Jonesborough, Tennessee
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| Jonesborough, Tennessee | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Jonesborough |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Nickname | Tennessee's Oldest Town |
| Pushpin label | Jonesborough |
| Coordinates | 36, 17, 39, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Tennessee |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Washington |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1779 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated |
| Established date1 | 1911 |
| Government type | Mayor–Alderman |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Chuck Vest |
| Area total km2 | 16.48 |
| Area total sq mi | 6.36 |
| Area land km2 | 16.48 |
| Area land sq mi | 6.36 |
| Area water km2 | 0.00 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.00 |
| Elevation m | 513 |
| Elevation ft | 1683 |
| Population total | 5895 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 357.7 |
| Population density sq mi | 926.3 |
| Timezone | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP code |
| Postal code | 37659 |
| Area code | 423 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 47-38520 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1290008 |
| Website | https://www.jonesboroughtn.org/ |
Jonesborough, Tennessee. Founded in 1779 while the region was part of North Carolina, it is the oldest incorporated town in the state. It served as the capital of the short-lived State of Franklin and later became a center for abolitionism in the antebellum Southern United States. Today, it is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved historic district and as the home of the International Storytelling Center.
History
The town was established by the North Carolina General Assembly and named after Willie Jones, a prominent American Revolution statesman from North Carolina. It became a significant political center, serving as the capital for the proposed State of Franklin from 1784 to 1788, a movement led by John Sevier. In the early 19th century, it was home to The Emancipator, one of the first newspapers in the United States dedicated solely to the abolition of slavery, founded by Elihu Embree. The town was occupied by both Confederate States Army and Union Army forces during the American Civil War, including a notable encampment by General John Hunt Morgan's cavalry. Significant preservation efforts in the latter 20th century, championed by figures like local historian Jimmy Neil Smith, helped restore its historic core.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 6.4 square miles, all of it land. It is situated in the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians of northeastern Tennessee, within Washington County, Tennessee. The town is located just off Interstate 26 and is approximately 20 miles southwest of Bristol, Tennessee, and 100 miles northeast of Knoxville, Tennessee. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, and the area is part of the Watauga River watershed.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 5,895. The racial makeup was predominantly non-Hispanic white, with smaller populations of African Americans, Hispanic and Latino Americans, and Asian Americans. The median household income is above the state average, and a significant portion of the adult population holds a bachelor's degree or higher. The population has seen steady growth since the late 20th century, attributed to its appeal as a historic community within the Johnson City metropolitan area.
Culture and points of interest
Jonesborough is internationally recognized as the "Storytelling Capital of the World," hosting the annual National Storytelling Festival on the grounds of the International Storytelling Center. The town's entire downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Jonesborough Historic District, featuring numerous 18th and 19th-century structures such as the Chester Inn and the Christopher Taylor House. Other key sites include the Jonesborough-Washington County History Museum and the McKinney Center at the Summit, which hosts visual arts programs. The town also features several parks, including the Wetlands Water Park.
Government
Jonesborough operates under a mayor–alderman form of government. The current mayor is Chuck Vest, and the town is governed by a Board of Mayor and Aldermen. It is part of Tennessee's 1st congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives by Diana Harshbarger. Law enforcement is provided by the Jonesborough Police Department, and the town is served by the Washington County court system.
Economy
The economy is largely driven by tourism and cultural heritage due to its historic status and storytelling events. Supporting industries include health care, with proximity to major providers like Ballad Health, retail trade centered on Main Street shops, and light manufacturing. The town is part of the broader economic region anchored by Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol, known as the Tri-Cities. Major employers in the area include East Tennessee State University and the Veterans Health Administration. Category:Towns in Tennessee Category:Washington County, Tennessee Category:County seats in Tennessee Category:Populated places established in 1779