Hamblen County, Tennessee

Hamblen County
County
Hamblen County Courthouse in Morristown
Logo
Motto(s):  Service, Community, Industry
Location within the U.S. state of Tennessee
Tennessee's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 36°13′N83°16′W / 36.22°N 83.27°W / 36.22; -83.27
Country	United States
State	Tennessee
Founded	1870
Named for	Hezekiah Hamblen [1]
Seat	Morristown
Largest city	Morristown
Government
•  Mayor	Bill Brittain [2] (R) [3]
Area
• Total	176 sq mi (460 km2)
• Land	161 sq mi (420 km2)
• Water	15 sq mi (40 km2)  8.3%
Population  (2020)
• Total	64,499
• Density	400.61/sq mi (154.68/km2)
Time zone	UTC−5 (Eastern)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district	1st
Website	www.hamblencountytn.gov

Hamblen County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 64,499. ^[4] Its county seat and only incorporated city is Morristown. ^[5] Hamblen County is the core county of the Morristown, Tennessee Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Hamblen and Jefferson counties. The county and the Morristown MSA are included in the Knoxville-Morristown-Sevierville, TN Combined Statistical Area. ^[6]

History

Hamblen County was created in 1870 from parts of Jefferson, Grainger, and Hawkins counties. The county is named in honor of Hezekiah Hamblen (1775–1854), ^{[1] [7]} an early settler, landowner, attorney, and member of the Hawkins County Court for many years. Governor Dewitt Clinton Senter, a resident of the county, used his influence to assist in its establishment. ^[8] The Hamblen County Courthouse was completed in 1874.

During World War I, Hamblen County was the only county in the United States to have two Medal of Honor recipients. Edward R. Talley and Calvin Ward both earned them while fighting on the Western Front. ^[9]

During World War II, the attack transport naval ship USS Hamblen was named after the county.

Historic sites

• Bethesda Presbyterian Church
• Crockett Tavern Museum
• Morristown College, now Fulton-Hill Park
• Morristown Main Street Historic District
• Rose Center

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 176 square miles (460 km²), of which 161 square miles (420 km²) is land and 15 square miles (39 km²) (8.3%) is water. ^[10] It is the third-smallest county in Tennessee by land area and fourth-smallest by total area.

Adjacent counties

• Hawkins County (northeast)
• Greene County (east)
• Cocke County (south)
• Jefferson County (southwest)
• Grainger County (northwest)

State protected areas

• Panther Creek State Park
• Rankin Wildlife Management Area (partial)

Major highways

• I-81
• US 11E
• US 25E
• SR 66
• SR 113
• SR 160
• SR 340
• SR 341
• SR 342
• SR 343
• SR 344

Waterways

The main source of water on Hamblen County is the man-made Cherokee Lake. Cherokee Lake was created during WWII as part of the TVA hydroelectric project. The lake is fed by multiple sources, including a series of natural creeks and runoff waters. The lake begins with its first source at Poor Valley Creek in Hawkins County, extends through neighboring Grainger County and then Hamblen County. Cherokee Lake then ends with Cherokee Dam where the water is drained into the Holston River. In total, Cherokee Lake has 28,780 acres of surface area and extends for 400 miles of shoreline, though only a portion of this resides in Hamblen County. ^[11]

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1880	10,187		—
1890	11,418		12.1%
1900	12,728		11.5%
1910	13,650		7.2%
1920	15,056		10.3%
1930	16,616		10.4%
1940	18,611		12.0%
1950	23,976		28.8%
1960	33,092		38.0%
1970	38,696		16.9%
1980	49,300		27.4%
1990	50,480		2.4%
2000	58,128		15.2%
2010	62,544		7.6%
2020	64,499		3.1%
2023 (est.)	66,216	[12]	2.7%
U.S. Decennial Census [13] 1790-1960 [14] 1900-1990 [15] 1990-2000 [16] 2010-2014 [4]

Age pyramid Hamblen County, based on 2000 census data

2020 census

Hamblen County racial composition ^[17]

Race	Number	Percentage
White (non-Hispanic)	49,197	76.28%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic)	1,605	5.27%
Native American	130	0.2%
Asian	712	1.1%
Pacific Islander	268	0.42%
Other/mixed	2,603	4.04%
Hispanic or Latino	9,483	14.7%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 64,499 people, 24,456 households, and 16,391 families residing in the county.

2010 census

As of the census ^[18] of 2010, there were 62,544 people, 29,693 households, and 17,161 families residing in the county. The population density was 388 people per square mile (150 people/km²). There were 24,560 housing units at an average density of 153 units per square mile (59/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 91.74% White, 4.22% African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.70% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, and 1.42% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origins constituted 10.73% of the population.

There were 24,560 households, out of which 28.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.3% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.1% were non-families. 25.70% of all households were made up of individuals living alone, and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.30% under the age of 20, 5.7% from 20 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 26.7% from 45 to 64, and 15.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $39,807, and the median income for a family was $48,353. Males had a median income of $36,166 versus $27,094 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,162. 17.7% of the population and 13.2% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 15.7% are under the age of 65 and 19.3% are 65 or older.

Economy

See also: Morristown, Tennessee § Economy

Hamblen County's economic development in recent decades has been phenomenal. Several large industrial parks on the eastern, western, and southern parts of the county are home to manufacturing facilities for regionally, nationally, and internationally based corporations. ^[19]

Government

The Hamblen County government consists of 26 elected officials, twelve appointed officials, and the staffing and offices therein. In addition to these offices, the county also houses a liaison office with the University of Tennessee for its Agricultural Extension office. ^{[20] [21]}

Elected officials

• County Mayor - Bill Brittain ^[22]
• Sheriff - Chad Mullins ^[23]
• Register of Deeds - Jim Clawson ^[24]
• Circuit Court Clerk - Teresa West ^[25]
• Trustee - Scotty Long ^[26]
• Assessor of Property - Keith Ely ^[26]
• Road Superintendent - Barry Poole ^[27]
• County Clerk - Penny Petty ^[28]
• General Sessions Judge Division 1 - Doug Collins ^[25]
• General Sessions Judge Division 2 - Janice Snider ^[25]
• Chancellor – 3rd Judicial District - Douglas Jenkins ^[29]
• Criminal Court Judge - John Dugger ^[25]
• County Commissioners (14 in total) ^[30]

Appointed officials

• Finance Director
• Emergency Mgmt. Director
• Cherokee Park Director
• Director of Schools
• Administrator of Elections
• Clerk & Master
• Juvenile Services Director
• Veteran's Service Officer
• Planning Director
• Work Program Director
• Human Resource Manager
• Drug Court Director

Communities

City

• Morristown (county seat, small portions in Jefferson)

Town

• White Pine (mostly in Jefferson)

Census-designated place

• Russellville

Unincorporated communities

• Lowland
• Talbott (partial)
• Whitesburg
• Witt

Public Education

The Hamblen County Department of Education has two high schools, four middle schools, eleven elementary/intermediate schools, and one alternative-placement school. The Tennessee Board of Regents also has a community college located in Morristown, as well as a technical college for vocational training. Hamblen County's department of education's current mission statement, as of the 2019–2020 school year, is, "The mission of Hamblen County Department of Education is to educate students so they can be challenged to successfully compete in their chosen fields." ^[31] The current superintendent of Hamblen County Schools is Arnold Bunch ^[32] As of the 2019–2020 school year, Hamblen County Department of Education has 10,424 students enrolled. ^[33]

Elementary schools

• Alpha Elementary School
• Alpha Intermediate School
• Fairview-Marguerite Elementary School
• Hillcrest Elementary School
• John Hay Elementary
• Lincoln Heights Elementary School
• Manley Elementary
• Russellville Elementary School
• Russellville Intermediate School
• Union Heights Elementary
• West Elementary School
• Whitesburg Elementary School
• Witt Elementary School

Middle schools

• East Ridge Middle School
• Lincoln Heights Middle School
• Meadowview Middle School
• West View Middle School

High schools

• Morristown-Hamblen High School East
• Morristown-Hamblen High School West

Community college

• Walters State Community College

Technical college

• Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Morristown

Alternative school

• Miller Boyd Alternative School

Private education

Lakeway Christian Schools

Lakeway Christian Schools is a private school system that contains three schools in Hamblen County. Cornerstone Christian Academy enrolls students from grades PreK through 5. Lakeway Christian Academy enrolls students from grades 6 through 12. Tri-Cities Cristian Academy enrolls students from grades 9 through 12. ^[34] The current mission statement is, "Partnering with families to provide a Christ-centered and academically challenging education, equipping students with a biblical worldview and a heart for Christ, that they may grow in wisdom, stature and in favor with God and man." ^{[35] [36]}

All Saints' Episcopal School

All Saints' Episcopal School was founded in 1967 as a preschool. In 1985, the school was expanded to include first grade. Since then, the school has further expanded (completion in 1992) to enroll students from PreK to 8th grade. ^[37]

Faith Christian Academy

Faith Christian Academy enrolls students from grades 1 through 12. ^[38]

Morristown Covenant Academy

Morristown Covenant Academy was founded in 1985 and enrolls students in grades Kindergarten through 12. In their high school educational program, students can choose an educational path for general education, college/university readiness, or vocational readiness. ^[39] The Morristown Covenant Academy also houses a day care and PreK program. ^[40]

Politics

Like almost all of East Tennessee, Hamblen County has long voted overwhelmingly Republican, starting with its powerful Unionist sentiment during the Civil War. The last Democratic candidate to carry the county was Jimmy Carter in 1976.

United States presidential election results for Hamblen County, Tennessee ^[41]

Year	Republican		Democratic		Third party(ies)
	No.	%	No.	%	No.	%
2020	18,811	76.37%	5,500	22.33%	320	1.30%
2016	15,857	76.63%	4,075	19.69%	760	3.67%
2012	14,522	72.49%	5,234	26.13%	276	1.38%
2008	15,508	68.41%	6,807	30.03%	354	1.56%
2004	14,742	66.05%	7,433	33.30%	143	0.64%
2000	11,824	60.02%	7,564	38.40%	311	1.58%
1996	9,797	54.13%	7,006	38.71%	1,296	7.16%
1992	8,898	49.84%	7,114	39.85%	1,842	10.32%
1988	10,418	66.93%	5,061	32.52%	86	0.55%
1984	11,144	68.97%	4,922	30.46%	92	0.57%
1980	9,741	60.60%	5,890	36.65%	442	2.75%
1976	6,989	47.78%	7,504	51.30%	135	0.92%
1972	8,879	76.39%	2,563	22.05%	182	1.57%
1968	6,382	57.86%	2,390	21.67%	2,259	20.48%
1964	5,196	53.00%	4,607	47.00%	0	0.00%
1960	7,093	69.23%	3,122	30.47%	30	0.29%
1956	5,608	67.77%	2,592	31.32%	75	0.91%
1952	5,031	67.19%	2,395	31.98%	62	0.83%
1948	2,116	53.80%	1,552	39.46%	265	6.74%
1944	2,001	53.73%	1,723	46.27%	0	0.00%
1940	1,794	46.27%	2,055	53.00%	28	0.72%
1936	2,261	48.12%	2,438	51.88%	0	0.00%
1932	1,458	41.40%	2,032	57.69%	32	0.91%
1928	1,902	60.09%	1,263	39.91%	0	0.00%
1924	1,342	49.48%	1,317	48.56%	53	1.95%
1920	1,571	53.86%	1,301	44.60%	45	1.54%
1916	795	50.73%	741	47.29%	31	1.98%
1912	427	28.62%	722	48.39%	343	22.99%

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Hamblen County, Tennessee

References

1. Mrs. Burwin Haun, "Hamblen County," Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture. Retrieved: October 16, 2013.
2. "Hamblen". County Technical Assistance Service. University of Tennessee . Retrieved September 11, 2020.
3. "Re-elect Bill Brittain". Bill Brittain for County Mayor.
4. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved December 2, 2013.
5. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
6. "Revised Delineations of Metropolitan Statistical Areas, Micropolitan Statistical Areas, and Combined Statistical Areas, and Guidance on Uses of the Delineations of These Areas" (PDF). Office of Management and Budget . Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved April 27, 2014– via National Archives.
7. Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. pp.  147.
8. "Hamblen's History," Morristown Citizen Tribune, September 12, 2012. Retrieved: October 16, 2013.
9. Claborn, Jim (March 25, 2017). "Back When". CitizenTribune.com. Retrieved November 19, 2018.
10. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
11. "Cherokee Lake".
12. "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
13. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
14. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
15. Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
16. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
17. "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
18. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved May 14, 2011.
19. "Hamblen County".
20. hostmethod (June 15, 2014). "Elected Officials/Department Heads Directory". Hamblen County Government. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
21. hostmethod (June 15, 2014). "County Commission". Hamblen County Government. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
22. "Mayor". Hamblen County Government. July 26, 2014.
23. "Sheriff's Department And Jail". Hamblen County Government. July 26, 2014.
24. "Register of Deeds". Hamblen County Government. July 26, 2014.
25. "Circuit, Criminal, Juvenile and General Sessions Court". Hamblen County Government. July 26, 2014.
26. "Trustee". Hamblen County Government. July 26, 2014.
27. "Highway & Garbage Departments". Hamblen County Government. July 26, 2014.
28. "Hamblen County Clerk – Tennessee".
29. "Loading..." www.hamblencountychancery.org.
30. "County Commission". Hamblen County Government. June 15, 2014.
31. "About". www.hcboe.net. Retrieved February 8, 2020.
32. "Welcome to the Hamblen County Board of Education Website". hamblencounty.schoolinsites.com. Retrieved February 8, 2020.
33. "Explore Hamblen County School District". Niche. Retrieved February 8, 2020.
34. "About - Cornerstone and Lakeway Academy". www.lcstn.org. Retrieved February 8, 2020.
35. "Mission and Vision - Cornerstone and Lakeway Academy". www.lcstn.org. Retrieved February 8, 2020.
36. "Home | Tri-Cities Christian Academy | Lakeway Christian Schools".
37. "History". All Saints' School. Retrieved February 8, 2020.
38. "Academy Info". FAITH CHURCH AND ACADEMY. Retrieved February 8, 2020.
39. "About – Morristown Covenant Academy". August 5, 2018. Retrieved February 8, 2020.
40. "ELC – Morristown Covenant Academy". August 4, 2018. Retrieved February 8, 2020.
41. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 10, 2018.

External links

• Official site
• Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce
• The Citizen Tribune, Morristown's newspaper
• Hamblen County Board of Education
• Hamblen County TNGenWeb site
• The Morristown-Hamblen Public Library website

36°13′N83°16′W / 36.22°N 83.27°W / 36.22; -83.27