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DeKalb County, Tennessee welcomes you!
Established amongst the natural beauty of the Highland Rim and Central Basin regions of Middle Tennessee, DeKalb County boasts lush green forests, rolling hills, and crystal clear waters. Formed in 1837, the county and its towns and communities are rich with history, natural resources and some of the finest people in the South.
DeKalb County was formed from the earlier established counties of Smith, White and Warren Counties, as well as a small western part of Cannon County. The Tennessee General Assembly named the county in honor of German General Johann DeKalb, who gave his life serving in the American Revolution. The county seat was named Smithville in honor of Samuel Granville Smith of Jackson County, a State Senator and Tennessee's Secretary of State.
For many years Smithville, and the small rural towns of Alexandria, Liberty, and Dowelltown, were known as a largely agricultural communities, but in 1949 DeKalb County became known as a tourist destination with the completion of Center Hill Lake. Built along the Caney Fork River, the 64-mile long The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir has 415 miles of mostly undeveloped shoreline with over 18,000 acres of deep water. With several marinas and campgrounds, including Edgar Evins State Park, the lake has been a favorite for fishermen, boaters, and campers ever since. Center Hill Lake, combined with the abundance of wildlife found throughout the area, makes DeKalb County a favorite of sportsmen of all types year round.
Another huge tourist draw is Smithville, Tennessee’s, annual Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Craft Festival, held every year on the first weekend in July. The Fiddlers’ Jamboree is a two-day event of crafts and artisans, good food, bluegrass music, and dancing. Each year the festival hosts contestants and visitors from all over the United States and the world.
DeKalb County’s low tax rate, available workforce and accessible land also make it an ideal location for future business opportunities. Not only are there choice parcels available for industrial development, DeKalb County is also a beautiful and affordable place to live. Home to several of well-established manufacturing plants and distribution centers, the area offers a rural setting with easy and central road access to Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga and surrounding areas.
Whatever your interest, DeKalb County offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a few relaxing days of fun in the sun, or you’re looking for some good music and dancing; whether you’re looking for business opportunities or a quiet place to retire; DeKalb County has just what you’re looking for.
DeKalb County was formed from the earlier established counties of Smith, White and Warren Counties, as well as a small western part of Cannon County. The Tennessee General Assembly named the county in honor of German General Johann DeKalb, who gave his life serving in the American Revolution. The county seat was named Smithville in honor of Samuel Granville Smith of Jackson County, a State Senator and Tennessee's Secretary of State.
For many years Smithville, and the small rural towns of Alexandria, Liberty, and Dowelltown, were known as a largely agricultural communities, but in 1949 DeKalb County became known as a tourist destination with the completion of Center Hill Lake. Built along the Caney Fork River, the 64-mile long The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir has 415 miles of mostly undeveloped shoreline with over 18,000 acres of deep water. With several marinas and campgrounds, including Edgar Evins State Park, the lake has been a favorite for fishermen, boaters, and campers ever since. Center Hill Lake, combined with the abundance of wildlife found throughout the area, makes DeKalb County a favorite of sportsmen of all types year round.
Another huge tourist draw is Smithville, Tennessee’s, annual Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Craft Festival, held every year on the first weekend in July. The Fiddlers’ Jamboree is a two-day event of crafts and artisans, good food, bluegrass music, and dancing. Each year the festival hosts contestants and visitors from all over the United States and the world.
DeKalb County’s low tax rate, available workforce and accessible land also make it an ideal location for future business opportunities. Not only are there choice parcels available for industrial development, DeKalb County is also a beautiful and affordable place to live. Home to several of well-established manufacturing plants and distribution centers, the area offers a rural setting with easy and central road access to Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga and surrounding areas.
Whatever your interest, DeKalb County offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a few relaxing days of fun in the sun, or you’re looking for some good music and dancing; whether you’re looking for business opportunities or a quiet place to retire; DeKalb County has just what you’re looking for.