Roane County, Tennessee

Roane County sits in eastern Tennessee, right where the Clinch and Tennessee Rivers come together. Water is a huge part of life here, with Watts Bar Lake being the star of the show. It’s a popular spot for boating, fishing, and all kinds of water activities.

Kingston serves as the county seat and has a history stretching back to 1799. Oak Ridge, which extends partly into Roane County, played an important role in the Manhattan Project and remains known for its science and technology work today.

Roane County offers a comfortable mix of small-town charm and beautiful scenery. You can enjoy a meal at a local diner and spend the afternoon kayaking on the lake. Fishing and water sports are popular, while the changing colors of fall make the surrounding landscape especially beautiful.

CategoryDetails
County NameRoane County
County SeatKingston
PopulationApproximately 54,000
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesKingston, Harriman, Rockwood, Oak Ridge, Oliver Springs
Interstates and HighwaysInterstate 40, U.S. Highway 70, State Highway 58
FIPS Code47-145
Total Area (Land and Water)395 square miles (361 sq mi land, 34 sq mi water)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Morgan County (North), Anderson County (Northeast), Knox County (East), Loudon County (Southeast), McMinn County (South), Meigs County (Southwest), Rhea County (Southwest), Cumberland County (West)
Time ZoneEastern Time Zone (EST)
StateTennessee
Coordinates35°52’N, 84°31’W
EtymologyNamed after Archibald Roane, the second Governor of Tennessee
Major LandmarksFort Southwest Point, Watts Bar Dam, Roane State Community College
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