A prominent resort town in the 19th century, Beersheba Springs was developed in 1854 by retired wealthy slave trader, John Armfield, who bought property in the area.

The town now serves as a major summer meeting center for the Tennessee United Methodist Church.

Upon its incorporation, Beersheba Springs was developed as a summer rural resort with a small hotel and log cabins.

[7] Eventually Louisiana planters also moved into the area, leaving behind the notoriously hot and humid summers of their home state.

[6] In 1854 Colonel John Armfield, a planter and former slave trader based in Alexandria, Virginia and New Orleans, Louisiana, acquired the property.

He transported upwards of 100 slaves to Beersheba Springs to develop the property as a resort destination with a new luxury hotel, cabins and grounds to accommodate 400 guests.

Eventually the threat of war, raids, and plundering caused a decline in visitors to Beersheba Springs.

Architecturally the resort remains largely unchanged, although in the late 20th century, parts of the hotel were "modernized" or restored.

[10] According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 4.9 square miles (13 km2), all land.

The former resort serves as a retreat for the Tennessee branch of the United Methodist Church and the Arts and Craft festival.