Cities and Towns in Macon County, Tennessee
Founded in 1842, Macon County is one of 95 counties in the state of Tennessee. Historically, Macon County was formed from Smith and Sumner counties. The city of Lafayette is the county seat. With FIPS code of 111, Macon County has a population of 25,699 and area of 307 square miles (795 km²).
List of all cities in Macon County, TN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Lafayette, TN | 37083 | 615 |
| Red Boiling Springs, TN | 37150 | 615 |
Major Cities and Towns in Macon County, Tennessee
Macon County, Tennessee, located in the northern part of the state, is home to several key cities and towns that reflect the region’s rich history and rural charm. Below is a closer look at the most notable cities and towns in Macon County, including their location, history, schools, and landmarks.
Lafayette
General Information
- Area: 4.06 square miles
- Population: Approximately 4,500 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 37083
- Latitude/Longitude: 36.5053° N / 85.9319° W
City Location and History
Lafayette, the county seat of Macon County, is located in the northern part of Tennessee. The city was founded in the early 1800s and was named after the French military officer Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, who played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War. Initially, Lafayette was an agricultural community, with tobacco, corn, and livestock being the primary industries. The town’s location along the Tennessee-Walker Road, which connected the state to Kentucky, made it an important trade and transportation hub. Lafayette’s growth was slow but steady through the 19th century, with significant development occurring in the 20th century as transportation improved and local industries, such as textiles and manufacturing, began to emerge. Today, Lafayette remains a small but thriving town, with its economy centered around agriculture, local businesses, and light industry.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lafayette is served by the Macon County School System, with notable schools such as Lafayette Elementary School, Lafayette Middle School, and Macon County High School. The town is also home to Macon County Higher Education Center, which provides educational opportunities for adults seeking to further their education. In terms of landmarks, Lafayette boasts the Macon County Courthouse, a historic building that reflects the town’s legal and governmental heritage. The Macon County Historical Society Museum provides a glimpse into the area’s past, featuring exhibits on local history and culture. Lafayette is also known for the Lafayette City Park, which offers recreational facilities, including sports fields, walking trails, and picnic areas, and serves as a popular spot for community gatherings and outdoor activities.
Red Boiling Springs
General Information
- Area: 3.92 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,000
- Zip Code: 37150
- Latitude/Longitude: 36.5524° N / 85.9811° W
City Location and History
Red Boiling Springs, located in the northeastern part of Macon County, was once a popular health resort due to its natural mineral springs, which were believed to have healing properties. The town developed around these springs, and in the early 20th century, it became a well-known destination for people seeking therapeutic treatments. The springs attracted tourists from throughout the region, contributing to the growth of local businesses, hotels, and resorts. Red Boiling Springs was incorporated as a town in 1925, and during its heyday, the area boasted a thriving spa and wellness industry. Although the town’s tourism has decreased since its peak, Red Boiling Springs retains its historic charm and remains a quiet, scenic community surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills.
Major Schools and Landmarks
The town is served by Red Boiling Springs School, which provides education from elementary through high school for students in the area. Despite its small size, Red Boiling Springs has a strong sense of community, with local families actively engaged in the town’s educational and social events. The town’s most notable landmark is the Red Boiling Springs Historic District, which includes several buildings dating back to the early 20th century, many of which were used as hotels and bathhouses. The Red Boiling Springs City Park offers a peaceful setting for picnics, walking, and outdoor activities, while the Saline Springs, one of the town’s historic mineral springs, remains a focal point for visitors interested in the area’s health spa history. The town also hosts the Red Boiling Springs Heritage Festival, which celebrates local culture with music, food, and crafts.
Bethpage
General Information
- Area: 0.9 square miles
- Population: Approximately 400
- Zip Code: 37022
- Latitude/Longitude: 36.4234° N / 86.0568° W
City Location and History
Bethpage is a small rural town located in the southern part of Macon County, near the Sumner County line. Established in the early 19th century, Bethpage was named after the town of Bethpage, New York, by early settlers. Originally, the town’s economy revolved around agriculture, with farming being the primary occupation for its residents. Over the years, Bethpage has remained a quiet, residential town, with little industrial development. The town is located near several larger cities, including Gallatin, which allows residents to enjoy the tranquility of rural life while being close to the amenities and job opportunities of urban areas. The population of Bethpage has remained relatively stable, with many of the town’s residents commuting to nearby towns for work.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bethpage is served by the Macon County School District, with students attending nearby schools in Lafayette or other towns in the region. The town’s small size means that there are fewer public landmarks compared to larger communities, but it is home to a number of scenic views and natural areas. The Bethpage Community Center serves as a gathering spot for local events, including festivals and community meetings. The area around Bethpage is known for its lush farmland and rural charm, with residents enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing in nearby streams. The Bethpage Baptist Church, one of the oldest buildings in the town, serves as a central part of the community, hosting various religious and social events for local families.
Whitleyville
General Information
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 250
- Zip Code: 38588
- Latitude/Longitude: 36.5167° N / 85.8343° W
City Location and History
Whitleyville is located in the southwestern part of Macon County, Tennessee. It was originally settled in the early 1800s and is named after Joseph Whitley, an early landowner in the area. The town developed as an agricultural community, with farming being the primary industry, especially in the cultivation of tobacco and livestock. Whitleyville is a small, rural town, and much of its history revolves around the development of agriculture in the region. Over the years, Whitleyville has remained a quiet and scenic town, and while it has not experienced significant growth or industrial development, it continues to be a place where families maintain farming traditions. The town’s natural beauty and rural landscape are important aspects of its identity, and it remains a peaceful place to live.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Whitleyville does not have its own schools but is served by the Macon County School System, with students attending nearby schools in Lafayette or other towns. The community is known for its close-knit, rural atmosphere, with events often held at the Whitleyville Community Center, where local residents gather for meetings, celebrations, and social functions. The surrounding countryside offers outdoor activities such as hunting, hiking, and fishing, and the town is surrounded by natural beauty, including nearby rivers and forests. Whitleyville Baptist Church serves as an important social and religious center for the community, providing a venue for worship and other events. The town also boasts a number of historic homes and buildings that reflect its rural heritage.