Originally known as Richland, a name that probably referred to the fertility of the soil, the Rosemark area was settled as early as the 1830s. The main economic activity in the area was cotton farming. Years later, the community name was changed from Richland to Rosemark after residents learned that another Tennessee community was named Richland, but the Richland name is still used by several community institutions in Rosemark. For most of its history, Rosemark was an agricultural crossroads community, with a cotton gin and community facilities. The community's first school, Richland School, opened in 1861. Much growth, including the formation of churches and the establishment of stores and the cotton gin, occurred during the decades following the Civil War. A Masonic lodge was formed in 1892. In 1912, a cooperativetelephone company was formed and a bank was chartered. Other active businesses in Rosemark in the early decades of the 20th century included a blacksmith shop and a beauty parlor. A doctor set up a medical office in the community in 1896 and maintained his practice there until 1946. As of the early 21st century, Rosemark is part of suburban Memphis, but retains the characteristics of an intact rural community. Some historical information on the area is included in the book Illustrated History of the People and Towns of Northeast Shelby County and South CentralTipton County - Salem, Portersville, Idaville, Kerrville, Armourtown, Bethel, Tipton, Mudville, Macedonia, Gratitude, Barretville, and Rosemark, Tennessee published by the Historic Archives of Rosemark and Environs, Inc. The book contains transcriptions and summaries of oral history interviews, family archival material, and historic maps. The National Registerhistoric district includes 72 contributing properties. Among these are the cotton gin and lint house, schools, a bank, a Masonic lodge building, two churches, stores, and 24 residences. The oldest building in the district dates from about 1890; most of the other contributing buildings were completed before 1920. The bungalow is the most common architectural style.
Geography
Rosemark is centered at Rosemark Road and Kerrville-Rosemark Road, the location of several old community institutions including the Rosemark ARP Church, the Rosemark Pentecostal Church, and Tipton-Rosemark Academy. State Route 14 and State Route 205 also pass through the community.
Notable people
Bobby Bland, blues artist, was born in Barretville, and grew up in both areas.
