Hancock County, Tennessee
Hancock County sits in the northeastern corner of Tennessee, tucked away near the Virginia border. It’s one of the state’s smallest counties, but there’s plenty of character packed into its quiet mountain landscape.
Sneedville serves as the county seat and takes its name from William Sneed, one of the area’s early settlers. This is Appalachian country through and through, with the Clinch River valley running through the heart of the county.
Local residents take great pride in their mountain heritage, which can be seen in traditional crafts and heard in the music. The scenery is just as impressive, with rolling hills, thick forests, and peaceful valleys all around. The Powell River adds even more natural beauty to the northern part of Hancock County.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Hancock County |
| County Seat | Sneedville |
| Population | Approximately 6,500 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Sneedville, Kyles Ford, Vardy |
| Interstates and Highways | State Highway 33, State Highway 63 |
| FIPS Code | 47-067 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 224 square miles (222 sq mi land, 2 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Lee County, Virginia (North), Scott County, Virginia (Northeast), Hawkins County (East), Grainger County (Southwest), Claiborne County (West) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (EST) |
| State | Tennessee |
| Coordinates | 36°32’N, 83°13’W |
| Etymology | Named after John Hancock, a prominent patriot in the American Revolution |
| Major Landmarks | River Place on the Clinch, Hancock County Courthouse |
