Marion County

Marion County is located in southeastern Tennessee and encompasses portions of the Tennessee River Gorge. The county also includes sections of Nickajack Lake in Sequatchie Valley, with Jasper serving as its administrative center.

The county was established in 1817 and held strategic importance during the Civil War. Nickajack Cave became a key location where Confederate forces extracted saltpeter for producing gunpowder to support the war effort.

The yearly cornbread festival draws people to celebrate local food traditions through tastings, craft displays, and live performances. This gathering shows how deeply cornbread cooking is woven into the community's identity and daily customs.

Jasper serves as the central hub where government services and public facilities are located for visitors needing information. The cornbread festival season offers the most vibrant time to experience the county's community spirit and local activities.

Hales Bar Dam was built between 1905 and 1913 and stands as one of the first major dams constructed across a navigable waterway in the nation. This engineering landmark reflects the county's early role in American hydroelectric development.

Location: Tennessee

Inception: 1817

Capital city: Jasper

Shares border with: Sequatchie County, Jackson County, Dade County, Hamilton County, Grundy County, Franklin County

Website: http://marioncountytn.net

GPS coordinates: 35.13000,-85.61000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:05