The Bodenham Community

Bodenham is located in the western third of Giles County in Southern Middle Tennessee. Set in a wide band of rolling hills, sparkling streams, and fertile valleys, this rural community is rich in tradition. The community got its name from Peter and David Bodenheimers, immigrants from Holland who settled in the area in 1805. Decendents of the original settlers changed the spelling to Bodenhammmer which eventually became Bodenham. They brought with them their native traits of thrift and industry and the characteristics of integrity and morality. The great majority of the pioneer settlers in this area were of Scotch-Irish descent. With the stability of home-loving people, they built up prosperous farms and their children and grandchildren have built upon these prosperous foundations. Traces still remain of the old treaty line by which land open to white settlers was separated from that of the Chickasaw Indians. The old rock road that Sam Davis traveled just before dawn on the morning of his capture crossed the school grounds; and children, as they study Tennessee history, can walk down the now unused trail and recall the memory of this Southern hero. Early Bodenham was an agricultural and industrial community. There was a grist mill, general stores stocking almost every necessity, a coffin factory, tanning yard, sawmill, and a cotton gin.
None of these exist here today; except for a few country stores. The large plantations no longer exist but small family farms are still very much a part of the community. Giles County is one of the top beef cattle producing counties in Tennessee and the Bodenham community contributes greatly to this ranking. Unfortunately, only a few families are able to make their entire living by farming today. Most citizens work at businesses, schools and industries in other communities. Bodenham is a community of people with high standards of morality and loyalty. Many small country churches of various denominations are scattered throughout the community. The people living here take pride in their community. Even though the community school closed in 1978, Bodenham is still a great place to live with good neighbors and peaceful environment.

This picture shows a store that once existed in the Bodenham Community. If you have any information about this building let us know. Thanks to Gertrude and Charles Lacroix for the picture.