Smyrna

Smyrna is a municipality in Rutherford County, Tennessee, roughly 16 miles (26 kilometers) southeast of Nashville. The settlement spreads between residential neighborhoods, commercial zones, and farmland crossed by two smaller waterways.

The settlement emerged in the mid-19th century as a supply post along the railroad route between Nashville and Chattanooga. During the Civil War, the area served as a passage route for troops and changed hands several times.

The name comes from the ancient Greek city and reflects the 19th-century preference for classical names. Along State Route 102, suburban homes and smaller shops line the streets, while locals often use the community park for gatherings.

Most areas can be reached by car, as public transport is limited and distances between points often span several miles. Grocery stores and gas stations are mostly found along the main roads in the northern and western parts of the municipality.

Despite the official designation as a town, the municipality qualifies administratively as the largest of its category in Tennessee. The local automotive plant ranks among the most productive sites outside Japan for a Japanese manufacturer.

Location: Rutherford County

Inception: 1855

Elevation above the sea: 166 m

Website: https://townofsmyrna.org

GPS coordinates: 35.98247,-86.51994

Latest update: December 13, 2025 19:26