Smith County, Tennessee

Smith County, Tennessee is a county located in the United States state of Tennessee, with its county seat in Carthage, Tennessee. The county is situated near the Cumberland River and is part of the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is named after Ralph Smith, a state legislator. The county is home to the Smith County Courthouse, a historic building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography

The county is bordered by Jackson County, Tennessee to the north, Clay County, Tennessee to the northeast, Macon County, Tennessee to the east, Trousdale County, Tennessee to the southeast, Wilson County, Tennessee to the south, and Putnam County, Tennessee to the west. The Cumberland River flows through the county, providing a source of water and transportation. The county's terrain is characterized by rolling hills and scenic valleys, with the Cumberland Plateau to the east. Nearby cities include Gallatin, Tennessee, Lebanon, Tennessee, and Cookeville, Tennessee, which are connected by U.S. Route 70 and Tennessee State Route 25.

History

The county was established in 1799 and was named after Ralph Smith, a state legislator who played a significant role in the Tennessee General Assembly. The county seat, Carthage, Tennessee, was founded in 1804 and was named after the ancient city of Carthage. The county was a major producer of tobacco and cotton during the American Civil War, with many plantations owned by wealthy landowners such as Andrew Jackson and James K. Polk. The county was also home to several notable figures, including Sam Houston, who served as the Governor of Tennessee and later as the President of the Republic of Texas.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, the county had a population of 19,166, with a racial makeup of 95.5% White, 2.3% Black or African American, and 1.2% Native American. The median household income was $43,419, with 14.1% of the population living below the poverty line. The county is home to several communities, including Carthage, Tennessee, Gordonsville, Tennessee, and South Carthage, Tennessee, which are served by the Smith County School System. Nearby institutions include Tennessee Technological University, Volunteer State Community College, and Cumberland University.

Economy

The county's economy is driven by agriculture, with major crops including tobacco, cotton, and soybeans. The county is also home to several manufacturing facilities, including those owned by 3M, Caterpillar Inc., and Dell. The tourism industry is also a significant contributor to the county's economy, with attractions such as the Cordell Hull Lake, Edgar Evins State Park, and the Smith County Courthouse. The county is served by the Smith County Chamber of Commerce and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

Education

The county is served by the Smith County School System, which operates several schools, including Smith County High School, Carthage Elementary School, and Gordonsville Elementary School. The county is also home to several private schools, including Carthage Christian Academy and Gordonsville Christian School. Nearby institutions include Tennessee Technological University, Volunteer State Community College, and Cumberland University, which offer a range of academic programs, including those in engineering, business, and education. The county is also served by the Smith County Public Library and the Tennessee State Library and Archives.

Government

The county is governed by a county commission and a county mayor, who are elected by the citizens of the county. The county is also served by several state and federal agencies, including the Tennessee Department of Transportation, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, and the United States Department of Agriculture. The county is part of the 6th congressional district of Tennessee and is represented in the Tennessee General Assembly by Senator Mark Pody and Representative Terri Lynn Weaver. The county is also home to several law enforcement agencies, including the Smith County Sheriff's Department and the Carthage Police Department.