Grand Rivers

History

Grand Rivers may have originally been known as Narrows from its position between the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers. The local post office was established in 1879 as Otisville; changed its name in 1882 to Bernard; and was then changed again to Nickells the next year after the name of a new Illinois Central station. This newly expanded community was part of local businessman Thomas W. Lawson's attempt to develop local iron deposits into a major steel industry. (The enterprise failed within a few years.) The name refers the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers which previously met near the site, prior to the TVA's creation of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. The Tennessee's confluence with the Ohio is located within 40 miles of the town as well.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which 1.8 square miles (4.8 km2) is land and (2.13%) is water. The town was formerly located at the narrowest point between the Cumberland River and the Tennessee. Both were dammed and artificial lakes created by the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Army Corps of Engineers in the early 20th century; the town now lies on an isthmus of land between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.

Largest nearby schools

• South Livingston Elementary School
  Elementary · Smithland · 362 students · 15.7:1 ratio