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Roane County, Tennessee

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Article Genealogy
Parent: Oak Ridge Reservation Hop 4
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Roane County, Tennessee
CountyRoane County
StateTennessee
Founded1801
Named forArchibald Roane
SeatKingston
Largest cityHarriman
Area total sq mi395
Area land sq mi361
Area water sq mi34
Area percentage8.6%
Pop53,404
Density sq mi148
Time zoneEastern
Webwww.roanecountytn.gov
District3rd

Roane County, Tennessee. Located in East Tennessee, it is a county rich in history and natural resources, anchored by the Clinch River and the Tennessee River. Established by the Tennessee General Assembly in 1801, it was named for Archibald Roane, the state's second Governor of Tennessee. The county seat, Kingston, served briefly as the state capital of Tennessee for one day in 1807 due to an agreement with the Cherokee Nation.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Cherokee people before European settlement. Following the American Revolutionary War, pressure from settlers increased, leading to treaties like the Third Treaty of Tellico. The county's establishment was part of the early expansion of the State of Tennessee. During the American Civil War, the area was divided in allegiance, though it remained under Confederate control for much of the conflict, with skirmishes occurring near key routes. The late 19th century brought transformative growth with the discovery of coal and iron ore deposits, leading to the planned founding of the city of Harriman by the East Tennessee Land Company and temperance advocates. The 20th century was defined by the Manhattan Project and the Tennessee Valley Authority, with the Oak Ridge facilities playing a crucial role in the development of the atomic bomb, though the main site lies just outside the county in adjacent Anderson County. The Kingston Fossil Plant coal fly ash spill in 2008 marked a significant environmental event in recent history.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 395 square miles, with a significant portion consisting of water from the Watts Bar Lake impoundment of the Tennessee River and the Clinch River. It is situated within the Ridge and Valley physiographic province, characterized by long, parallel ridges. Major bodies of water include parts of Melton Hill Lake and Fort Loudoun Lake, created by TVA dams. The county borders Morgan, Anderson, Loudon, McMinn, and Meigs counties.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 53,404. The racial makeup was predominantly non-Hispanic white, with smaller populations of African American, Hispanic or Latino, and Asian residents. The population center is distributed among several incorporated cities, including Harriman, Kingston, Rockwood, Oak Ridge (partially), and Oliver Springs. The median household income has historically been slightly below the state average, with manufacturing and energy sectors being significant employers.

Government and infrastructure

Roane County operates under a county commission system. It is part of the 3rd Congressional District of Tennessee, currently represented by Chuck Fleischmann. Key infrastructure includes segments of Interstate 40, U.S. Highway 70, and State Route 58. Critical facilities include the Kingston Fossil Plant, a major coal-fired power plant operated by the TVA, and the Watts Bar Nuclear Plant, located nearby on the Tennessee River. Law enforcement is provided by the Roane County Sheriff's Office.

Economy

The economy has historically been based on coal mining, farming, and manufacturing. The presence of the TVA and associated power generation facilities has provided stable employment and tax revenue for decades. Major industrial employers have included Goodyear and Dura Automotive. In recent years, sectors such as healthcare, retail trade, and logistics have grown in importance. The county also benefits from tourism related to its lakes and proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Education

Public education is managed by the Roane County Schools system, which operates multiple elementary, middle, and high schools, including Roane County High School. The county is also served by the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Harriman. Higher education opportunities are available nearby at Roane State Community College in Harriman and Kingston, and the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

Notable people

Notable individuals associated with the county include John R. Neal, a congressman and professor who was a key figure in the Scopes Trial; Cordell Hull, the Secretary of State and "Father of the United Nations" who practiced law in Harriman; James B. Frazier, a Governor of Tennessee and U.S. Senator; and Mark Dean, a pioneering computer engineer and IBM inventor who attended Roane County High School. Musician and Grand Ole Opry member Archie Campbell was also a native.

Category:Roane County, Tennessee Category:Tennessee counties Category:1801 establishments in Tennessee