Strawberry Plains, Tennessee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Strawberry Plains
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Post office in Strawberry Plains
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| Nickname(s):
Straw Plains
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 Strawberry Plains
Location in Tennessee
Strawberry Plains
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Tennessee |
| Counties | Jefferson, Knox, Sevier |
| Settled | 1785 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4.24 sq mi (10.98 km2) |
| • Land | 4.19 sq mi (10.85 km2) |
| • Water | 0.05 sq mi (0.14 km2) |
| Elevation | 928 ft (283 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,405 |
| • Density | 574.40/sq mi (221.75/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes |
37871, 37914, 37924
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| Area code(s) | 865 |
| FIPS code | 47093 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1303876, 2804643 |
Strawberry Plains is a small community in Tennessee, United States. It is located where three counties meet: Jefferson, Knox, and Sevier counties. It's known as a census-designated place (CDP), which means it's a special area defined for counting people.
This community is part of both the Knoxville and Morristown larger city areas. In 2020, about 2,405 people lived in the Jefferson County part of Strawberry Plains.
Contents
Exploring the History of Strawberry Plains
Strawberry Plains was first settled in 1785 by Adam Meek. He was a pioneer from North Carolina. He first lived in Rocky Valley, which was the first settlement in the new Jefferson County. Adam Meek later moved closer to the Holston River where Strawberry Plains is today. He moved because of conflicts with Native Americans.
How Strawberry Plains Got Its Name
The community is believed to be named after the many wild strawberries that grew there. Early settlers from North Carolina found these berries everywhere. In 1808, a man named William Williams bought 1,200 acres here. He started farming the wild strawberries.
Local high school students wrote a history of the community around 1935. They said that "Straw Plains" was a short name used by train workers. This shorter name then became popular for the local railroad depot and on some postmarks.
Strawberry Plains During the Civil War
During the Civil War, in 1861, the railroad bridge at Strawberry Plains was a target. Supporters of the Union tried to burn several bridges in East Tennessee. Their goal was to slow down the Confederate military. They didn't succeed in burning the Strawberry Plains bridge. However, they did burn some other bridges. Later, in 1864, the bridge was destroyed during a fight between Confederate and Union forces.
Growth and Development in the 20th Century
By the 1920s and 1930s, Strawberry Plains grew into a small town. It had a busy downtown area. There were general stores, a gristmill, car repair shops, restaurants, gas stations, a bank, a train station, and a post office. The community grew because it was easy to get to nearby cities like Knoxville, Dandridge, and Mascot. This was thanks to U.S. Route 11E and the Southern Railroad. By 1930, about 500 people lived in Strawberry Plains.
From the 1970s to the 1990s, the area saw more suburban sprawl. This means more homes and businesses spread out from the cities. This growth was helped by the widening of US 11E. Also, more jobs became available in nearby cities like Morristown, Sevierville, Jefferson City, and Knoxville.
When Interstate 40 was finished in the late 1970s, it brought changes. In the 1990s, the City of Knoxville tried to take over (annex) parts of Strawberry Plains. This was to increase sales tax money for Knoxville.
For much of the 20th century, Strawberry Plains was a place for mining. There was a limestone quarry and an underground zinc mine. The zinc mine closed in 2001 but reopened in 2006. It closed again in February 2009.
Geography and Location
Strawberry Plains is located by the Holston River. It sits right where Jefferson, Knox, and Sevier counties meet. Another name for the area, according to the United States Geological Survey, is Straw Plains. Strawberry Plains has had a post office since 1806. The main zip code is 37871. However, some parts of Strawberry Plains use Knoxville zip codes 37914 and 37924.
Population Information
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2020 | 2,405 | — | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Economy and Local Businesses
In September 2007, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) announced plans for a new office and crime lab. This facility was built in Strawberry Plains near Interstate 40 exit 398. It cost over $10 million and was finished in July 2009.
The area around I-40 exit 398 has seen a lot of new development since the 1990s. There are several hotels, restaurants, and gas stations, with more being built. Because of this growth, this area has now become part of the City of Knoxville.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) also has an office here. This office manages transportation for 24 counties in East Tennessee.
Strawberry Plains has several stores for residents. These include a Food City supermarket, a Price Less Foods supermarket, a Family Dollar store, and three Dollar General stores. There are also several pharmacies.
There are plans to build a mixed-use "town center" in the Carter area of Strawberry Plains. This would create a community hub for eastern Knox County as more people move to the area.
Education Opportunities
Strawberry Plains has several schools for students.
Public Schools in the Area
- Jefferson County Schools:
* Rush Strong School
- Knox County Schools:
* Carter Elementary School * Carter Middle School * Carter High School
- Career Magnet Academy
- Sevier County Schools:
* Northview Primary School – for grades K–3 * Northview Intermediate School – for grades 4–6 * Northview Academy – for grades 7–12
Community College Campus
Strawberry Plains is also home to a branch campus of Pellissippi State Community College. This campus is located in the Knox County part of the community.
Transportation and Roads
The roads and highways in Strawberry Plains are managed by different groups.
Major Highways Connecting the Area
I-40
US 11E (also known as Andrew Johnson Highway or Asheville Highway)
US 25W
US 70
SR 9 (runs with US 70-US 25W)
SR 34 (runs with US 11E)
Important Local Roads
SR 139 (Old Dandridge Pike)- Big Bend Road
- Brakebill Road
- Mascot Road
- North Ruggles Ferry Pike
- Strawberry Plains Pike
Notable People from Strawberry Plains
