JEFFERSON COUNTY

Territorial Governor William Blount founded Jefferson County on June 11, 1792. The Holston River formed its northern boundary and was intersected by the French Broad River. These two major waterways, the abundance of fertile lands, and the plentiful game made Jefferson County very appealing to Governor Blount and resulted in becoming a permanent settlement. Unfortunately, this area experienced some negative effects of the war. The Civil War was responsible for land devastation due to the fact that both Union and Confederate troops continually foraged the area in search of food. During WWII, the demands for hydroelectricity led way to the construction of the Douglas Dam. The sacrifice of land for the dam helped Tennessee Valley Authority produce power for two critical war industries, aluminum production and the Manhattan Project. Today there are five incorporated cities in Jefferson County: Baneberry, Dandridge, Jefferson City, New Market, and White Pine. According to 2004 records, the population of Jefferson County was 47,593. Although, the population is continually increasing, the relaxed lifestyle there remains constant. The county is rich in history, scenery, and recreation. Jefferson County is blessed with two lakes. Both Douglas and Cherokee lakes offer abundant fishing, boating and camping. Golf is another popular recreation activity. Golfers can enjoy four immaculate golf courses in Jefferson County. The landscape is a perfect combination of rolling hills, river bottom farmlands and scenic lakes. Being nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Jefferson County is ideally located being in very close proximity to neighboring Knoxville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.


EDUCATION

There are five elementary schools, two middle schools, two K-8 schools, and one high school in Jefferson County. These schools provide educational opportunities to meet the needs of students from preschool through twelfth grade. Jefferson County's ten schools offer quality education programs and enrichment opportunities to a diverse population of nearly 7,200 children. The school system, including many individual teachers and programs, has been recognized for excellence at the local, state, and national levels. Long before the Federal mandate of "No Child Left Behind," our system recognized the importance of addressing the needs of every child. Our mission statement, "Challenging Individuals to Achieve Excellence," is our pledge to you and your child.(Doug Moody, Jefferson County Director of Schools)

HEALTH CARE

Healthcare in Jefferson County
Hospitals

Jefferson Memorial Hospital
Mr. Mike Hicks, CEO
110 Hospital Drive
Jefferson City, TN
(865) 471-2500

St Mary's Health System, Inc.
Debra London, CEO
900 E. Oak Hill Ave.
Knoxville, TN 37917
(865) 545-8000

Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System
PO Box 1178
Morristown, TN 37816
(423) 586-4231
Richard Clark, CEO


EXPO CENTER

Jefferson County is proud to be the home of the Smoky Mountain Expo Center. The Expo Center is a multi purpose facility catering to such large events as horse shows, livestock sales, boat and recreation shows, food shows, motor cross and biclycle racing, demolation derbys, circuses, graduations rodeos and concerts.


RIVER GLEN EQUESTRIAN PARK

River Glen is comprised of 200 acres of land. The topography includes hills, woodlands, pastures and river bottom. Frontage along the Holston River and a spring which flows out near the top of a hill and follows a springbed into the river are also very significant features of the property. The first Horse Trials was held in 1987 under the leadership of Dan Harvey and Joni Abney. There were no permanent facilities, but it soon became clear that the land was well suited for Equestrian development. Over the next 10 years some permanent facilities were added, including 84 permanent stalls, a sand ring complex and cross-country courses. The primary activity was Horse Trials with occasional schoolings and a few Dressage shows. The balance of the development as it now stands was begun in 1999. River Glen is a privately owned facility. It hosts its own shows and also makes the facilities available for Equestrian groups to lease.