DeKalb County

DeKalb County is a county in Middle Tennessee featuring gentle rolling hills, lakes, and river valleys that stretch between the Nashville and Knoxville regions. The area consists of woodlands and open fields dotted with small communities and the county seat of Smithville at its center.

The county was established in 1837 by the Tennessee General Assembly and named after Major General Johann de Kalb, who served in the American Revolution. This naming honored his contributions to the war for independence.

Throughout the year, the county hosts farmers markets and local festivals where handmade goods, regional music, and Tennessee traditions are shared. These gatherings serve as meeting places where residents connect over their shared love of farming and rural life.

Smithville, the county seat, connects to larger cities through highways and provides convenient access to Nashville and nearby centers. Visitors will find local shops, restaurants, and accommodations there, with easy access to outdoor activities throughout the surrounding countryside.

During the 1800s, saltpeter mines operated throughout the area, supplying raw materials for gunpowder production and shaping the region's economy. These historical operations left traces in the landscape and the memory of the local community.

Location: Tennessee

Inception: 1837

Capital city: Smithville

Shares border with: Putnam County, Cannon County, White County, Warren County, Wilson County, Smith County

Website: http://dekalbtennessee.com

GPS coordinates: 35.98000,-85.83000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:24