Beginning in 1875 as a gathering of the 7th Tennessee Cavalry, C.S.A., this annual social, historical, and political event soon evolved into a meeting of all West Tennessee veterans and their families. In 1883, because the town supported prohibition and was located on the railroad, Brighton became the permanent home of this grand assemblage. Attendance grew steadily over the years until it reached 15,000 in 1897. The reunion was suspended in 1936-37 and finally ended in 1940.