middle School opened. 2002-New La Vergne Public Library opened. 2003-La Vergne population counted at 21,265. 2004-La Vergne Middle School opened. 2006-La Vergne population counted at 25,278. 2007-La Vergne Lake Elementary School opened. 2008-La Vergne population counted at 26,427. 2008-Current Post Office opened. |
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http://www.lavergne.org City of La Vergne disclaimer/privacy/usage terms The City of La Vergne does not discriminate based on race, color or national origin in federal or state sponsored programs, pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d). If you receive a Title VI complaint, please contact the Title VI coordinator Fred Gaston at 287-8622. |
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