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The town of Smyrna first incorporated in 1869, however its original charter was rescinded by the state a few years later. In 1915, the town incorporated, adopting a mayor and a commission form of government and continues to operate under a private act charter. On March 14, 2000, the mayor and board of commissioners adopted a new charter and now operate under the city manager form of government. The legislative body will soon consist of 6 council persons and one mayor.

Agriculture was the principle economic activity in the community until the establishment of the Army/ Air Base in 1941. This military installation was located adjacent to the Sam Davis Home plantation and was a B-24 advanced training facility. The Base was later renamed Sewart Air Force Base in honor of Major Alan Sewart.

During the 50's and 60's the military personnel and their dependents stationed at the facility exceeded 10,000. The facility was a major source of employment with many civilian jobs available on the installation. In 1965, the Department of Defense announced the closure of several military bases in the United States, and the Smyrna facility was one of those scheduled to close by 1970. The closure of the 2,400 acre Air Force Base resulted in a severe economic blow to the community. The 1970, census indicated Smyrna had 5,200 residents, which included approximately 2,000 military personnel. The departure of the remaining military personnel left Smyrna with approximately 3,000 residents, a significant decrease from the 11,000+ residents counted in the 1960 census. Many believed the town would not survive this crushing economic setback, however, community leaders were determined to revitalize the community by recruiting new industry.

The bulk of the property vacated by the Department of Defense was divided between three entities: 1) Rutherford County 2) State of Tennessee and 3) Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. Rutherford County formed an Economic Development Committee composed of county commissioners, the county executive and the counties mayors of the municipalities. This group was instrumental in the conversion of the property obtained from the Department of Defense to private industrial use. Some of the larger industries recruited included, Better Built Aluminum, Cumberland Swan, and Square D. During the 1970's many new jobs were created, and as a result, Smyrna's population nearly tripled between 1970 and 1980. The property received by the State of Tennessee has been utilized by the Tennessee Army National Guard and the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center. The land granted to the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, included the runways, hangars, clear zones and related aviation facilities. The airport property was held for nearly 20 years with few improvements. In 1990, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority agreed to relinquish control and transfer the airport to the newly formed Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority. The Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority has made great strides in improving airport operation and facilities.

Another significant mark in the history of Smyrna was the impoundment of Percy Priest Lake in the 1960's. After Congressional approval, the Corp of Engineers began acquiring land for the lake. Land clearing began in 1966 and the lake was impounded in 1969. The lake not only serves as a hugh supply of quality water to the area, but also is home to a variety of recreational opportunities.

The economy of Smyrna prospered during the 1970's and continued to improve in the 80's following the announcement of Nissan to make its home in Smyrna. The announcement and construction came at an ideal time as the national economy was experiencing a slowdown. The first vehicle was produced in 1983. Nissan has been a good corporate citizen over the years providing steady employment to approximately 6,000 workers.

The economic future of Smyrna appears bright given its strategic geographic location. The availability of ample utilities and supporting major transportation facilities (air, road and rail) makes Smyrna an attractive location for families, business and industry.