Smith County, Tennessee

Smith County is a peaceful slice of rural Tennessee, about an hour east of Nashville. Carthage serves as the county seat, sitting near the meeting point of the Cumberland and Caney Fork Rivers.

Life here is all about small-town friendliness, open countryside, and beautiful scenery. The rivers are a big part of the local appeal, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water. Smith County also has an interesting past, including its role as a Confederate stronghold during the Civil War. Today, though, it’s better known for its welcoming communities and relaxed way of life.

Agriculture remains an important part of the local economy, and farms are scattered throughout the countryside. Parks, hiking trails, and Cordell Hull Lake give residents plenty of ways to spend time outdoors. Smith County is the kind of place where neighbors know each other and life moves at an easy pace. It’s quiet, but there’s always something to enjoy.

CategoryDetails
County NameSmith County
County SeatCarthage
PopulationApproximately 20,000
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesCarthage, Gordonsville, South Carthage
Interstates and HighwaysInterstate 40, U.S. Highway 70N
FIPS Code47-159
Total Area (Land and Water)325 square miles (314 sq mi land, 11 sq mi water)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Macon County (North), Jackson County (Northeast), Putnam County (East), DeKalb County (Southeast), Wilson County (West), Trousdale County (Northwest)
Time ZoneCentral Time Zone (CST)
StateTennessee
Coordinates36°15’N, 85°57’W
EtymologyNamed after Daniel Smith, a surveyor and Senator from Tennessee
Major LandmarksCordell Hull Lake, Defeated Creek Park, T.B. Sutton General Store
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