(A) The City of Bedford has been the cultural and educational center of Lawrence County for approximately 150 years. Established early in the 19th century, the newly created county seat was named for Bedford County, Tennessee by Mr. Joseph Rawlins, the city’s first settler. In 1826, a log courthouse was constructed on the public square; the first school was established; and a Methodist Church was also developed. Three years later a log jailhouse was constructed, and the first stone cutters’ shop was opened. In 1832, Doctor Winthrop Foote recognized the potential commercial value of limestone. He is recognized historically as the father of the limestone industry in Lawrence County. The 1830's also brought a woolen mill, the first newspaper, a bank, the first brick courthouse, a cotton factory, and the transporting of limestone to other towns by ox cart. During the 1860's and 1870's, the town became incorporated, a new courthouse was constructed of local limestone, and a new high school was built. The establishment of a railroad gave a big boost to the limestone industry. From 1880 to 1910, the city became incorporated, elected its first mayor, and experienced tremendous growth and prosperity.
(B) The city developed many various cultural and recreational activities, in addition to the economic and population growth. In 1880, the Bedford Opera House was opened. A grant was received from the Carnegie Institute for a library. A book collection started in Palestine in 1819 was transferred to the new building.
(C) By 1900, Bedford was a thriving city. Several streets were paved and sanitary sewers had been installed. Up until World War II, records clearly indicate that the city’s economy was dependent on the limestone industry. Since World War II, there has been a diversification of the industrial sector of the economy, leading to a more stable local economy.
(D) Bedford is unique in that it was developed in accordance with an overall plan. After the original county seat was determined to be unhealthy because it was located adjacent to the East Fork of the White River, the city was established as the county seat of Lawrence County by the State Legislature in 1825. The legislature decreed that the new town should be plotted in all respects to be similar to Palestine, the previous town, with regard to size, number, and location of lots, as well as the public square. It was further required that lot owners in Palestine should have the privilege of exchanging property there for lots correspondingly situated in the new town.
(Res. 17-1984, passed 8-14-84)