 It lost that distinction in 1970 to newly incorporated Ridgeville which has held the title since.Walnut Grove was part of Blount County before it was included in Baine County (now Etowah) in 1866.Walnut Grove was settled by the Battles family in 1813, the Morton family, and the Carnes family (namesake of the Carnes Chapel area near the ghost town of Bennettsville off of US 278) in 1823.