Van Buren County, Administrative county in Tennessee, US
Van Buren County is an administrative county in Tennessee occupying land on the Cumberland Plateau in the eastern part of the state, characterized by rolling terrain and forested areas. Spencer serves as its seat and main population center.
The county was established in 1840 from portions of White, Warren, and Bledsoe counties and named after President Martin Van Buren. This creation reflected the region's growing need for separate local governance during that era.
Spencer, the county seat, became known for hosting Burritt College, a pioneering coeducational school that shaped local intellectual life in the 1800s and early 1900s. The college brought students and teachers from beyond the region, leaving marks on the community's identity.
When visiting Spencer, allow time to explore the county seat and its local landmarks at a relaxed pace. The plateau terrain offers good opportunities for walking and observing the natural landscape around the area.
Over 850 documented caves exist in the county, including Big Bone Cave, which was mined for saltpeter during the War of 1812 to support military powder production. This extensive cave system remains one of the region's most distinctive geological features.
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