Promise Land is a historically African-American community located in Dickson County, 3 miles North of Charlotte, Tennessee. This community was established and settled by the newly-freed African-American slaves during the Reconstruction Period (1870-1875). Deed records and census reports reveal that some of the early settlers included Nathan Bowen, Joe Vanleer, William Gilbert, John Grimes, Jeff Edmondson, Charles Redden, George Primm, and two brothers, John & Arch Nesbitt. In time, the community encompassed approximately 1000 acres, with more than 50 homes, several stores, three churches, and an elementary school. A unique feature about this post-Civil War community is that most of the original settlers, many of whom were employed at the nearby Cumberland Furnace, were land owners!
As the Civil Rights era approached in the mid-1950s, this once-thriving community had diminished to only a few remaining families. Today, only the St. John Church and the old schoolhouse remain. Although many of the families have moved away, the community itself still remains dear in the hearts of former residents and their off-springs. Many former residents, their families, friends and acquaintances return to Promise Land annually to pay homage, and to also celebrate the heritage of this historical community. This web site is dedicated to keeping the memory and heritage that is Promise Land alive! In January 2007, the Promise Land School building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Promise Land is a historically African-American community located in Dickson County, 3 miles North of Charlotte, Tennessee. This community was established and settled by the newly-freed African-American slaves during the Reconstruction Period (1870-1875). Deed records and census reports reveal that some of the early settlers included Nathan Bowen, Joe Vanleer, William Gilbert, John Grimes, Jeff Edmondson, Charles Redden, George Primm, and two brothers, John & Arch Nesbitt. In time, the community encompassed approximately 1000 acres, with more than 50 homes, several stores, three churches, and an elementary school. A unique feature about this post-Civil War community is that most of the original settlers, many of whom were employed at the nearby Cumberland Furnace, were land owners!
As the Civil Rights era approached in the mid-1950s, this once-thriving community had diminished to only a few remaining families. Today, only the St. John Church and the old schoolhouse remain. Although many of the families have moved away, the community itself still remains dear in the hearts of former residents and their off-springs. Many former residents, their families, friends and acquaintances return to Promise Land annually to pay homage, and to also celebrate the heritage of this historical community. This web site is dedicated to keeping the memory and heritage that is Promise Land alive! In January 2007, the Promise Land School building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.