Our Story
A Legacy Revived, A New Chapter Begins
The Venue at Overton Farm was renovated in 2022 to bring new life to a historic site in Franklin County, Alabama. What began as a vision to preserve the rich history of this land has grown into a mission to revitalize the property and open its gates to those seeking a unique and tranquil experience. Through the efforts of a retired lawyer who saw the potential in this storied landscape, Overton Farm is now more than just a venue—it’s a place where history meets modernity, where families create memories, and where nature and heritage blend seamlessly.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, hosting a family reunion, embarking on a school or church trip, or simply looking to explore the beauty of the Bear Creek watershed, Overton Farm offers something special for everyone. Our newly renovated housing, and outdoor activities like horseback riding provide a serene, private setting for your events and gatherings.
The vision for Overton Farm is clear: to breathe new life into this cherished land and share its beauty and history with the community. As we continue to revitalize this property, we invite you to be a part of our journey—experience the past, enjoy the present, and help us shape the future of Overton Farm.
Overton Farm History
In 1815, Abner Overton journeyed from North Carolina into the Mississippi Territory, now Cherokee, Alabama, with the intent to sell tobacco. Enchanted by the area’s abundant natural resources, fertile soil, and the waters of Bear Creek, he returned in 1817, before alabama became a state, and registered 160 acres on the south side of the big bend in Bear Creek, located three miles west of present-day Hodges, Alabama. In 1819 he return with his wife Judy and they began building what is now known as Overton farm.
The Overton family cultivated this land for over a century until 1969 when the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) acquired it as part of the Bear Creek Water Control Project. TVA transformed the farm into an educational center, preserving the Overton legacy and offering a space for learning and exploration. Although the center eventually closed in the early 2000s, the main meeting facility was renovated in 2022 to serve as an event center, providing a picturesque setting for gatherings of all kinds and continuing to host educational groups interested in the area’s rich nature and history.
Today, Overton Farm stands as a living testament to the pioneering spirit of its founders, inviting you to experience Alabama’s heritage and discover the stories that have shaped this historic land.
The Overton family cultivated this land for over a century until 1969 when the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) acquired it as part of the Bear Creek Water Control Project. TVA transformed the farm into an educational center, preserving the Overton legacy and offering a space for learning and exploration. Although the center eventually closed in the early 2000s, the main meeting facility was renovated in 2022 to serve as an event center, providing a picturesque setting for gatherings of all kinds and continuing to host educational groups interested in the area’s rich nature and history.
Today, Overton Farm stands as a living testament to the pioneering spirit of its founders, inviting you to experience Alabama’s heritage and discover the stories that have shaped this historic land.