On June 11th, 1792, Governor William Blount, by ordinance, formed Jefferson County, originally a part of North Carolina.

Jefferson County became a part of the State of Tennessee in 1796, and three other counties have since been formed out of the original land of Jefferson County. 

On July 23, 1792, the first County Court of Jefferson County was organized at the home of Jeremiah Mathews, and the county court selected a distinguished committee to locate a county seat which was later named Dandridge in honor of President George Washington’s wife.

Our Cities, Towns and Communities- Jefferson County is comprised of five incorporated towns and cities and has nine active unincorporated communities. 

1. Dandridge
2. Jefferson City (Mossy Creek)
3. White Pine (Dandridge Crossing)
4. New Market
5. Baneberry
6. Talbott
7. Strawberry Plains
8. Piedmont (Mount’s Crossroads)
9. Swannsylvania
10. Chestnut Hill
11. Parrotts Chapel
12. Oak Grove
13. Shady Grove
14. Mount Horeb 

Preserving Our History

The preservation of Jefferson County’s history has always been utmost in the minds of its citizens. Several organizations have been formed over the years in order to research, maintain and serve future generations.

• Jefferson County Historical Museum and Archives
• Project Let’s Chat
• Jefferson County Service Learning Dandridge Walking Tour
• Mossy Creek Foundation
• Jefferson County Genealogical Society
• Jefferson County Historical Society
• Glenmore Mansion
• White Pine History Committee, Contact Dale Snapp

Be a part of the story!

The 230 Year Celebration Committee has partnered with Jefferson City and the Mossy Creek Station Festival, October 1, 2022. A large exhibit of  230 Years of history will be on display at the event. Fill out the form to submit your community and help us tell the story of Jefferson County’s history.

Space is limited and not guaranteed. You will be notified by the Jefferson County Mayor’s Office if your display has been approved. Exhibitors will need to set up their displays no later than 8:00 AM, October 1, 2022.  More information on location of exhibit will be provided upon approval.

A Brief Look Into Our History

1794

Sevier County Formed Out of Jefferson County

1796 – 1811

Davy Crockett Lives in Jefferson County

1797

Cocke County Formed Out of Jefferson County
Dumplin Baptist Church organized by John Cate, Sr.

1829

Oak Grove Founded

1834

Piedmont Founded as Mount’s Crossroads by John Mount

1845

Jefferson County Courthouse Built

1869

Glenmore Mansion Completed in Mossy Creek (Jefferson City)

1870

Southern-half of Hamblen County Formed from Jefferson County

1872

White Pine, Formerly Dandridge Crossing, Established

1914

For the First Time, Homes in the Area Receive Electricity

1940 – 1941

TVA Constructs Cherokee Dam, Completed on December 5, 1941

1942 – 1943

TVA Constructs Douglas Dam, Completed In Just Over a Year Establishing a World Record for a Project of Its Size