Jefferson County, Tennessee
Jefferson County sits in East Tennessee, just a short drive from Knoxville. Mountains and lakes dominate the scenery, with Cherokee Lake and Douglas Lake drawing plenty of visitors. Fishing, boating, and other water activities are a big part of life around here.
The Great Smoky Mountains provide an impressive backdrop, especially on clear days. Dandridge serves as the county seat and has the distinction of being Tennessee’s second-oldest town. Its historic downtown is filled with older buildings that give the community plenty of character and history.
Carson-Newman University is also located in the county, adding a lively college presence. Beyond the towns, farms and forests cover much of the landscape, while Douglas Lake takes up a large portion of the southeastern area. With its mix of water, mountains, and historic communities, Jefferson County is an especially scenic corner of Tennessee.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Jefferson County |
| County Seat | Dandridge |
| Population | Approximately 56,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Dandridge, Jefferson City, White Pine, Baneberry, New Market |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 40, Interstate 81, U.S. Highway 25E, State Highway 92 |
| FIPS Code | 47-089 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 314 square miles (273 sq mi land, 41 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Hamblen County (Northeast), Cocke County (Southeast), Sevier County (South), Knox County (West), Grainger County (North) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (EST) |
| State | Tennessee |
| Coordinates | 36°00’N, 83°25’W |
| Etymology | Named after Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States |
| Major Landmarks | Douglas Lake, Dandridge Historic District, Carson-Newman University |
