Bradley County was likely first seen by Europeans on June 2 , 1540 by Hernando De Soto and his expedition while traveling through the North American continent . Bradley County was established on February 10 , 1836 . It was named to honor Colonel Edward Bradley who served in the War of 1812 . On January 20 , 1838 , Cleveland , a township with a population of 400 , became the seat of Bradley County . Red Clay State Park , the site of the last Cherokee council before the tribe 's removal via Trail of Tears , is located in Bradley County
Trail of Tears
Trail of Tears
Bradley County, Tennessee