Smith County

Smith County spans rolling hills at the base of the Cumberland Plateau with rivers and valleys. The Caney Fork and Cumberland River flow through the area, while three main towns—Carthage, South Carthage, and Gordonsville—serve the population, with Carthage functioning as the administrative center.

The area was established in 1799 and named after Daniel Smith, a Revolutionary War veteran who created Tennessee's first map and later served as a US Senator. This naming honors his important contribution to the state's early history.

The area preserves rural traditions through farming and cattle raising, which shapes the everyday landscape. This connection to agricultural life shows in how the land is used and in the farms that characterize the valley.

Carthage is the largest town and the administrative center with shops and services. The area is mostly rural, so it's good to plan things in advance or organize them in smaller towns before heading out.

Piper Cave near Monoville shows traces of saltpeter mining from the 1800s. These underground operations supplied munitions factories during two major conflicts in American history.

Location: Tennessee

Inception: October 26, 1799

Capital city: Carthage

Shares border with: Macon County, Trousdale County, Wilson County, DeKalb County, Putnam County, Jackson County

GPS coordinates: 36.25000,-85.96000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:25