Blount County, Tennessee is situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The county is bordered by Knox County to the north, Monroe County to the east, Sevier County to the south, and Loudon County to the west. The total area of Blount County is 539 square miles and has an elevation ranging from 800 feet at its lowest point up to 3,764 feet at its highest point.
The terrain of Blount County is varied and includes rolling hills, steep mountainsides, deep valleys, and numerous streams that flow into rivers such as Little River and Chilhowee Creek. The climate in Blount County is humid subtropical with hot summers and mild winters. It receives an average of 44 inches of precipitation each year with snowfall being relatively light due to its elevation.
The majority of Blount County is composed of forested areas with oak trees being a dominant species along with hickory trees and other varieties of hardwood trees such as maple and birch. These forests provide habitat for a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, opossums, rabbits and various species of birds including hawks and warblers.
In addition to its natural beauty there are a number of recreational activities available in Blount County such as fishing on one of its many lakes or rivers or hiking on one of its many trails that offer stunning views from their peaks. There are also several historical sites located within the county including Fort Loudoun State Historic Park which was built by British forces during the French & Indian War as well as Tuckaleechee Caverns which feature some spectacular underground formations created by millions years worth or erosion from an underground river system.
Overall, Blount County offers visitors plenty to do both indoors and outdoors in a beautiful natural setting while also providing them with a glimpse into some interesting historical sites that can be found within its borders.
Country seat and other main cities of Blount County, Tennessee
The county seat for Blount County, Tennessee is Maryville, which is also the largest city in the county with a population of around 28,000. Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Maryville is known for its small-town charm and its proximity to Knoxville, which lies just 20 miles south. It is home to several notable historical sites such as The Muse Center for Arts & Culture and The Lamar Alexander Center for Music and Arts. Maryville also boasts several restaurants and shops along its downtown strip as well as a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking trails, parks, and golf courses.
According to COUNTRYAAH, Alcoa is the second largest city in Blount County with a population of just over 8,000. This charming city was founded in 1919 by industrialist Paul Alcoa who named it after his company Alcoa (Aluminum Company of America). It has since become an important manufacturing center for aluminum products such as aircraft parts and automobile components. Alcoa is also home to three universities: Maryville College, Pellissippi State Community College, and Tennessee Wesleyan University.
Other cities located within Blount County include Townsend (population 545), Friendsville (population 1,454), Louisville (population 2,742), Eagleton Village (population 474), Rockford (population 719), Greenback (population 1,541), Walland (population 793) and Tallassee (population 621). Each of these cities offers visitors a unique glimpse into rural life in Tennessee’s foothills while still providing access to amenities such as grocery stores and other necessary services.
Overall, Blount County provides visitors with access to plenty of outdoor recreation activities along with small-town charm that can be found in each of its cities and towns. Whether you’re looking to explore some interesting historical sites or simply enjoy the beauty of nature this area has something for everyone.
History of Blount County, Tennessee
Blount County, Tennessee was formed in 1795 and is named after the Revolutionary War hero, William Blount. The county was originally a part of Knox County and then Sevier County, before becoming its own entity. It is located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and is bordered by Knox, Monroe, Loudon, and Sevier counties. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Cherokee and Shawnee before being settled by European settlers in the late 1700s.
In the early 1800s, Maryville became a prominent center of trade due to its location along two early stagecoach routes. During this time many of the settlers farmed tobacco, cotton, wheat and corn while others turned to crafts like blacksmithing and carpentry. By 1820 there were 796 people living in Blount County which more than doubled by 1830 when it had 1,812 inhabitants.
In 1884 Blount County saw its first railroad with the completion of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad from Louisville to Nashville through Maryville. This opened up a new era for Blount County as it allowed for increased transportation of goods throughout East Tennessee as well as improved access to markets outside of Tennessee.
Throughout much of its history Blount County has been an agricultural center with farming being one of its main industries until recent years when manufacturing has become more prominent due to advances in technology. Today, Blount County still retains much of its small-town charm while still providing access to modern amenities such as hospitals, grocery stores, restaurants and retail stores.
Economy of Blount County, Tennessee
Blount County, Tennessee has a diverse economic base that includes manufacturing, agriculture, retail, and tourism. Manufacturing has become an increasingly important part of the local economy in recent years with companies like Denso Manufacturing Tennessee Inc., Volkswagen Chattanooga Operations, and Magna Seating of America all having a presence in the county. These companies employ thousands of people in the area and provide much needed jobs to the community.
Agriculture is also an important part of Blount County’s economy with many farmers growing hay, corn, wheat, tobacco, soybeans, and vegetables. The county is also home to several dairy farms that produce milk for sale throughout East Tennessee.
Retail is another key component of Blount County’s economy with stores like Walmart Supercenter and Target located in Maryville as well as other smaller independent stores scattered throughout the county. In addition to traditional retail stores there are also numerous restaurants located throughout Blount County including both chain restaurants and locally owned establishments.
Finally, tourism has become an increasingly important part of Blount County’s economy as visitors flock to the area to enjoy its beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking trails at Great Smoky Mountains National Park or fishing on Chilhowee Lake. The county also offers plenty of historical sites such as Fort Loudoun State Historic Park which attracts visitors from all over the country.
Overall, Blount County has seen steady growth in its economic base over recent years due to its diverse mix of industries ranging from manufacturing to agriculture to retail and tourism. This combination of industries provides a strong foundation for continued growth in the area for years to come.
