09/06/2026
The Beginning of a Tennessee Tradition
While Shelbyville is known as the Walking Horse Capital of the World, little Wartrace is where it all began.
In 1939, Wartrace resident Henry Davis and several others came together to put on the very first Celebration. That first year brought an incredible 40,000 people! It quickly became too big for the small town, so the Celebration was moved to Shelbyville, where it has remained ever since.
This photograph takes us back to 1938, the year before the Celebration became the event we know today.
In the background is the iconic Walking Horse Hotel, although at the time this photograph was taken, it was known as Floyd’s Walking Horse Hotel. Built in 1917, the hotel was owned by Floyd Carothers and his wife from 1930 to 1958. Floyd wanted the hotel to become a center for the growing Tennessee Walking Horse industry, so he built a ring and stables behind the hotel.
Floyd was also the owner and trainer of Strolling Jim, the very first Tennessee Walking Horse World’s Grand Champion. He is buried behind the hotel.
There is so much history captured in this one photograph. A group of riders heading out for a ride. People gathered to watch them pass. Automobiles parked in front of the hotel. A man standing on the balcony, camera in hand, capturing the moment.
Then there’s the hotel itself. Still full of life and right in the middle of the story that was being written. I love old photos like this. They sure do give us a little glimpse of what it felt like to be there, before the history was history.
Photo via Tennessee Virtual Archives
