Hawkins County

Hawkins County is an administrative area in northeastern Tennessee with rolling mountains and river valleys throughout its landscape. The region straddles the Tennessee-Virginia border and benefits from major routes running north and south through its communities.

The county was formed in 1786 and named after Benjamin Hawkins, an early US Senator from North Carolina. This timing placed it among the first territorial divisions in the newly settled western frontier of that era.

The region is rooted in Appalachian traditions, and you'll see folk music and craftsmanship woven into everyday life throughout communities here. Local gatherings and seasonal celebrations keep these customs alive for residents and visitors alike.

Rogersville serves as the county seat and main hub for government services and daily needs. The two-lane US Routes 11W and 11E run through the region and make navigation straightforward for visitors exploring different areas.

The courthouse built in 1836 remains the oldest active court building in the entire state. Its survival through nearly two centuries reflects the solid construction methods of that era and the building's role in shaping community law and order.

Location: Tennessee

Inception: November 18, 1786

Capital city: Rogersville

Shares border with: Sullivan County, Greene County, Hamblen County, Grainger County, Hancock County, Scott County, Washington County

Website: http://hawkinscountytn.gov

GPS coordinates: 36.44000,-82.95000

Latest update: December 20, 2025 15:29