National Register Listing

Overton County Courthouse

Court Sq., Livingston, TN
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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Audiobooks about the history of Tennessee.
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Overton County, Tennessee, located in the upper Cumberland region, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee Nation, until European settlers began to arrive in the late 1700s. The county was officially established on September 19, 1806, and it was named after Judge John Overton, a prominent figure in Tennessee history.

In its early years, Overton County experienced rapid growth due to its fertile land and access to waterways. Agriculture, including tobacco, corn, and livestock farming, became the backbone of the economy. As more settlers made their way to the area, communities and small towns started to develop. Livingston, the county seat, was founded in 1823 and became an important hub for trade and transportation.

During the Civil War, Overton County, like many parts of Tennessee, was divided. While some residents supported the Confederacy, others remained loyal to the Union. The county saw several skirmishes and raids, leading to the destruction of property and loss of life. After the war, the county began to rebuild its economy and infrastructure. Manufacturing industries, particularly furniture production, emerged, providing new opportunities for residents.

Over the years, Overton County has grown and diversified. The county has seen improvements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Today, agriculture continues to play a significant role in the local economy, along with manufacturing, healthcare services, and tourism. With its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a vibrant community, Overton County remains a unique part of Tennessee's history and heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Overton County, Tennessee.

  • 1806 - Overton County was established on September 11th.
  • 1820 - Livingston, the county seat, was founded.
  • 1844 - The first courthouse was built in Livingston.
  • 1852 - The first newspaper, the "Livingston Enterprise," was established.
  • 1861-1865 - Overton County residents served in the Civil War on both sides.
  • 1871 - The first bridge across the Obey River was constructed.
  • 1873 - The first public school, Livingston Academy, was established.
  • 1905 - The railroad was extended into Livingston.
  • 1937-1940 - Delina, a community in Overton County, was relocated due to the construction of the Dale Hollow Dam.
  • 1958 - The Roaring River Dam was completed, creating Dale Hollow Lake.
  • 2010 - Overton County's population was 22,083.
  • 2019 - Overton County celebrated its 213th anniversary.