Cities and Towns in McMinn County, Tennessee
Founded in 1819, McMinn County is one of 95 counties in the state of Tennessee. Historically, McMinn County was formed from Indian lands. The city of Athens is the county seat. With FIPS code of 107, McMinn County has a population of 54,059 and area of 430 square miles (1,114 km²).
List of all cities in McMinn County, TN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Athens, TN | 37303 | 423 |
| 37371 | 423 | |
| Calhoun, TN | 37309 | 423 |
| Englewood, TN | 37329 | 423 |
| Etowah, TN | 37331 | 423 |
| Niota, TN | 37826 | 423 |
| Riceville, TN | 37370 | 423 |
Major Cities and Towns in McMinn County, Tennessee
Athens, Tennessee
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 15.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 14,000
- Zip Codes: 37303, 37371
- Latitude: 35.4367° N
- Longitude: 84.5920° W
Location and History
Athens, the county seat of McMinn County, is located in southeastern Tennessee, about 60 miles southwest of Knoxville and 40 miles northeast of Chattanooga. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Athens is strategically positioned along the Tennessee River, making it an important hub for commerce and transportation in the region. The city was founded in the early 19th century and named after the ancient Greek city of Athens due to its founders’ admiration for classical education and culture.
Athens flourished in the 19th century as an agricultural center, especially for cotton, and served as a trading post for nearby farms. Its position along the Tennessee River allowed it to benefit from river trade, and later, railroads further enhanced its accessibility. Athens was also impacted by the Civil War, with the area being occupied by Union troops and the nearby Battle of Athens taking place in 1864. The post-war period saw the town develop into a more diversified economy, with industries such as textiles and manufacturing growing alongside agriculture. Today, Athens is known for its small-town charm, historic buildings, and regional commerce.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Athens is home to several schools within the McMinn County School District, including McMinn Central High School and Athens City High School. The schools in Athens offer a wide range of academic programs, sports teams, and extracurricular activities, fostering community pride and student engagement. Additionally, Athens boasts a number of educational institutions like Tennessee Wesleyan University, a private liberal arts college that has been a part of the city’s history since 1857. Key landmarks in Athens include the historic McMinn County Courthouse, which is an iconic structure in the downtown area and a reminder of the city’s rich heritage. The Athens Regional Park provides a family-friendly environment with sports fields, picnic areas, and walking trails. The city is also known for its proximity to the Tennessee River, where residents and visitors can enjoy boating and fishing. The annual Founder’s Day Festival celebrates the city’s history with music, crafts, and food. Athens is also home to the famous “Athens of the South” moniker, and its proximity to the Cherokee National Forest offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Englewood, Tennessee
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 3.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,300
- Zip Codes: 37329
- Latitude: 35.3497° N
- Longitude: 84.6076° W
Location and History
Englewood is a small town in McMinn County, located about 20 miles north of Athens and near the intersection of State Route 30 and U.S. Route 411. Englewood was settled in the early 19th century, primarily as an agricultural community. Like many towns in the area, it grew due to its proximity to important transportation routes, including railroads that facilitated trade and commerce. The town was incorporated in 1882, and its economy was initially centered around farming, particularly the cultivation of cotton and tobacco. The town continued to grow into the 20th century, though its population remained small, and it has preserved much of its rural, small-town charm.
During the Civil War, Englewood, like many Tennessee towns, was divided in loyalty, but its location did not lead to significant military activity in the area. In the 20th century, the economy shifted with the rise of industry, but agriculture continued to be an important part of the local economy. Today, Englewood is known for its agricultural roots, its quiet residential areas, and its proximity to larger urban centers like Athens and Chattanooga.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Englewood is served by the McMinn County School District, and students attend schools such as Englewood Elementary School and McMinn Central High School. The town places a strong emphasis on community involvement, and the schools offer various extracurricular activities, including sports and music programs. Englewood is home to the Englewood City Park, which features a walking track, playgrounds, and picnic areas, offering residents a space for outdoor activities. The town’s close proximity to the Cherokee National Forest provides excellent opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping. Englewood is also near the Tennessee River, where boating and fishing are popular pastimes. For history buffs, the nearby area of the Battle of Shiloh, one of the Civil War’s major engagements, offers historical tours and education. The town hosts several annual events, including the Englewood Fall Festival, which brings together locals and visitors for a celebration of local culture and arts. Englewood retains much of its rural charm and sense of community, with local businesses and farmers’ markets contributing to the economy and culture of the area.
Niota, Tennessee
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 500
- Zip Codes: 37826
- Latitude: 35.4005° N
- Longitude: 84.6652° W
Location and History
Niota is a small town located in the northeastern part of McMinn County, situated along U.S. Route 11 and the Southern Railway, making it an important transportation point historically. Niota was established in the early 19th century, and like many towns in the region, it owes its early growth to the construction of railroads and its location near key agricultural land. The town was initially a railroad stop for the major rail lines that ran through McMinn County, contributing to its development as a regional transportation hub. The town was incorporated in 1851 and continued to grow as an important trading point for the surrounding farming communities.
The town’s economy was traditionally based on agriculture, with cotton and tobacco being the primary crops. However, Niota also benefited from its proximity to railroads and later, highways, which enabled the town to support various industries. The town was affected by the Civil War, with Niota’s strategic location making it a site of military activity during the conflict. Today, Niota is a quiet, rural town that maintains its agricultural roots while also benefiting from its close proximity to larger urban centers like Athens and Chattanooga.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Niota is part of the McMinn County School District, and students attend nearby schools like McMinn Central High School and Niota Elementary School. The schools offer various academic programs and extracurricular activities, including athletics and arts. The town is home to Niota City Park, which features a community center, playground, and picnic areas for residents. Niota’s location near the Tennessee River offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. The nearby Cherokee National Forest provides numerous recreational options for residents and visitors, including hiking, camping, and scenic drives. Niota is also within driving distance of the Shiloh National Military Park, where visitors can explore Civil War history. The town celebrates its agricultural heritage with local events like the Niota Farmers’ Market, which provides a space for local farmers to sell produce, crafts, and other goods. Niota’s small-town atmosphere and proximity to larger cities make it an attractive location for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle while still being close to the amenities of larger urban centers.
