Ridgetop History

The topography and climate of Ridgetop Tennessee have defined its history. Located at the edge of Highland Rim, Ridgetop is more than 800 feet above sea level. In the 1800's, Sebert Warren and Dave Smiley settled in the area. Smiley was a farmer, a schoolmaster and is believed to have constructed the first house in Ridgetop. One of the town's most prominent men was Theodore Chancy Woodruff. Woodruff owned a store, served as railroad ticket agent and was the town's postmaster. Ridgetop, originally known as Nunley and then as Chancy, took its name from the train stop which was known as Ridgetop Station.

Construction of the L&N Railroad tunnel began in 1902. The tunnel took four years to complete. In 1905 it was hailed as one of the longest self-supporting tunnels in the world. It was approximately 4700 feet long and 22 1/2 feet high. The advent of the tunnel attracted wealth. Nashville residents to Ridgetop. They came during the summer months to escape the summer heat.

In 1891, a wealthy Nashville dentist purchased land in Ridgetop. Soon expensive homes were being built in an exclusive area known as The Enclosure. In 1913, Dr. Charles A. Robertson founded a 25-bed sanitarium in Ridgetop. Known as the Watauga Sanitarium, this private hospital treated patients suffering from tuberculosis. During the time Ridgetop was known as a summer haven for Nashville's elite, there were no churches in the area. These summer visitors founded an interdenominational church in 1899. The church was known as the Oak Dell Church. After the church was destroyed by fire, Highland Chapel Independent Union Church was erected.

Ridgetop continues to thrive today. It is often referred to as a bedroom community of Nashville. Ridgetop continues to be the small community that its founding fathers had envisioned and although easily assessable by the interstate, Ridgetop continues to hold the charm of a relaxed lifestyle.