The town of Smyrna, much like the surrounding Rutherford county, developed as an agrarian community settled in the early nineteenth century.  The establishment of a railroad depot in 1851 led to an increase in the community's population and eventual incorporation in 1869.  Though the town lost its charter, Smyrna again earned incorporation in 1915.  The town's history is marked by transportation improvements such as the railroad, the Dixie highway (US 41-70), and now Interstate 24 and Tennessee 840.  Though primarily an agricultural town, the face of Smyrna changed with the establishment of an air base in 1941.  The base later closed, but industry continued to thrive in Smyrna, particularly with the opening of the Nissan automotive plant in 1983.  Smyrna continues to develop and grow in population.