Grainger County

Grainger County is an administrative county in eastern Tennessee situated at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. It contains three cities: Bean Station, Blaine, and Rutledge, while Cherokee Lake forms its natural boundary.

Formed in 1796, this county holds the singular distinction among Tennessee counties of being named after a woman, Mary Grainger Blount. She was the wife of William Blount, who helped shape the region's early development.

The tomato festival each summer brings together local farmers and residents to celebrate their agricultural roots. This event shows how farming remains central to how people here see themselves and their community.

Voting takes place across several polling locations throughout the county. Early voting is available during set periods and should be planned ahead of time.

Cherokee Lake was created in the 1940s by the Tennessee Valley Authority, which required Bean Station and many families to relocate. This reshaping of the landscape became a defining moment in the county's modern history.

Location: Tennessee

Inception: April 22, 1796

Capital city: Rutledge

Shares border with: Hancock County, Hawkins County, Hamblen County, Jefferson County, Knox County, Union County, Claiborne County

Website: http://graingertn.com

GPS coordinates: 36.28000,-83.51000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:06