Cities and Towns in Morgan County, Tennessee
Founded in 1817, Morgan County is one of 95 counties in the state of Tennessee. Historically, Morgan County was formed from Anderson and Roane counties. The city of Wartburg is the county seat. With FIPS code of 129, Morgan County has a population of 21,254 and area of 522 square miles (1,352 km²).
List of all cities in Morgan County, TN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Burrville, TN | 37872 | 423 |
| Coalfield, TN | 37719 | 423 |
| Deer Lodge, TN | 37726 | 423 |
| Elgin, TN | 37733 | 423 |
| Lancing, TN | 37770 | 423 |
| Oakdale, TN | 37829 | 423 |
| Petros, TN | 37845 | 423 |
| Rugby, TN | 37733 | 423 |
| Sunbright, TN | 37872 | 423 |
| Wartburg, TN | 37887 | 423 |
Major Cities and Towns in Morgan County, Tennessee
Wartburg, Tennessee
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 800
- Zip Codes: 37887
- Latitude: 36.1044° N
- Longitude: 84.7506° W
Location and History
Wartburg is the county seat of Morgan County, located in the eastern part of Tennessee in the Appalachian foothills. The town is nestled along the banks of the Emory River and is approximately 45 miles west of Knoxville. Wartburg was established in the 19th century and named after the historic Wartburg Castle in Germany. The town was founded in 1850 and quickly became a central point for local agriculture, particularly for farming communities that settled in the fertile valleys and hills surrounding the area.
The town’s economy grew with the development of the railroad, which brought trade and industry to Wartburg in the late 1800s. In the 20th century, the economy shifted from agriculture to light manufacturing and services, though Wartburg has retained much of its rural charm. The town’s history is marked by significant involvement in the coal industry, which played a large role in the local economy during the early 1900s. Today, Wartburg serves as a small but vibrant community that offers a mix of small-town life and proximity to larger regional centers.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Wartburg is served by the Morgan County School District, which includes several schools in the area, such as Wartburg Central High School and Central Elementary School. These schools offer a range of academic and extracurricular programs for students, with an emphasis on community involvement and rural education. The town is home to the Morgan County Courthouse, a historic building that serves as the center of local government. Nearby landmarks include the beautiful Emory River, which offers opportunities for fishing and canoeing, as well as the Frozen Head State Park, which is known for its hiking trails, scenic views, and wildlife watching. The nearby Obed Wild and Scenic River provides another outdoor destination for kayaking and rafting, making Wartburg a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. The town also hosts the annual Morgan County Fair, a key event that brings together locals and visitors for celebrations of rural life, including farming exhibits, live music, and carnival rides.
Sunbright, Tennessee
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,200
- Zip Codes: 37872
- Latitude: 36.2769° N
- Longitude: 84.5809° W
Location and History
Sunbright is a small town located in the northern part of Morgan County, Tennessee, approximately 20 miles south of the Kentucky border and about 50 miles west of Knoxville. Sunbright was founded in the late 1800s and quickly grew due to its strategic location along the railroad, which facilitated trade and transportation. The town was originally named for its bright, sunny climate and the warm atmosphere it fostered among its residents.
Much of Sunbright’s early economy was centered around agriculture, particularly timber, tobacco, and farming. The town’s role as a transportation center, thanks to the railroad, helped it grow into a small industrial hub in the early 20th century. As the railroad’s prominence waned in the mid-20th century, Sunbright’s economy shifted back toward agriculture and service industries. Today, Sunbright remains a quiet, rural town with a modest but stable population. It retains a close-knit community feel, with local businesses and farms serving as the backbone of the economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sunbright is part of the Morgan County School District, with students attending Sunbright High School and Sunbright Elementary School. These schools provide education for the town’s children, focusing on community involvement and rural education. Key landmarks in Sunbright include the local churches and community centers that serve as hubs for social life. The nearby Royal Blue Wildlife Management Area, a large public land area with trails for hiking, hunting, and wildlife observation, is one of the town’s notable attractions. The region is also home to a number of scenic areas with opportunities for camping and fishing. Sunbright’s position near the Cumberland Plateau gives it access to the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it an appealing destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities. The town has a historical district, with older buildings that reflect its small-town history and charm.
Deer Lodge, Tennessee
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300
- Zip Codes: 37726
- Latitude: 36.2139° N
- Longitude: 84.7881° W
Location and History
Deer Lodge is a very small unincorporated community located in the western part of Morgan County, Tennessee. It lies along U.S. Highway 27, about 10 miles west of Wartburg and is near the beautiful Clear Creek, a tributary of the Emory River. The town was originally established in the late 1800s as a center for local farmers and tradespeople. The name “Deer Lodge” is believed to have come from the area’s abundant wildlife, including deer, which were once plentiful in the region. Over the years, the town remained small, and its economy continued to be based primarily on agriculture and timber.
Deer Lodge’s location in the foothills of the Cumberland Plateau gives it access to some of the most picturesque landscapes in the region. The area is known for its steep, forested hills, and clear streams, which have attracted both hunters and outdoor enthusiasts over the years. The town’s population has remained relatively stable, with many residents involved in local farming, ranching, and other rural industries. Though Deer Lodge is not a major population center, it provides a peaceful rural lifestyle and serves as a base for those who enjoy living close to nature.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Deer Lodge is served by the Morgan County School District, with students attending the nearby Wartburg Central High School or other schools in Wartburg. The small town doesn’t have its own schools but benefits from the educational infrastructure in the nearby county seat. The community is also known for its local churches, which are central to the social life of the area. Deer Lodge is located near the beautiful Clear Creek, which provides opportunities for fishing and wildlife watching. Additionally, the town is within driving distance of the Obed Wild and Scenic River, a popular location for kayaking, hiking, and nature photography. Deer Lodge is also close to the Frozen Head State Park, offering residents and visitors ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching in the scenic Cumberland Plateau. The natural beauty surrounding Deer Lodge, along with its rural charm, makes it an attractive place for those seeking a quiet lifestyle close to nature.
Oakdale, Tennessee
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,500
- Zip Codes: 37829
- Latitude: 36.1614° N
- Longitude: 84.5446° W
Location and History
Oakdale is a small town located in the central part of Morgan County, Tennessee, about 15 miles southeast of Wartburg and 40 miles west of Knoxville. The town was founded in the early 1900s as a mining community, with the development of nearby coal mines helping to fuel the town’s growth. The economy of Oakdale was initially centered around coal mining, but as the coal industry declined in the mid-20th century, the town transitioned to a more agriculture-based economy, with residents working in farming and other rural industries.
Oakdale is situated in a picturesque location in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, providing residents with a serene, rural environment. The town’s small size and rural atmosphere make it a peaceful place to live, though it is still connected to larger cities like Knoxville, offering access to broader services and amenities. Oakdale retains a strong sense of community, with local events, churches, and family gatherings forming an important part of daily life. The area’s natural beauty and historical connections to the coal mining industry make Oakdale a town with both a rich past and a quiet future.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Oakdale is served by the Morgan County School District, with students attending schools such as Oakdale School, which provides both elementary and high school education. The school is a central institution in the community, offering a variety of academic and extracurricular programs. Oakdale’s landmarks include local churches and the Oakdale Community Center, which hosts various events and activities for residents. The town is located near the Obed Wild and Scenic River, which provides opportunities for canoeing, hiking, and wildlife observation. Oakdale is also close to Frozen Head State Park, offering scenic views, hiking trails, and camping opportunities for those who enjoy outdoor recreation. The town’s location amidst the natural beauty of the Cumberland Plateau makes it an ideal location for nature lovers, while its small-town charm and strong sense of community make it a welcoming place to live.
