Bledsoe County, Tennessee

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Bledsoe County, Tennessee is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 15,064. Its county seat is Pikeville. The county was formed in 1807 and named after Anthony Bledsoe, a soldier in the Revolutionary War and an early settler of the area.

History

Bledsoe County was established in 1807 from parts of Roane County and Overton County. The county is named in honor of Anthony Bledsoe, who was killed by Native Americans in 1788. The area was originally inhabited by the Cherokee people before European settlers arrived.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 407 square miles (1,050 km²), of which 406 square miles (1,050 km²) is land and 1.2 square miles (3.1 km²) (0.3%) is water. The county is part of the Cumberland Plateau and features a mix of mountainous terrain and fertile valleys.

Adjacent counties

• Cumberland County (north)
• Rhea County (east)
• Sequatchie County (south)
• Van Buren County (west)

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 15,064 people, 5,678 households, and 3,982 families residing in the county. The population density was 37 people per square mile (14/km²). The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with small percentages of African American, Native American, and other races.

Economy

The economy of Bledsoe County is primarily based on agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The county has a rich history of farming, particularly in the production of corn, soybeans, and livestock. In recent years, there has been growth in small manufacturing businesses and tourism, particularly related to the natural beauty of the Cumberland Plateau.

Education

Bledsoe County is served by the Bledsoe County School District, which includes several elementary schools, a middle school, and Bledsoe County High School. The county also has access to higher education institutions in nearby counties, including Chattanooga State Community College and Tennessee Technological University.

Communities

City

• Pikeville (county seat)

Unincorporated communities

• Cold Spring
• Lees Station
• Melvine
• Mount Crest
• New Harmony

Notable People

• James B. Frazier, Governor of Tennessee from 1903 to 1905.
• John B. Frazier, U.S. Senator from Tennessee.

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Bledsoe County, Tennessee
• List of counties in Tennessee

External links

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