Cities and Towns in Monroe County, Tennessee
Founded in 1819, Monroe County is one of 95 counties in the state of Tennessee. Historically, Monroe County was formed from Indian lands. The city of Madisonville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 123, Monroe County has a population of 46,698 and area of 635 square miles (1,645 km²).
List of all cities in Monroe County, TN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Coker Creek, TN | 37314 | 423 |
| Madisonville, TN | 37354 | 423 |
| Sweetwater, TN | 37874 | 423 |
| Tellico Plns, TN | 37385 | 423 |
| Vonore, TN | 37885 | 423 |
Major Cities and Towns in Monroe County, Tennessee
Madisonville, Tennessee
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 6.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 5,000
- Zip Codes: 37354
- Latitude: 35.5072° N
- Longitude: 84.3587° W
Location and History
Madisonville is the county seat of Monroe County, located in the southeastern part of Tennessee. The town is situated along U.S. Route 411, about 30 miles southwest of Knoxville and 25 miles northeast of Chattanooga, making it a central hub in the region. Madisonville was established in the early 19th century and named in honor of President James Madison. It became the county seat when Monroe County was formed in 1836. The town grew during the 19th century due to its strategic location near important trade routes and its proximity to the Tennessee Valley.
During the Civil War, Madisonville was a strategic location for both Union and Confederate forces, and the town witnessed several skirmishes. After the war, the economy shifted toward agriculture, with cotton, tobacco, and later, timber becoming key industries. In the 20th century, Madisonville developed further with the construction of several key highways and infrastructure, helping it maintain its role as the county’s central town. Today, Madisonville serves as the administrative, cultural, and commercial hub of Monroe County, with a small-town atmosphere and easy access to larger urban areas like Knoxville and Chattanooga.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Madisonville is served by the Monroe County School District, with major schools including Madisonville Middle School and Sequoyah High School. These schools offer a range of academic and extracurricular programs, from sports to arts, and have a strong emphasis on community involvement. Madisonville also benefits from several private schools and early education centers, offering diverse educational opportunities for families in the area. The town is home to several key landmarks, such as the Monroe County Courthouse, which stands as the centerpiece of local government. The nearby Tellico Lake offers boating, fishing, and recreational opportunities, while the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just a short drive away, attracting visitors for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, located in nearby Vonore, commemorates the life of Sequoyah, the creator of the Cherokee syllabary, and draws visitors interested in Native American history. Madisonville also hosts several annual festivals, including the Monroe County Fair, which features agricultural exhibits, live music, and rides, making it a key event for locals and visitors alike.
Sweetwater, Tennessee
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 4.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 5,500
- Zip Codes: 37874
- Latitude: 35.5883° N
- Longitude: 84.5660° W
Location and History
Sweetwater is a city located in the northern part of Monroe County, Tennessee, along the banks of the Little Tennessee River. The city is approximately 40 miles southwest of Knoxville and 15 miles north of Madisonville. Sweetwater was founded in the early 19th century, with the first settlements established around 1830. The town was named after Sweetwater Creek, a nearby stream that flows through the region. The location of Sweetwater along the river made it an ideal location for early settlers, who established farms and mills to take advantage of the natural resources.
Sweetwater has long been known for its agricultural economy, particularly for growing crops like corn, tobacco, and cotton. The town’s growth accelerated with the advent of the railroad in the mid-1800s, which brought new trade and industries to the area. During the 20th century, Sweetwater’s economy diversified, and the city became a regional hub for manufacturing, retail, and services. The development of nearby Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) projects, including the construction of the Tellico Dam, further boosted the area’s economy by providing hydroelectric power and recreational opportunities. Today, Sweetwater is a growing city that offers a blend of small-town charm and modern amenities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sweetwater is part of the Monroe County School District and is served by several local schools, including Sweetwater High School, which offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities. Other schools in the area include Sweetwater Junior High School and a number of elementary schools, providing a complete educational experience for students in the area. Sweetwater is also home to the Sweetwater Valley Academy, a private school that offers an alternative to public education. Major landmarks in Sweetwater include the Sweetwater Depot, a restored 19th-century train station that now houses a museum. The town is also known for its historic district, where visitors can explore old homes and buildings that reflect its 19th-century origins. Another key landmark is the Lost Sea, an underground lake located in nearby Sweetwater Valley. The Lost Sea is the largest underground lake in the United States and attracts thousands of visitors annually for guided tours. The area is also home to a number of parks, including the Sweetwater City Park, which offers playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. The nearby Tellico Reservoir provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping, making Sweetwater an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Vonore, Tennessee
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,500
- Zip Codes: 37885
- Latitude: 35.5924° N
- Longitude: 84.2674° W
Location and History
Vonore is a small town located in the southern part of Monroe County, Tennessee, near the northern shore of Tellico Lake. It lies about 45 miles southwest of Knoxville, making it part of the broader Knoxville metropolitan area. Vonore was established in the early 19th century, with settlers drawn to the area due to its fertile land, the proximity to the Little Tennessee River, and its location along a key trade route. The town was named after an early settler, and its history is tied closely to the agricultural development of the region, including farming and milling operations.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Vonore experienced modest growth, with a steady increase in population and infrastructure development. The construction of the Tellico Dam in the 1970s significantly altered the local landscape and economy, creating Tellico Lake and providing the area with additional recreational and tourism opportunities. Today, Vonore is known for its beautiful lakefront properties, small-town charm, and close proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other natural attractions. The town’s history is preserved in its local museums and historical buildings, which reflect its agricultural past and early 20th-century development.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Vonore is served by the Monroe County School District, with students attending Vonore Elementary School and other nearby schools in the region. The town’s schools provide a strong academic foundation, with programs in the arts, sciences, and sports. One of the main landmarks in Vonore is the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, which honors Sequoyah, the famous Cherokee leader and creator of the Cherokee alphabet. This museum, located on a 120-acre site along the shores of Tellico Lake, offers exhibits on Native American history and the life of Sequoyah. Vonore is also known for its proximity to the Tellico Reservoir, which provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports. Other nearby natural attractions include the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest, both of which offer hiking trails, camping, and wildlife watching. The town also has access to several parks, including the Vonore City Park, which offers a playground, walking trails, and picnic areas. These landmarks make Vonore an appealing location for both residents and visitors seeking a connection to nature and history.
