Jefferson County Community Information

General Information / Education / Medical / Recreation

Territorial governor William Blount established Jefferson County in June 1792. The original county encompassed 1,200 square miles using natural boundaries of the Clinch Mountains, the Smoky Mountains, and the Holston River. Because of the mountains and near by rivers, this area has the second highest rainfall average in the continental United States.

By 1795, Knox and Jefferson counties was named after the third U.S. president, Thomas Jefferson, and received its first settlers in 1783. The land, which was originally part of North Carolina, became a part of the State of Tennessee.

Jefferson County originally covered most of East Tennessee, but through the creation of new counties has greatly diminished its size. In 1795, Sevier County was formed and it took a portion of Jefferson County. The same happened in 1797 when Cocke County was created. Two thirds of Hamblen County came from Jefferson County in 1870, and the Tennessee Valley Authority also took a portion of Jefferson County when it submerged 40.5 square miles of land.

The second oldest town in Tennessee is Jefferson County’s Dandridge, which also features the oldest continuously occupied courthouse in the state. Dandridge was a thriving center for commercial trade until after the Civil War. That diminished when the railroad was relocated to Mossy Creek (Jefferson City).

Dandridge was named for Martha Dandridge Washington, the wife of the first president. It is the only city in the nation to honor her. The city prides itself on its lack of change, compared to the ongoing changes in the region.

Another city of interest is Jefferson County is Baneberry, a recreational community founded in 1987. It features golf, tennis and swimming areas.

In addition to those ways to relax, Jefferson County is known as a "fisherman’s paradise" with Douglas Lake and Cherokee lakes available for anglers to try their skills.

General Information

Automobile Tags
Newcomers must obtain Tennessee license plates for their motor vehicles within 30 days after establishing residency. To purchase a license plate, a Tennessee title must be obtained. Both may be purchased at the County Clerk’s office. It is advisable to call ahead to secure the proper information on what papers to bring. For additional information call (865) 215-2385

Banking
There are several major banks and savings and loan associations offer full financial services from many convenient branches

Cable TV
(865) 584-1234

Chamber of Commerce

Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce 532 Patriot Drive Jefferson City, TN 37760-3216

(865) 397-9642

Climate
Jefferson County being located in the valley between the Clinch Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains, The citizens of Jefferson County enjoys the four seasons and the beauty associated with seasonal change.

Drivers License
Newcomers have 30 days after establishing permanent residency to change their out-of-state driver’s license to a valid Tennessee license. For more information call (865) 594-6399

Emergencies
In the event of an emergency situation, the services of any of the following emergency service providers may be obtained by dialing "911" Phone numbers for non-emergencies area listed below:

Libraries

Dandridge Memorial Library 1235 Circle Drive Dandridge, TN	(865) 397-9758
Jefferson City Public Library 1427 Russell Avenue Jefferson City, TN	(865) 475-9094

Newspaper

Jefferson Standard Banner	(865) 475-2081
Knoxville News-Sentinel Daily	(865) 523-3131

Population
Jefferson County population experienced a 25.4 percent growth between 1970-1980 and a 5.5 percent growth between 1980-1990, and between 1990-1997 a 27.4% growth.

Location
Jefferson County is situated in the northeastern section of Tennessee. The county lies in what is the commonly referred to as the Great Valley of East Tennessee. Generally, Jefferson County lies between the Holston River to the west and the French Broad River to the east. Douglas Lake and Cherokee Lake are the two prominent bodies of water in the county. The county seat, Dandridge, was founded in 1793 and is the second oldest city in the State of Tennessee. Jefferson County is linked to the region and all parts of the nation via a comprehensive highway network. Jefferson County is located approximately 25 miles from the intersection of Interstates 1-40 and 1-75 at Knoxville, Tennessee.

Property Taxes

Rate per 100	Value $2.48
Residential	25% of Appraised Value
Commercial	40% of Appraised Value
Personal	30% of Value
Assessed Valuation (7/97)	$373,584,726
School Tax	None
Sales Tax	2.25%
Hotel/Motel Tax	4%
Inventory Tax	Raw Materials Only

Telephone

BellSouth

(865) 557-6500

Transportation
Transportation is another factor driving our growth. Interstate Route 81, which begins in Jefferson County, makes the Northeast an easy drive. Interstate 40, which bisects the county, is the main central USA-East-West route linking the Atlantic with the Pacific. In Knoxville Interstate 75 links with I-40 and goes north into Michigan and south through Atlanta to Florida. Seventy Percent of the US population is within a day’s drive of Jefferson County

AIRPORTS
McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, located 36 miles southwest of Jefferson City, provides commercial air service. Major airlines serving Knoxville include Delta, Air Trans., North West, United, US-Air, Comair, Trans World Express, United Express, US-Air Express, and Conquest. Non-commercial air service is available at the Morristown Airport in Hamblen County, seven miles north of Jefferson City. The airport has a modern, 5700 foot paved runway. Tri-Cities Regional Airport in Blountville is north on Interstate 81.

Utilities

Electrical Service
Appalachian Electric Co-op	(865) 475-2032
Natural/Gas
Jefferson Cocke Utility District	(865) 475-7911
Natural/Gas
New Market Utility District
Main Office	(865) 475-2467
Natural/Gas
Knoxville Utilities Board
Main Office - Knoxville	(865) 524-2911
Water Service
Dandridge	(865) 397-3696
Water Service
Jefferson City	(865) 475-9071

Education

Public Schools
The Jefferson County School System currently serves over 5,000 students. The mission of Jefferson County School District is to develop twenty first century citizens who are well prepared socially, emotionally, physically, intellectually, and psychologically to live confidently in a technologically advanced multi-cultural society.

The success of the Jefferson County Schools is the result of the dedication of our teachers and other staff members who are committed to providing a bright future for our children.

Colleges
Walter State, the Great Smoky Mountain Community College. Walter State is dedicated to excellence in teaching and service, guided by shared values and principles and inspired to exceed student and community expectations.

Carson Newman College one of the South’s top ten regional liberal arts schools in a ranking based on academic reputation, student selection, faculty and financial resources, graduation rate, and alumni satisfaction. Carson Newman offers more than 50 professional programs in engineering, law, medical records administration, physical therapy, pharmacy and other health sciences. Carson Newman has one of the highest percentages among Baptist colleges of students going on to seminary, medical school, and graduate schools.

Medical
Jefferson Memorial Hospital, a 67 bed acute cares facility that includes a 5-bed Intensive Care/Coronary Care Unit. Fully accredited 24-hour physician-staffed Emergency Room. Medical Staff consists of 42 physicians whose specialties include family practice, GYN surgery, pediatrics, internal medicine, cardiology, radiology, pathology, pulmonology and emergency medicine.

Cultural
A marvelous surprise is in store for newcomers to the Tennessee Valley in the depth and breath of native artistic talent, and opportunity to enjoy many and varied cultural activities offered in Jefferson County.

Historical Museum at the Jefferson County Courthouse-Display cases house relics and artifacts from Jefferson County including the Civil War and World War pieces. The courthouse is one of the oldest courthouses that are still in use today.

Glenmore Mansion-An almost perfect example of a Victorian Architecture. Built in 1869, the mansion is fully furnished with antiques of its period. Visitors are welcome on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, May through October and tours can be made by appointment. For more information call (865) 475-5014

Recreation
Part of the good life, enjoyed by the people of Jefferson County, the abundant recreational and leisure opportunities afforded by the geographic setting. Surrounded by TVA lakes and the Great Smoky Mountains, one can easily spend the day on the lake or in the mountains and be home by the evening.

Fishing Tournaments regularly occur during Seasons on Cherokee Lake and Douglas Lake

An annual event, Chestnut Hill Horse Show held on the grounds of the former Chestnut Hill Elementary School. For more information contact Stanley Norris (865) 509-7551

Plowing Day Festival, event includes a Seed -Swapping Demonstration, Cornhusk Dolls and more. For more information call (865) 397-1460

The annual July Boat Parade, on Douglas Lake. Local boater’s area invited to decorate their craft and join the fun. The parade forms across from Henderson Island. Trophies and ribbons are awarded. For more information call (865) 397-3525 or (865) 397-7463

funfest, to be held at the Jefferson City Community Center, a festival celebrating sports and community recreation. For more information call (865) 475-2924

FERGUSON REALTORS
Knoxville Member for Superior Relocation Services

Toll Free 800-747-0713

Toll Free 800-747-0713
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