Campbell County



The History

Campbell County was the twenty-sixth county formed in the State of Tennessee, created in 1806 from parts of Anderson and Claiborne Counties. It was named in honor of Arthur Campbell of the Revolutionary War, who also conducted several campaigns against the Indians in Tennessee. Settlements were made in the county as early as 1795. One of the earliest settlers was Hugh Montgomery, who owned the site later selected as the county seat for Campbell County. The first brick home in the county was built by Benjamin Wheeler, which is now part of the Cove Lake State Park.

Coal was discovered in the mountains in 1853, but mining operations ceased during the War Between the States and the mines were not reopened until the advent of the railroads. The completion of the Vasper to LaFollette Railroad in September 1897 caused the establishment of the coal mining towns along the route through the Cumberland Mountain section, and coal mining became a decided factor in the resources of Campbell County.

Campbell County today is particularly interested in maintaining the quality of life that is unique to the small community atmosphere. They want to keep the appeal of a nice quiet rural environment with urban amenities. A variety of housing is available including stately old farm houses, quaint Victorian era homes, modern convenient houses & apartments, and lake front communities.

The expanding commercial district between Jacksboro and LaFollette has increased the convenience to shoppers in our area. Downtown shopping areas are available in LaFollette, Jacksboro, Caryville, and Jellico. For those antique buffs, little shops, and craft stores abound in Campbell County. Campbell County has numerous Industrial Parks to meet the need of any small to large industry. The county is within a day’s drive to 60% of the United States population. Campbell County is blessed with all of the community assets and quality infrastructure to make our beautiful county one of the most attractive home markets in the Southeast. Live here and your family can bask in the beauty and relax in the security of small town America and yet be only a thirty minute drive from the city of Knoxville with its shopping, dining, sporting, and cultural base.

Residents wanting to relax, hike, camp, or fish the recreational facilities have no room for excuses. The exciting recreational area around Norris Lake offers year round opportunities for fishing, boating, and a multitude of other water sports. A range of facilities around the lake area are easily accessible. They include three TVA Small Wild Areas, a campground, hiking trails, three state parks, two wild life management areas, 23 commercial recreation areas, two county parks and 12 public boat ramps.

 

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