Erwin

Erwin is a town in Unicoi County, Tennessee, situated where North Indian Creek meets the Nolichucky River. The community sits within a mountainous landscape bordered by Cherokee National Forest on multiple sides.

The town was named in 1879 when a postal error led officials to misspell Ervin, the name of land donor D.J.N. Ervin. Despite this accidental origin, the community developed into a working center within the region's economy.

From 1916 to 1957, Southern Potteries manufactured hand-painted Blue Ridge dishware, which gained recognition across the United States during the 1930s.

The area can experience heavy flooding during intense rainfall due to its position in a valley between creeks and rivers. Nearby trails and natural spaces offer opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration of the surrounding landscape.

A nuclear fuel processing facility established in 1957 has become a defining economic force in the area and shapes employment patterns today. Earlier in the 1900s, the region gained recognition for hand-painted dishware production, which reached households across the country during the 1930s.

Location: Unicoi County

Elevation above the sea: 510 m

Website: http://erwintn.org

GPS coordinates: 36.14500,-82.41083

Latest update: December 13, 2025 13:18