When a Georgia wagon train brought a group of immigrants into eastern Houston County around 1875, Ratcliff was established.

It was given that name in honor of Jesse H. Ratcliff, who on February 6, 1889, erected a post office and built a sawmill in a region of virgin pines.

The establishment of Davy Crockett National Forest, land sales, and a reforestation project run by the Civilian Conservation Corps all contributed to the economy's recovery.

A mile west of the town, the campground known as Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area attracted tourists.

This tornado snapped and uprooted trees and severely damaged a double-wide mobile home, pushing it into a wooded area.