Whether you are a lifelong resident of the Town of Smyrna or a first-time visitor, we invite you to learn more about our community. Whether you come for the day or come to stay...You're always welcome in Smyrna!

The Town of Smyrna finds its roots in the mid 1800's as an agrarian community with many large farms and plantations flourishing in the area. One of the more significant plantations, the Sam Davis Home, is Smyrna's most historic landmark and is designated as a state historical site. The plantation was home of the heroic Sam Davis who offered his life rather than reveal to the Union soldiers information that would compromise the Confederate war effort. The 200-acre estate is governed by a Board of Regents, a group of concerned citizens dedicated to the preservation of a nineteenth century working plantation.

The railway has also played an important role in the history of Smyrna. Serving as a refueling station for the railroad, tracts of land surrounding the depot were offered for public purchase. The town of Smyrna first incorporated in 1869, however its original charter was rescinded by the state a few years later. In 1915, the town incorporated, adopting a mayor and a commission form of government and continues to operate under a private act charter. On March 14, 2000, the mayor and board of commissioners adopted a new charter and now operate under the city manager form of government. The legislative body will soon consist of 6 council persons and one mayor.                   

Agriculture continued to be the principle economic activity in the community until the establishment of the Army/ Air Base in 1941. This military installation was located adjacent to the Sam Davis Home plantation and was a B-24 advanced training facility. The Base was later renamed Sewart Air Force Base in honor of Major Alan Sewart. During the 50's and 60"s the military personnel and dependents stationed at the facility exceeded 10,000 persons. The facility was a new source of employment with many civilian jobs available on the installation. In 1965 the Department of Defense announced the closure of several military bases in the United States, and the Smyrna facility was one of those scheduled to close by 1970. The closure of the 2,400 acre Air Force Base resulted in a severe economic blow to the community. The 1970 census indicated Smyrna had 5,200 residents, which included approximately 2,000 military personnel completing the closure operations. The departure of the remaining military personnel left Smyrna with approximately 3,000 residents, a significant decrease from the 11,000+ residents counted in the 1960 census. Many believed the town would not survive this crushing economic setback, however, community leaders were determined to revitalize the community by recruiting new industry and jobs.