McMinn County, Tennessee

McMinn County

General Information
Name	McMinn County, Tennessee
Native Name
Other Names
Settlement Type	County
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	35.42°N 84.60°W
Map
Population
Total	53,794
Density	per km²
Area
Total	km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC
DST	UTC

McMinn County is a county located in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 53,794. Its county seat is Athens.

History

McMinn County was established in 1819 and named in honor of Joseph McMinn, a governor of Tennessee. The county has a rich history, including its role in the American Civil War and the Battle of Athens (1946), a significant post-war event where citizens took up arms against local government corruption.

Early Settlement

The area that is now McMinn County was originally inhabited by the Cherokee people. European-American settlers began to arrive in the early 19th century, following the Indian Removal Act and the subsequent Trail of Tears.

Civil War Era

During the American Civil War, McMinn County was divided in its loyalties, with residents supporting both the Union and the Confederacy. The county saw several skirmishes and was occupied by both sides at different times.

Battle of Athens

The Battle of Athens (1946) was a notable event in McMinn County's history. It was a rebellion led by World War II veterans against corrupt local officials. The veterans accused the officials of electoral fraud and took up arms to ensure a fair election.

Geography

McMinn County is situated in the southeastern part of Tennessee, bordered by Monroe County to the north, Polk County to the east, Bradley County to the south, and Meigs County to the west. The county is part of the Appalachian region, characterized by rolling hills and fertile valleys.

Major Highways

Several major highways run through McMinn County, including Interstate 75, which provides a direct route to Chattanooga and Knoxville.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, McMinn County had a population of 53,794. The county has a diverse demographic profile, with a mix of urban and rural communities. The largest city and economic hub is Athens.

Economy

The economy of McMinn County is diverse, with key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, and retail. The county is home to several manufacturing plants and is known for its agricultural products, particularly cattle and soybeans.

Education

McMinn County is served by the McMinn County School System, which includes several elementary, middle, and high schools. Higher education is provided by Tennessee Wesleyan University, located in Athens.

Also see

• Athens, Tennessee
• Battle of Athens (1946)
• Tennessee
• Cherokee
• Appalachian Mountains