In the late 1800’s the area that is now the Healing Stones property, or Butternut Valley, was settled by people that relied on a self-sufficient lifestyle. Between 1870 and 1960, several families established their homes and farmed the surrounding land. Agricultural practices were challenging for these farmers because of the steep hillsides created by the surrounding Eastern Highland Rim. The steepness of the hills made it virtually impossible to use wagons, plows, and other typical farm equipment. Nevertheless, the hardworking and resourceful people made use of any bottomland available and tended the steep hillsides to the best of their abilities. They grew corn, wheat, millet, peas, sorghum cane, and other crops for their food and livestock feed. They raised cows, chickens, hogs, sheep, and other livestock. Many harvested or bought cotton for weaving materials for clothes, towels, blankets, and other textiles necessary for farm life. The creek, probably the heart of the community, supplied their drinking and cooking water and also provided a cool place to store their perishable food items such as milk and other dairy products. Commerce was minimal, but they did sell whiskey, hickory nuts, eggs, and firewood to help support their families. With the onset of the Industrial Revolution after WWII, many families moved away to live lives that offered more convenience and accessibility. After 1960, all families had moved away and the area has basically been left to grow with minimal disturbance.