Happy 225th Birthday to Sevier County TN!
On Sept. 18, 2019, Sevier County celebrated its 225th birthday! Our birthday celebration featured food, fun, live music and so much more. If you missed out on the big celebration, you can watch a video of some of the best moments below and learn more about what makes the beautiful Sevier County TN so wonderful!
Sevier County 225th Birthday Celebration
Hundreds of Sevier County residents and visitors gathered in downtown Sevierville on Sept. 18 for our birthday celebration! The celebration was a hallmark moment for the Sevier County community. The audience was filled with people from both the state level and county level, and all of the cities were represented. Food vendors provided delicious food at the celebration, complete with a decorated birthday cake! Mayor Larry Waters spoke at the event, saying, “We’re very lucky to live in these beautiful mountains and this beautiful county with its rich heritage. That heritage is on display every day in our citizens who are so proud to share the beauty and the culture that we have.”
Other speakers at the celebration included Bryan McCarter, vice mayor of Sevier County, Gary R. Wade, former chief justice of the TN Supreme Court, and Carroll McMahan, Sevier County’s historian.
History of Sevier County
Sevier County TN was formed on September 18, 1794. It gets its name from John Sevier, the first governor of Tennessee who played an important role during the early years of settlement in the region. The creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the early 1930s helped the county grow into what it is today. It’s now known as the gateway to the most visited national park in the country and is home to more than 81,000 people. The county includes the popular cities of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville, as well as the smaller communities Pittman Center and Kodak. Here is more information on the popular cities in Sevier County:
Pigeon Forge: Pigeon Forge began as a small farming community and has turned into a major tourist destination. Its combination of family values and Southern hospitality is part of what makes it so popular. It is home to Dollywood and plenty of other fun attractions, shops, and restaurants.
Gatlinburg: Gatlinburg was once a small mountain town bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is now a popular vacation destination. It was once known as White Oak Flats, and in 1856, a post office was established in the general store of Radford Gatlin, giving the town the name of “Gatlinburg.” Both residents and visitors can now enjoy gorgeous mountain views, attractions, shops, restaurants, and more in Gatlinburg.
Sevierville: Sevierville is the 8th-oldest city in Tennessee and the county seat of Sevier County. It is home to country music legend Dolly Parton and a popular destination for people visiting the Smoky Mountains. People visiting Sevierville love stopping by to see the Dolly Parton statue outside of the courthouse!
Plan Your Visit to Sevier County TN
We love all of our residents in Sevier County and the millions of visitors that join us each year! You will love visiting our amazing county and all that it has to offer, from its rich history to popular tourist attractions. Help us celebrate 225 years of Sevier County by planning a visit! Learn more about Sevier County TN, then book your trip.
