Sevier County, Administrative division in Tennessee, United States
Sevier County is an administrative unit in Tennessee stretching between the valleys of the Little Pigeon River and the forested slopes of the Appalachians. The landscape shifts from rolling hills in the north to rugged mountain ridges in the south, where terrain rises steeply toward the state line with North Carolina.
The administrative unit was formed in September 1794 from territory previously part of Jefferson County and named after John Sevier, a frontiersman and first governor. European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century after diplomatic treaties with the Cherokee opened the land for colonization.
The area was originally inhabited by Cherokee people, whose influence appears today in place names and scattered memorials. Many residents preserve craft traditions such as quilting and wood carving, visible in museums and small shops along main roads.
Travelers reach the area through several highways winding through valleys and mountain passes. Free shuttle buses run between parking lots and popular trailheads in the national park, especially on weekends and during peak season.
The administrative boundaries have remained unchanged since formation in the 18th century, rare among counties in this region. Elevation differences within the territory range from about 900 feet (270 m) above sea level in the valleys to over 6,500 feet (1,980 m) on the peaks, creating distinct climate zones.
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