Whitthorne, south of Atwood and six miles east of Milan on highway 104, had three stores, a cotton gin, saw mill, grist mill, post office and school. The first school was named "Denney School" built on land owned by Ben Denney.
Another school was built later on land owned by Dr. Edd Caldwell across the highway in front of Whitthorne Stores and named "Whitthorne School." In 1916 a room was added and it became a two teacher school. Around 1930 it was enlarged and made into Whitthorne Jr. High.
Shiloh Methodist Church is one of the early churches in the area. It was used in the early 1860's as a church, school and "Campground" for church revivals. The present brick building was completed in 1930 with the first service being the second Sunday of March.
The postoffice was established in 1886 in the home of Rev. John W. Jones, postmaster. Mrs. Lela Stone became postmistress in 1908 and served until it was closed prior to World War II. The United States Government bought this land for $72.00 per acre to build The Milan Arsenal just prior to World War II. A sand vein was discovered just below the surface of the ground on Mose Bryant's farm and it furnished the sand to build all the buildings on the entire arsenal.
Many grandchildren of the settlers had to relocate, some going to McKenzie, Milan Atwood and Trezevant. The 27 cemeteries of the area were fenced by the government but the fences have been removed and stones are missing in most cemeteries. Family members are allowed to visit the cemeteries with a guard escort. Cameras are allowed with special permission.
Governor Gordon Browning's father James Harvey bought the George S. Cunningham house when Gordon was ready for High School. After hearing the news that the government was to build the arsenal he went into his bedroom for two days. When he came out, he stated "If this is the gun I am forced to shoulder, I will put it to my shoulder and move on." He then tried to join the army. Gordon told him "Pa, you know you can't do that, you are almost 90 years old." Mr. Browning answered, " I don't see why not, I can still plow all day, and that's more than most of you boys can do."
When the government took over in 1941, there were two stores, a postoffice, a junior high school, Church of Christ, and ten homes taken. The school was enlarged and it was used until recently as the administration building. The Harrison house was relocated and used by the arsenal employees as a lodge.

Hand coded by Jane N Powell notes submitted by Jere R Cox Jr.