Michael Stoner was the first white man known to have explored west Wilson County, as early as 1767. A "Long Hunter," he was attracted to this area for its abundant wildlife, including buffalo. In 1780, he explored what has since been called Stoner's Creek. Later that same year, Stoner signed the Cumberland Compact, an agreement for self-government between the earliest settlers on the Cumberland River. Michael Stoner played an important role in Middle Tennessee history.