Find Johnson County TN events and programs on our Calendar of Events. click on image to enlarge view Jeff Little Trio Jeff Little Trio 1/3 1/22 Johnson County Calendar of Events event submission guidelines submit your event for free

Johnson County TN is a Three Star Community and strive for excellence in community development. We know that at the heart of a competitive economic development strategy is community development, so we diligently work to enhance and improve our community assets. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT There are tremendous opportunities to grow and develop your business in Johnson County. We are experiencing economic growth in our business sectors, tourism industry and real estate market. We are continually expanding our county services to meet the needs of our economic development. We are a Three Star Community and strive for excellence in community development. We know that at the heart of a competitive economic development strategy is community development, so we diligently work to enhance and improve our community assets. You are welcome to come and be part of our economic growth. Tennessee is a right to work state. Johnson County Tennessee Business and Training Services for Your Company include . . . Skilled, competent employees are the linchpin of your company. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s Industrial Training Service (ITS) offers a wide variety of workforce training development and support services to both new and established companies through the state. ITS can help you meet your initial training needs, assist in developing a customized training program, and help offset instructional expenses. In short, ITS can help you build the workforce your company needs to succeed. Additional Training from the Industrial Training Service include . . . Skilled, competent employees are the linchpin of your company. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s Industrial Training Service (ITS) offers a wide variety of workforce training development and support services to both new and established companies through the state. ITS can help you meet your initial training needs, assist in developing a customized training program, and help offset instructional expenses. In short, ITS can help you build the workforce your company needs to succeed. Employee Recruitment & Screening Recruitment and screening services will be provided by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Utilizing the client/company’s prepared job specifications, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development will recruit and screen persons for their company. Those individuals who meet the business’s specifications will be referred to the company for employment considerations. Pre-employment Assistance Pre-employment instruction is designed to focus on developing entry level skills in new employees. The program caninclude basic skills upgrade and allows the company to observe participants for employee placement. Job Specific Training Formal classroom training instructs prospective employees in specific skills which is designed for a particular company’sneeds. On-The-Job Training (OJT) Instruction that focuses on the development of specific skills and knowledge vital to production. Training is provided by company technicians and or instructor mutually acceptable to the Industrial Training Services and the company. Training may take place in the classroom or at the company site. Vendor – or manufacturer of actual products or service equipment may be used by the client when utilizing delivery of specific skill training. System Support Instruction associated with plant wide applications. Instruction may include new methods for increasing mechanization, quality, materials handling, etc. Development and Coordination support the cost association with the development of instructional materials and coordination of the overall training program. Workforce Development Leadership training is directed to providing supervisors’ team leaders, and managers with the interpersonal skills necessary to motivate and lead production. workers towards accomplishing organizational goals. Team Training is provided for manufacturing/production employees where interpersonal communication is important in fostering interdependence, cooperation, commitment, motivation, etc. Instruction Certification of company personnel insures the availability of certified instructors not only at start up but also on a long term basis. The week-long certification seminar provides candidates with the facilitation skills necessary to deliver a wide range of program.

The Johnson County Purchasing Department is maintaining a registry of vendors who have expressed an interest in doing business with the Johnson County Government. SURPLUS PROPERTY FOR SALE ON GOVDEALS.COM County Government Surplus Items Highway Department Surplus Items Sheriff’s Department Surplus Items Open RFQ A&E Services County Purchasing Manual Click Here to View Open Solicitations Listing on Vendor Registry INVITATION TO BID: Renovations & Additions to Existing Facilities Johnson County Transfer Station DOWNLOAD SPECIFICATIONS HERE A Pre-Bid Conference will be held Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 1:00pm Bids will be receivedby the Architect until Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 3:00pm Johnson County Purchasing Department Troy Arnold, Purchasing Agent 211 North Church Street | Mountain City, TN 37683 Phone: 423-727-7861 | Fax: 423-727-7418 Email: purchasing@johnsoncountytn.gov Vendor Registration – Click Here The Johnson County Purchasing Department is maintaining a registry of vendors who have expressed an interest in doing business with the Johnson County Government. If you would like to add your business to this registry, please complete registration by clicking on the link above and follow the instructions. As needs arise for a particular product or service, the purchasing department uses this registry as one of several sources to find potential suppliers. Please note that the Johnson County Purchasing Department cannot guarantee that this registry will be utilized or that any vendor will be notified of every solicitation for quotes, bids, or proposals for which it wishes to compete. Public Notice advertisements for formal bids and proposals are placed within The Tomahawk newspaper of Mountain City, TN at minimum 2-weeks prior to the scheduled response deadline. PROTEST PROCEDURE Any protest concerning the award of any bid or proposal shall be addressed to the Johnson County, TN Purchasing Agent. Protest shall be made in writing to the Purchasing Agent and shall be filed within five (5) business days after the intended award is announced. A protest is considered filed when received by the Purchasing Agent and written confirmation is given back to the protester. The written protest shall include the name and address of the protester, identification of the procurement, a statement of the specific reasons for the protest and supporting exhibits. The submitted information will be reviewed with the appropriate Department Head and County Attorney to render a final decision and a formal response provided within five days. This decision relative to the protest shall be considered final.

Johnson County is home to many great protected natural resources which have driven the growth in our Tourism sector. We are known as mountain and lake country, since our county consists of four mountains, three valleys and one big lake. Johnson County Tourism This is a great time to become part of the growing Tourism market in Johnson County. Please visit our new Tourism Website and follow us on our Facebook page ! Local and community events will continue to be promoted, for FREE, on this website. Have questions? Email us ! We are home to many great protected natural resources which have driven the growth in our Tourism sector. We are known as mountain and lake country, since our county consists of four mountains, three valleys and one big lake. We offer many types of outdoor recreation including hiking, biking, fishing, paddling, camping, ATV touring and motorcycle touring. Our goal is to preserve, protect and promote these great natural wonders, for the benefit of our residents and visitors to our area. Johnson County is also known as the birthplace of Bluegrass Music! Enjoy a walk through beautiful downtown Mountain City, where a series of murals tell the story of Johnson County's rich musical heritage. Pick up a map on the front porch of Johnson County Center for the Arts or download your printable PDF Map here ! Our main attractions include Watauga Lake which offers a variety of water sports, and the Doe Mountain Recreation Area, offering 8,600 acres of mountain terrain with several types of adventure trails. We are also home to the Snake 421Motorcycle and Sport Car Route which offers some of the best motorcycle touring in the region. Johnson County is also designated as part of an American Viticultural Area with a beautiful vineyard that produces high quality wine grapes for two local wineries. This designation means that our area has the geographic features for producing high quality wine grapes. This recognition will influence the growth of the wine industry.

We are historic Johnson County, located in northeast Tennessee. Our county seat is in Mountain City, where most of our operations and services are situated. We are a designated Three Star Community and strive for excellence in community development. Our history and Appalachian culture is rooted in rural America farming which was followed by mills, timber and mining. We are historic Johnson County, located in northeast Tennessee. Our county seat is in Mountain City, where most of our operations and services are situated. We are a designated Three Star Community and strive for excellence in community development. Our history and Appalachian culture is rooted in rural America farming which was followed by mills, timber and mining. We are mountain and lake country with beautiful natural resources that we have protected for the benefit of our residents and those who visit our area. These natural resources have helped our county to become a family vacation destination and a desirable place to live, so we are experiencing growth in our tourism, business and real estate sectors. There are tremendous opportunities to grow and develop your business here in Johnson County, while enjoying a good quality of life. Johnson County Properties There are currently no county properties available for lease. Johnson County Organized Camps (aka Campgrounds) Regulations The Tennessee Division of Environmental Health is responsible for the inspection of organized camps. For more details, please go to https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/eh-program/eh-camps.html Johnson County - Fair Housing Johnson County is committed to affirmatively furthering Fair Housing through raising awareness of Fair Housing Law and the requirement that all citizens are treated fairly in all housing matters, including buying or renting, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability for family size. If you believe you are a victim of housing discrimination, visit www.hud.gov/fairhousing to file a complaint or call HUD’s housing discrimination hotline 1-800-669-9777. Johnson County Subdivision Regulations As amended through October 18, 2012. Download PDF version here . Johnson County Commission Districts, School Board/Constable Districts & Precinct Maps Download PDF version here. Johnson County Map The only incorporated municipality is Mountain City which also serves as the county seat.

View the most recent census and demographic data for Johnson County TN. Johnson County Census & Demographics Population estimates, July 1, 2021, (V2021) . . . . . . 18,170 PEOPLE Population Population estimates, July 1, 2021, (V2021) . . . . . 18,170 Population estimates base, April 1, 2020, (V2021) . . . . . 17,948 Population, percent change – April 1, 2020 (estimates base) to July 1, 2021, (V2021) . . . . . 1.2% Population, Census, April 1, 2010 . . . . . . 18,244 Age & Sex Persons under 5 years, percent . . . . . . . 4.3% Persons under 18 years, percent . . . . . . 16.9% Persons 65 years and over, percent . . . . . . 23.3% Female persons, percent . . . . . . 46.3% Race and Hispanic Origin White alone, percent . . . . . . 95.9% Black or African American alone, percent . . . . . . 2.2% American Indian and Alaska Native alone, percent . . . . . . 0.4% Asian alone, percent . . . . . . 0.3% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, percent . . . . . . Z Two or More Races, percent . . . . . . 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, percent . . . . . . 2.1% White alone, not Hispanic or Latino, percent . . . . . . 93.9% Population Characteristics Veterans, 2016-2020 . . . . . . 1,503 Foreign born persons, percent, 2016-2020 . . . . . 1.5% HOUSING Housing units, July 1, 2019, (V2019) . . . . . . 9,019 Owner-occupied housing unit rate, 2016-2020 . . . . . . 75.5% Median value of owner-occupied housing units, 2016-2020 . . . . . . $133,700 Median selected monthly owner costs -with a mortgage, 2016-2020 . . . . . . $891 Median selected monthly owner costs -without a mortgage, 2016-2020 . . . . . . $294 Median gross rent, 2016-2020 . . . . . . $552 Building permits, 2020 . . . . . . 1 Families & Living Arrangements Households, 2016-2020 . . . . . . 6,979 Persons per household, 2016-2020 . . . . . . 2.26 Living in same house 1 year ago, percent of persons age 1 year+, 2016-2020 . . . . . . 89.8% Language other than English spoken at home, percent of persons age 5 years+,2016-2020 . . . . . . . 3.0% Education High school graduate or higher, percent of persons age 25 years+, 2016-2020 . . . . . . 80.6% Bachelor’s degree or higher, percent of persons age 25 years+, 2016-2020 . . . . . . 11.9% Health With a disability, under age 65 years, percent, 2016-2020 . . . . . . 16.0% Persons without health insurance, under age 65 years, percent . . . . . . 12.4% Economic In civilian labor force, total, percent of population age 16 years+, 2016-2020 . . . . . . 39.2% In civilian labor force, female, percent of population age 16 years+, 2016-2020 . . . . . . 39.1% Total accommodation and food services sales, 2012 ($1,000) . . . . . . 9,262 Total health care and social assistance receipts/revenue, 2012 ($1,000) . . . . . . 42,839 Total manufacturers shipments, 2012 ($1,000) . . . . . . 165,435 Total retail sales, 2012 ($1,000) . . . . . . 108,792 Total retail sales per capita, 2012 . . . . . . $6,012 Transportation With a disability, under age 65 years, percent, 2016-2020 . . . . . . 16.0% Persons without health insurance, under age 65 years, percent . . . . . . 12.4% Income & Poverty Median household income (in 2020 dollars), 2016-2020 . . . . . . . $38,090 Per capita income in past 12 months (in 2020 dollars), 2016-2020 . . . . . . $22,955 Persons in poverty, percent . . . . . . 18.6% Businesses Total employer establishments, 2020 . . . . . . 233 Total employment, 2020 . . . . . . 3,501 Total annual payroll, 2020 ($1,000) . . . . . . 143,571 Total employment, percent change, 2019-2020 . . . . . . 4.6% Total non-employer establishments, 2018 . . . . . . 1,050 All firms, 2012 . . . . . . 1,330 Men-owned firms, 2012 . . . . . . 796 Women-owned firms, 2012 . . . . . . 364 Minority-owned firms, 2012 . . . . . . F Nonminority-owned firms, 2012 . . . . . . 1,286 Veteran-owned firms, 2012 . . . . . . 114 Nonveteran-owned firms, 2012 . . . . . . 1,115 Geography Population per square mile, 2010 . . . . . . 61.1 Land area in square miles, 2010 . . . . . . . 298.48 FIPS Code . . . . . . 47091 Value Notes Estimates are not comparable to other geographic levels due to methodology differences that may exist between different data sources. Some estimates presented here come from sample data, and thus have sampling errors that may render some apparent differences between geographies statistically indistinguishable. Click the Quick Info  icon to the left of each row in TABLE view to learn about sampling error. The vintage year (e.g., V2021) refers to the final year of the series (2020 thru 2021). Different vintage years of estimates are not comparable. Users should exercise caution when comparing 2016-2020 ACS 5-year estimates to other ACS estimates. For more information, please visit the 2020 5-year ACS Comparison Guidance page. Fact Notes (a) Includes persons reporting only one race (c) Economic Census – Puerto Rico data are not comparable to U.S. Economic Census data (b) Hispanics may be of any race, so also are included in applicable race categories Value Flags -Either no or too few sample observations were available to compute an estimate, or a ratio of medians cannot be calculated because one or both of the median estimates falls in the lowest or upper interval of an open ended distribution. F – Fewer than 25 firms D – Suppressed to avoid disclosure of confidential information N – Data for this geographic area cannot be displayed because the number of sample cases is too small. FN – Footnote on this item in place of data X – Not applicable S – Suppressed; does not meet publication standards NA – Not available Z – Value greater than zero but less than half unit of measure shown QuickFacts data are derived from: Population Estimates, American Community Survey, Census of Population and Housing, Current Population Survey, Small Area Health Insurance Estimates, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates, State and County Housing Unit Estimates, County Business Patterns, Non-employer Statistics, Economic Census, Survey of Business Owners, Building Permits.

The organization of Johnson County took place in 1836 and was named for Thomas Johnson, a leading citizen of Carter County and an early settler on the Doe River. History of Johnson County In 1761, Daniel Boone came through the area that is now Johnson County. There were two early settlements in the area in the late 1760’s and the 1770’s. One settlement was known as “The Trade Gap”, which was a trading post for Indians and traders, in the south east side of the county. This community is now known as Trade . The other early settlement was on Roane Creek, near the confluence with the Watauga River. Other settlements were made soon after further up Roane Creek and on Little Doe. The organization of Johnson County took place in 1836 and was named for Thomas Johnson, a leading citizen of Carter County and an early settler on the Doe River. Johnson County was created from parts of Carter County, because of the long distance to travel to the county seat in Elizabethton. The first session of the county court was begun and held at the Pleasant Grove School House on May 2, 1836. In October of 1836, the county commissioners were given authority to contract for the building of a court house. It took about a year to complete the structure. Two years later the jail was completed. In 1836, the county seat was originally named Taylorsville in honor of Colonel James Taylor. The name was changed to Mountain City in the 1885, to reflect it being in one of the highest valleys in Tennessee. Because the county was so remote, the railroads did not reach the area until the early 1900’s. The arrival of the railroads greatly influenced the development of the timber and manganese mining industries. Learn more about our rich heritage by visiting the Johnson County Museum in Mountain City and the Museum of Butler !

The Johnson County/Mountain City Community Center offers after school and summer programming to the students of Johnson County. These services are made possible through County/City funding, grants, and contributions. The center is also used by several local organizations as a meeting place. County/City Community Center The Johnson County/Mountain City Community Center offers after school and summer programming to the students of Johnson County. These services are made possible through County/City funding, grants, and contributions. The center is also used by several local organizations as a meeting place. For more information about the center please follow us on Facebook ! Johnson County/Mountain City Community Center 214 College St Mountain City, TN 37683 (423) 727-2942 Email: fbellamy201@gmail.com

Information and documents for employees of Johnson County Tennessee. JOHNSON COUNTY EMPLOYEE LINKS County Employee Email Login Page Custodial & Maintenance Request Form County Employee Handbook County Ethics Policy County Fleet Safety Policy County Cellular Telephone Policies County Purchasing Manual Event Calendar Guidelines State of TN Government Sales & Use Tax Certificate of Exemption County Employee Reimbursement Request Form TCRS Self-Service Website State Benefits Administration Self-Service Website Open Records Request Information Form Updated Travel Regulations - 2023 Travel Expense Form - 2022 County Maintenance Work Order Form PUBLIC OPEN RECORDS POLICY FOR JOHNSON COUNTY, TN Updated 02/18/2021 Pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503(g), the following Public Records Policy for Johnson County, TN Government is hereby adopted by the Johnson County Commission to provide economical and efficient access to public records as provided under the Tennessee Public Records Act (“TPRA”) in Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-501, et seq. download policy & request form here

Explore the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains Tennessee; discover attractions, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities. Johnson County Attractions Johnson County has become a popular family vacation destination offering many outdoor adventures and a great variety of family attractions. We have a great county Welcome Center located on Hwy 421 in Mountain City offering travelers all the information they need to enjoy these adventures and attractions. Find Places to Stay | Visit our Calendar of Events | Discover Things to Do Our Log Cabin Welcome Center warmly welcomes visitors to Johnson County. It is conveniently located on Hwy 421, in the middle of Mountain City, which is our county seat. Here you will find a small history museum with exhibits that present our history and showcases original artifacts and pictures from the past. The Welcome Center is staffed with knowledgeable and friendly people who can answer your questions, give you information about local businesses and provide tourism information about the many activities, attractions and adventures available in our area. Johnson County Welcome Center 716 S Shady St, Mountain City, TN 37683 (423) 727-5800 Tennessee's Best Kept Secret Johnson County is home to many types of attractions including historical sites, museums, theater, parks and music. There are also several nature based attractions such as Watauga Lake, Doe Mountain Recreation Area, and the Snake Motorcycle and Sports Car Route. Continue to scroll down for more videos and links to more to do! In April of 2023, Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee Legislative Body designated the iconic rock anthem, Copperhead Road by Steve Earle, as the 12th State song. In honor of this recognition, Johnson County Tourism partnered with The Waterfront Group to create a very unique landmark to capture the musical history and moonshine legends of this area of Tennessee. The landmark is free to visit and we encourage photos! The unveiling of the Copperhead Road Landmark in 2024 also kicked off the Copperhead Road Music Fest held over Memorial Day! Our Annual Festivals MOUNTAIN CITY SUNFLOWER FESTIVAL JULY LONG JOURNEY HOME LABOR DAY WEEKEND SEPTEMBER COPPERHEAD ROAD MUSIC FEST MAY MOUNTAIN CITY FIDDLERS CONVENTION SEPTEMBER TRADE MILL & NATIVE HERITAGE DAYS SEPTEMBER OLD BUTLER DAYS 4TH SATURDAY AUGUST CRANBERRY FESTIVAL SHADY ROCK SCHOOL OCTOBER CHRISTMAS ON MAIN FIRST SATURDAY DECEMBER

A directory of the Johnson County Committees and their members. Johnson County Committees AIRPORT ADVISORY Mr. Bill Adams Mrs. Gina Meade Mr. Freddy Phipps Mr. Tommy Poore Mr. Jerry Redden Mayor Larry Potter ANIMAL CONTROL Mr. Eugene Campbell Mr. Jerry Gentry Mr. Tracy Greer Mr. Cody Osborne Mr. Tommy Poore AUDIT Mrs. Gina Meade Mr. Eugene Campbell Mrs. Sally Snyder Mrs. Megan McEwen BEER / ENTERTAINMENT Mr. Bill Adams Mr. Tracy Greer Mr. Eugene Campbell Mr. Jerry Gentry Mrs. Renee Proffitt, Secretary Mr. Bill Tugman BUDGET Mr. Jerry Gentry Mrs. Gina Meade Mr. Huey Long Mr. Freddy Phipps Mayor Larry Potter, Chairman BUILDING NEGATIONS / COURTHOUSE Mr. Bill Adams Mr. Eugene Campbell Mr. Jerry Gentry Mr. Brian Taylor Mr. Tracy Greer DISABLED ACCESS Mr. Bill Adams Mr. Brian Taylor Mrs. Serena Warren Mrs. Flo Bellamy ETHICS Ms. Tammie Fenner Mr. Kody Norris Mrs. Megan McEwen Mr. Huey Long Mr. Tommy Poore JOINT ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Mr. Jeff Fritts Mr. Dick Grayson Mrs. Megan McEwen Mrs. Gina Meade Mr. Kody Norris Ms. Angie Stout City Mayor Jerry Jordan County Mayor Larry Potter LAKE ACCESS Mr. Tommy Poore Mr. Jerry Gentry Mr. Jimmy Lowe Mr. Cody Osborne Mr. Tracy Greer Mr. Jerry Grindstaff Mr. Jimmy Lowe Mr. Lester Dunn Mrs. Gina Meade Mr. Huey Long LAND BROUGHT IN BY COUNTY "SALES TAX" MEAT PROCESSING Mr. Matthew Lewis Mr. Herbie Adams Mr. Jerry Gentry Mr. Billy Ward Mr. Terry Snyder Mayor Larry Potter PARKS & RECREATION Mr. Bill Adams Mr. Jerry Gentry Mr. Kody Norris Mr. Jimmy Lowe Mr. Lester Dunn PERSONNEL & TRAVEL Mr. Brian Taylor Mrs. Gina Meade Mr. Freddy Phipps Mr. Cody Osborne Mayor Larry Potter Ms. Cynthia Cretsinger Mr. Jerry Grindstaff Mr. Alan Hammons Mr. Bob Pardue Mr. Tommy Poore Mrs. Kim Wilson PLANNING PUBLIC REC ORDS COMMISSION Ms. Tammie Fenner Mrs. Freida Gwinn Mrs. Sheila Caldwell Mr. Russell Robinson Ryan Carroll, County Attorney Mr. Jerry Gentry Ms. Jenny Johnson Manuel Mayor Larry Potter PUBLIC SAFETY Mr. Lester Dunn Mr. Eugene Campbell Mr. Jerry Gentry Mr. Jimmy Lowe Mr. Tommy Poore Mr. Tracy Greer Mr. Freddy Phipps Mrs. Megan McEwen Mayor Larry Potter PURCHASING Mr. Bill Adams Mr. Huey Long Mr. Cody Osborne Mrs. Gina Meade Mayor Larry Potter Mr. Jason Blevins Ms. Bev Graybeal Ms. Louise Lawrence Ms. Karen Manuel Ms. Robin Wilson SAFETY SOLID WASTE Mr. Jerry Gentry Mrs. Megan McEwen Mr. Brian Taylor Mr. Lester Dunn Mayor Larry Potter

Johnson County is the northeastern most county in Tennessee, sharing borders with Virginia and North Carolina. Communities are Mountain City, Butler, Cold Springs, Doe Valley, Dry Run, Forge Creek, Shouns, Laurel Bloomery, Shady Valley and Trade. Johnson County Tennessee Communities Johnson County is the northeastern most county in Tennessee, sharing borders with Virginia and North Carolina. The county is situated entirely in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is made up of many small towns and communities situated over four mountains, three valleys and along one big lake. It is one of the highest counties in Tennessee, and it has a total area of 303 square miles, of which 298 square miles is land and 4.2 square miles is water. Mountain City is the largest town in the county and serves as the county seat. The county is governed by a Board of Commissioners and a county mayor. There are (8) voting districts in the county represented by 15 Commissioners. The county is located within Tennessee’s 1st congressional district. Johnson County was created in 1836 from parts of Carter County, where Elizabethton was the county seat. The residents of what is now Johnson County tried for years to get the county to move the seat to a more central location, because it was so difficult to travel to Elizabethton. Their formal petition was rejected by the county, so they petitioned the state legislature for the creation of a new county. The new county was named after Thomas Johnson, an early settler. Mainly due to the remoteness of the county, the railroads did not reach Johnson County until the early 1900’s. The arrival of the railroad greatly helped the development of the timber and manganese mining industries. Butler, TN Butler is an unincorporated community in Johnson County, Tennessee, and is located along the northern shore of Watauga Lake. Butler is served by a Post Office assigned zip code 37640. The community is part of the voting district # 4 area of the county. The settlement of what is now known as Butler began in 1768. The town was originally located on Roan Creek at its confluence with the Watauga River, and the community was originally called Smith’s Mill for the gristmill built on the bank of the Roan Creek in 1820. After the civil war, it was renamed in honor of Colonel Roderick R. Butler. Aenon Seminary, a secondary school, was established in Butler in 1871. It later became Holly Springs College. In the 1906, it was purchased by the Watauga Baptist Association and renamed Watauga Academy. It operated under that name until 1948, when the town was inundated by the formation of Watauga Lake, and the town was relocated to higher ground to make way for the lake. The original town is now known as “Old Butler” and is called “The Town That Wouldn’t Drown”. The history and relocation of Butler is documented at the Butler Museum, which has incredible exhibits and original pictures on display presenting the long history, the Appalachian culture and the relocation of the original town to its current location. Cold Springs, TN The Cold Springs community is located in Johnson County, Tennessee, and it is located right outside of Mountain City. The primary coordinates of the community place it within the 37683 zip code delivery area of Mountain City. The community is part of the voting district #1 area of the county. In or near the community are the Second District Volunteer Fire Department and several businesses. The history of the community was rooted in farming and today there are still many farms in the area. Doe Valley, TN Doe Valley is an unincorporated community in Johnson County, Tennessee, and it is situated in the upper Doe Creek Valley between Iron Mountains to the north and Doe Mountain to the south. The community is located along Hwy 67 between Mountain City and Butler. It is near the communities of Pandora to the southwest and Dewey to the northeast. The primary coordinates for Doe Valley places it within the 37683 zip code delivery area of Mountain City. The community is part of the voting district #5 area of the county. Doe Valley is the location of the Tennessee Department of Correction’s Northeast Correctional Complex and the Johnson County Chamber Park, which hosts an annual rodeo and other events. This community is home to the Doe Valley Elementary School and the Doe Valley Volunteer Fire Department. There are also a number of small businesses located inthe area. It is near Watauga Lake and the Cherokee National Forest. Dry Run, TN Dry Run is a small community in Johnson County, Tennessee and is located near Butler. The primary coordinates of the county place it within the 37640 zip code delivery area of Butler. The community is part of the voting district #4 area of the county. Located in the community are the Dry Run Volunteer Fire Department and the Dry Run Elementary School. There are also several businesses in this area including the Dry Hill General Store & Deli and the Watauga Lake Winery. Forge Creek / Shouns, TN The Forge Creek and Shouns community is located in Johnson County, and it is actually situated within the town of Mountain City. It has an elevation of 2303 feet with Forge Mountain rising to the east of the town. The primary coordinates of the community place it within the 37683 zip code delivery area of Mountain City. The community is part of the voting district #2 area of the county. In 1761 Daniel Boone came through the area that is now Johnson County. In the mid 1770’s, a settlement was established in the area called “The Trade Gap”, which was a trading post for Indians and traders. The area was renamed Trade, Tennessee and is the oldest community in the state. By the late 1770’s, Johnson County had a population of about 150 people, with a leading citizen being Leonard Shoun, who fathered 20 children, and for which Shoun’s Crossroads is named. Laurel Bloomery, TN Laurel Bloomery is an unincorporated community in Johnson County, Tennessee, and it is the northeastern most community in the state with an elevation of 2410 feet. It is located along Hwy 91 between Mountain City, Tennessee and Damascus, Virginia. Laurel Bloomery had a Post Office with an assigned zip code of 37680. It is now part of the Mountain City delivery area. The community is part of the voting district # 1 area of the county. The community was settled in the early 19th century. The community’s first bloomer forge mill was built and began operation in 1810. The mill was closed in 1870, but portions are still standing today. The community was named for the Laurel Creek between Damascus and Mountain City. The area is known for its’ beautiful mountains and secluded valleys. The area is home to some great hiking trails including the easier Laurel Creek Trail that meanders along the Laurel Creek and the more challenging Gentry Falls Trail leading to a double waterfall located in the back forest of the area. The Old Time Fiddlers Convention is held every year at the Old Mill Music Park. It marks the annual anniversary of the Mountain City Fiddlers Convention of 1925 that was held in nearby Mountain City. Musicians travel to this event to play and listen to old time folk and bluegrass music. Mountain City, TN Mountain City serves as the county seat of Johnson County, and it is the northeastern most county seat in Tennessee. It is the highest incorporated city in the state at an elevation of 2,418 feet. The town has a total area of 3.3 square miles, all being land. The town is situated in one of the highest valleys in the state. Forge Mountain rises to the east, Doe Mountain rises to the southwest and Iron Mountains rise to the north. Mountain City is just a few miles from both the Virginia and North Carolina state lines. US Hwy 421 connects Mountain City with Bristol, Tennessee, to the northwest and Boone, North Carolina, to the southeast. State route 67 winds along side Watauga Lake and connects the town to Elizabethton, Tennessee. Mountain City has a Post Office with an assigned zip code of 37683. The town is part of the voting district #7 area of the county. The first Euro-American explorers arrived in what is now the Mountain City area in the late 17th century using existing Native American trails. The first permanent Euro-American settlers arrived in the 18th century and among them were Leonard Shoun and Alexander Doran. The town was founded in 1836 and was originally called Taylorsville, in honor of Colonel James Taylor. The name was changed to Mountain City in 1885, to reflect it being in one of the highest valleys in Tennessee. Mountain City and Johnson County have a long musical heritage. In 1925, the town was the site of the first Mountain City Fiddlers Convention, which is considered a landmark event in the modern history of Appalachian traditional music. The musical gathering greatly contributed to the development of the genre of country music. It is celebrated every year at the Old Time Fiddlers Convention in nearby Laurel Bloomery. Shady Valley, TN Shady Valley is an unincorporated community in Johnson County, Tennessee, and is located just outside of the Cherokee National Forest. Shady Valley is also the name of the valley in which the town is located. It is the second highest community in Tennessee at an elevation of 2785 feet, and it is situated between Holston Mountain to the northwest and Iron Mountain to the southeast. The town is located at the intersection of Hwy 421 and Hwy 91 in the middle of the valley. Shady Valley is served by a Post Office assigned zip code 37688. The community is part of the voting district #6 area of the county. Shady Valley is home to some historic cranberry bogs. These are cold adopted ecosystems, far south of their usual range. The valley once contained an estimated 10,000 acres of boreal cranberry bogs. The annual Cranberry Festival held the second weekend in October every year, celebrates the remaining cranberry bog. The annual festival includes food, music, a parade and auctions. Shady Valley is also known for the famous Snake Motorcycle Ride. The local general store serves as the home base for this motorcycle route, and here you can get Snake Motorcycle memorabilia, food, gas and information. The community has two other small businesses, a US Post Office and the Shady Valley Elementary School. Trade, TN Trade is an unincorporated community in Johnson County, Tennessee, and is the eastern most community in the state. Trade is also considered the oldest community in the state, and it is the highest community in the state at 3133 feet elevation. It is located along Hwy 421 between Mountain City, Tennessee and Boone, North Carolina. Trade is served by a Post Office assigned zip code 37691. The community is part of the voting district #3 area of the county. In the 18th century, Trade was established as a trading outpost known as “The Trade Gap”. It was a trading post for Native Americans, pioneers and fur traders. Tom Dula (made famous by the folk song “Tom Dooley”) hid out in Trade as he was on the run, suspected of murder in North Carolina. He was eventually arrested by a posse in Trade. In 2008, the Trade Gristmill celebrated its grand opening at the Trade Community Center grounds. Most of the parts comprising the newly constructed mill date back to pre-civil war. This is a good attraction to share with family and friends. The culture and history of Trade is celebrated at the Trade Days Festival, a long running celebration of Appalachian arts, crafts, culture and history. It includes Appalachian music, dance and a Native American Pow-Wow. It is held at the Trade Community Center.