Cerro Gordo, Tennessee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cerro Gordo, Tennessee
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 Cerro Gordo, Tennessee
Location in Tennessee
Cerro Gordo, Tennessee
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Tennessee |
| County | Hardin |
| Elevation | 407 ft (124 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 731 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1305836 |
Cerro Gordo is a small place in Hardin County, Tennessee. It's called an unincorporated community because it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. You can find Cerro Gordo on the east side of the Tennessee River, just north of a town called Savannah.
This area is famous for being the landing spot of the Hardin Expedition in May 1816. The name "Cerro Gordo" comes from Spanish, and it means "large hill."
What Was the Hardin Expedition?
The Hardin Expedition was a journey made by a group of settlers in 1816. They were looking for new land to live on. Twenty-six people set out from Knoxville in the late spring of that year. Their goal was to reach the area that would later become Savannah.
The Journey to Cerro Gordo
The settlers traveled in two groups. The first group came by boat. They landed in May at a bend in the Tennessee River at Cerro Gordo. This spot was perfect for them to come ashore.
The second group was larger and traveled overland. They faced many delays on their journey. This group was led by Joseph Hardin, Jr. His father, Colonel Joseph Hardin, had fought in the American Revolutionary War. As a reward for his service, he received several land grants in this area.
New Settlements and Land Deeds
Joseph Hardin, Jr., and his brother, James Hardin, also fought in the war. They too received land patents, which are official documents giving them ownership of land. James Hardin later started his own settlement called Hardinville. It was located at what is now called Old Town, near Hardin's Creek.
Soon after the first settlers arrived, some of them were sent to establish another community. This new place was located downriver at Saltillo.
