In 1807, pioneer James Ditto began operating a ferry with landings on both sides of the Tennessee River, and early settlers landed here to reach their lands in Madison County. James White, Salt King of Abingdon, Va., established a thriving port at this location, which was incorporated as Whitesburg on Dec. 23, 1824. Throughout the 19th century, this port remained an important cotton shipping center, but with the advent of railroads water transportation declined and the town soon disappeared. Its post office closed in 1905.