When Hickman County was first formed out of Dickson County, it was much larger than it is today. Settlements were already established along the Duck and Piney River. Much of the area south of the Duck River was hostile territory, but settlers set up villages. Many of those villages in what remains of Hickman County are still locally known and a few still retain their small, quaint post offices. Others, especially early mining towns, are gone with hardly a trace or footnote in history. Even the early roads that followed the stream beds are gone with only a few traces. As roads have been built and rebuilt, new communities have been established as well.
Centerville is located in the heart of Hickman County, Tennessee. Its prime geographic location is within a few hours driving distance of many major cities in the southeastern United States.
Industry in the area includes manufacturer's of packaging materials, various wood products, structural steel, ammunition, pies, and fruit processing. Over 50,000 acres of timberland is owned by national pulp, paper, and timber corporations and is open to the public for hunting, hiking, and fishing.