In 1825, Henry Hagy and his wife Polly docked their flat boat on the banks of the Tennessee River, claimed several acres and began to build a farm and family. Later their son John built a log shack next to the river. He used it to store items awaiting steamboat shipment. That shack was occupied by Union soldiers during the Battle of Shiloh.

The shack survived the tragic battle and during the early thirties earned the name “Catfish Hotel.” Apparently descendant Novin Hagy used it to entertain friends. He was known for his cookouts, catfish, hushpuppies and storytelling. Guests often became so engrossed in his tales, and perhaps drink, they ended up spending the night. Thus, the origin of the nickname.