[2] In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Defense Act, which authorized the construction of two nitrate-manufacturing plants and a dam to provide them hydropower.

The village was designed in the pattern of a handbell, with houses surrounding the handle, body, and clapper, and a school at the base.

In 1921, Henry Ford offered to buy the plants and village with plans to develop it into an industrial complex.

[7] Senator George W. Norris thought the site should be utilized for public use, and in May 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt formed the Tennessee Valley Authority.

In 1949, the streets, playgrounds, and school were deeded to the city of Sheffield by the TVA and the houses were auctioned to the public.