Blountville, Tennessee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Blountville
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Sullivan County Courthouse in Blountville
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Location of Blountville, Tennessee
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| Country | United States |
| State | Tennessee |
| County | Sullivan |
| Founded | 1795 |
| Named for | William Blount |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4.93 sq mi (12.78 km2) |
| • Land | 4.93 sq mi (12.78 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,539 ft (469 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 3,120 |
| • Density | 632.22/sq mi (244.12/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
37617
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| Area code(s) | 423 |
| FIPS code | 47-06740 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1305297 |
Blountville is a small community in Sullivan County, Tennessee. It is the main town, or county seat, for the county. In 2020, about 3,120 people lived there.
Blountville is special because it is the only county seat in Tennessee that is not an official city or town. It is part of a larger area known as the "Tri-Cities" region. This area includes Kingsport, Bristol, and Johnson City.
Contents
History of Blountville
The land where Blountville now stands was bought by James Brigham in 1782. In 1792, he gave 30 acres to Sullivan County. This land was used to create the county seat. Blountville officially became the county seat in 1795.
The first courthouse and jail were made of logs. In 1825, a new brick building replaced them. By 1830, Blountville had grown. It had 209 residents, two churches, and several businesses.
The Civil War Battle
On September 22, 1863, during the Civil War, a battle took place in Blountville. Union Army soldiers attacked Confederate troops. The town was shelled during the fighting. The courthouse was burned down. The Confederates had to leave.
The courthouse was rebuilt in 1866 using the old walls. More construction happened in 1920. Additions were also made in 1958.
A Unique Town Status
If Blountville were an official city, it would be the second oldest in Tennessee. Only Jonesborough is older. However, Blountville is not an incorporated city. This means it does not have its own city government. This helps avoid having too many government services for a small area.
This special status has led to interesting situations. For example, a court ruled that Kingsport could not take over areas near the Blountville courthouse. This protects Blountville's role as the county seat.
Historic Buildings in Blountville
Many old buildings in Blountville are part of a special historic district. This district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Deery Inn is one of these old buildings. It was built in the late 1700s. It is made up of three connected buildings. These include a log home, a stone house, and a frame building. Today, it is a private home.
Geography of Blountville
Blountville is located in Sullivan County, Tennessee. It covers an area of about 4.9 square miles (12.78 square kilometers). All of this area is land.
Population of Blountville
In 2000, Blountville had 2,959 people. By 2010, the population grew to 3,074. In the most recent count in 2020, there were 3,120 people living in Blountville.
Motocross Fun
On June 1, 2013, a big motocross race was held in Blountville. It was part of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship. This event took place at Muddy Creek Raceway. It was the first time in 15 years that this championship came to the South. The 2013 Built Ford Tough Tennessee National was the first Pro National race ever at Muddy Creek Raceway.
Education in Blountville
Blountville has several public schools.
- Elementary Schools: Holston, Indian Springs, and Central Heights Elementary School.
- Middle School: Sullivan Central Middle School.
- High School: Students attend West Ridge High School.
The community is also home to Northeast State Community College. This college offers higher education programs.
For over 200 years, there was a school in downtown Blountville. This school, Blountville Elementary & Middle School, closed in May 2021.
Transportation Hub
Blountville is where the Tri-Cities Regional Airport is located. This airport is important for the region. It is centrally located between Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol.
Sadly, NASCAR champion Alan Kulwicki died in an airplane crash near Blountville.
Recreation and Sights
Blountville's historic district has many interesting old buildings. These include the Old Deery Inn and the Anderson Townhouse. Both were built in the 1700s. Other notable buildings from the 1800s are also there.
Just south of Blountville, you can find Appalachian Caverns. Boone Lake is also nearby. These places offer fun outdoor activities.
Notable People
- Lannie Haynes Martin (1874–1938), a poet and editor.
- Ron Ramsey, who served as the 49th Lieutenant Governor of Tennessee.
