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Greene County, Tennessee

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Article Genealogy
Parent: East Tennessee Hop 4
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Greene County, Tennessee
CountyGreene County
StateTennessee
Founded1783
SeatGreeneville
Largest cityGreeneville
Area total sq mi622
Area land sq mi617
Area water sq mi4.8
Population as of2020
Population total70,152
Population density sq mi114
Time zoneEastern
DistrictTennessee's 1st congressional district
Named forNathanael Greene

Greene County, Tennessee. Located in the Appalachian Mountains region of East Tennessee, it is one of the state's oldest counties, established in 1783 when the area was part of the extra-legal State of Franklin. The county is historically significant as the home of President Andrew Johnson and the site where the abolitionist newspaper publisher Elijah P. Lovejoy was born. Its county seat and largest city, Greeneville, serves as a commercial and cultural hub for the surrounding area, which is characterized by a mix of agricultural valleys and forested ridges within the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains proximity.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Cherokee people before European settlement. Greene County was created by the legislature of the State of Franklin in 1783 and later formally recognized by the North Carolina legislature in 1786, named for Revolutionary War general Nathanael Greene. It was a pivotal region during the American Civil War, with its residents deeply divided; the county was the site of several skirmishes, including the Battle of Blue Springs. The Andrew Johnson National Historic Site in Greeneville preserves the tailor shop, home, and grave of the seventeenth President of the United States, who began his political career here as an alderman. Other notable historical figures from the area include David Crockett, who served as a justice of the peace here, and Temple Lea Houston, son of Sam Houston, who practiced law in Greeneville.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 622 square miles, of which 617 square miles is land and 4.8 square miles is water. It is situated in the upper Nolichucky River basin and is bordered by Washington County to the east, Unicoi County to the northeast, Cocke County to the south, and Hawkins County to the northwest. The terrain includes valleys such as Lick Creek and rugged portions of the Appalachian Mountains, including the grassy balds of the Unaka Range. Major waterways include the Nolichucky River and Big Creek. Parts of the Cherokee National Forest are located within the county.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 70,152. The racial makeup was approximately 93.5% White, 1.7% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.6% Asian, and 3.2% identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The population density was about 114 people per square mile. The largest communities are Greeneville and the town of Tusculum, home to Tusculum University.

Government and politics

Greene County operates under a county commission system. It is part of the First Judicial District of Tennessee and is represented in the Tennessee General Assembly by members of the Tennessee House of Representatives and the Tennessee Senate. At the federal level, the county lies within Tennessee's 1st congressional district, historically a strongly Republican seat represented by figures such as Jimmy Quillen and currently by Diana Harshbarger. The county voted heavily for Donald Trump in both the 2016 United States presidential election and the 2020 United States presidential election.

Economy

The economy has historically been based on agriculture, particularly tobacco, dairy farming, and beef cattle. Manufacturing became a significant sector in the 20th century, with major employers including Nissan supplier facilities and Tredegar Corporation. Healthcare is a leading employer, centered around Laughlin Memorial Hospital and the Ballad Health system. Tourism also contributes, focused on historical sites like the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park (located nearby), and outdoor recreation in the Cherokee National Forest.

Education

Public education is managed by Greene County Schools and the Greeneville City Schools system. The county is home to Tusculum University, founded in 1794 and affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), making it one of the oldest colleges in the United States. Walter State Community College, part of the Tennessee Board of Regents system, also maintains a campus in Greeneville. Notable secondary institutions include Greeneville High School and North Greene High School.

Culture and recreation

Cultural institutions include the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Greeneville and the annual Greene County Fair. The county is known for its bluegrass and Appalachian music heritage. Outdoor activities are centered on the Nolichucky River, which offers whitewater rafting, and the Appalachian Trail, which passes through the county's eastern edge near Unicoi County. The Greeneville Astros, a former Appalachian League rookie league affiliate of the Houston Astros, played at Pioneer Park until the league's restructuring.

Category:Greene County, Tennessee Category:1783 establishments in Tennessee Category:Appalachian Tennessee