Founded in 1874 on College Street as Sweetwater Military College by Dr. J. Lynn Bachman, the school was renamed Tennessee Military Institute in 1902 and T M I Academy in 1975. It was relocated to this site in 1909 as a preparatory school. Its presidents were Dr. Bachman from 1874 to 1902, Col. O. C. Hulvey from 1902 to 1918, Col. C.R. Endsley from 1918 to 1956, and Col. C.R. Endsley, Jr., from 1956 to 1972; C. W. Price, vice-president from 1920 to 1966, also provided continuity of purpose. Many graduates became prominent worldwide in the military, medicine, science, commerce, and government.