ROANE COUNTY, TN HISTORY AND LOOKUP
County History Books
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Roane County, Tennessee: A Genealogical Overview
Nestled in the ridges and valleys of East Tennessee at the confluence of the Clinch, Emory, and Tennessee Rivers, Roane County is a region defined by its waterways and its strategic role in the nation’s history. From its origins as a vital frontier outpost on the edge of Cherokee territory to its pivotal, secret role in the Manhattan Project, the county’s story is one of westward expansion, Civil War division, and 20th-century transformation. For genealogists, its records trace the paths of early pioneers, Union and Confederate soldiers, and the industrial workers who shaped modern Appalachia.
I. County Formation and Evolution
Roane County was an important early county in East Tennessee, serving as a parent to several other counties, a fact crucial for tracking ancestral lines that may have moved with changing boundaries.
- 1801: County Formed: Roane County was officially created on November 6, 1801.
- Parent Counties: It was formed from portions of Knox County and Blount County, with additional land acquired from Cherokee territory. Research for individuals in the area prior to 1801 must be conducted in the records of Knox County and the Territory South of the River Ohio.
- Subsequent Formations: Roane County was once much larger, and parts of its original territory were used to form several neighboring counties:
- Morgan County (1817)
- McMinn County (1819)
- Anderson County (land was exchanged)
- Cumberland County (1855)
- Loudon County (1870)
- Name Origin: The county was named in honor of Archibald Roane, a jurist and the second Governor of Tennessee.
- County Seat History: Kingston was established as the county seat upon the county’s formation in 1801 and has remained so. Kingston holds a unique distinction in state history: on September 21, 1807, it served as the capital of Tennessee for a single day. This was done to fulfill a treaty obligation with the Cherokee, which stated that the state capital would be held on their lands before they could be officially purchased by the United States.
II. Settlement and Early History
- Early Inhabitants: The land was historically part of the territory of the Cherokee Nation, with numerous villages located along the rivers.
- Pioneer Settlement: The area was a critical point on the American frontier. Fort Southwest Point, established in 1797 in present-day Kingston, was a federal garrison that served as a point of defense, a center for diplomacy with the Cherokee, and a primary staging ground for settlers moving west along the Avery Trace. The first settlers were predominantly of Scots-Irish, English, and German origin, drawn to the fertile river bottomlands.
- Key Historical Events:
- Civil War: Like much of East Tennessee, Roane County was deeply divided. Although the county voted to secede with Tennessee, Unionist sentiment was extremely strong, leading to intense internal conflict, guerrilla warfare, and neighbors fighting on opposite sides. The county’s strategic location along the Tennessee River and the railroad made it a frequent target for both armies.
- Industrialization: After the Civil War, the county’s rich deposits of coal and iron ore spurred industrial growth. The town of Rockwood was founded in 1868 around the Roane Iron Company, and the planned temperance city of Harriman was established in 1889, both bringing new industries and populations to the county.
- The TVA and The Manhattan Project: The 20th century brought massive federal investment. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) constructed Watts Bar Dam, creating Watts Bar Lake and providing electricity. During World War II, a large, remote portion of Roane County became part of the top-secret Manhattan Project. The K-25 Gaseous Diffusion Plant, a massive facility for enriching uranium for the first atomic bomb, was built in the county, forever linking the rural area to the dawn of the Atomic Age.
III. Genealogical Records and Resources
Records for Roane County are well-preserved and accessible, with a dedicated archive located in the courthouse.
- County Courthouse: The Roane County Courthouse, 200 E Race St, Kingston, TN 37763, is the primary repository.
- Register of Deeds: This office holds all land records (deeds, mortgages, land grants) from 1801.
- County Clerk: Manages marriage records from 1801 to the present. The clerk’s office also handles probate matters, including wills and estate settlements.
- Clerk of the Circuit Court: Maintains civil and criminal court records.
- Clerk & Master (Chancery Court): Holds records for cases involving land disputes, divorces, and other equity cases.
- Roane County Archives Library: Located in the courthouse, this is the single most important resource for Roane County genealogy. The archive holds microfilm of nearly all county records, including loose papers, as well as family histories, historical photographs, and a wealth of local research materials.
- Vital Records:
- Birth and Death Records: Tennessee did not require statewide registration of births and deaths until 1914. For records after that date, contact the Tennessee Office of Vital Records. Some delayed birth certificates may be found in the county archives.
- Marriage Records: An excellent collection of marriage records dating from 1801 to the present is held by the Roane County Clerk.
- Libraries and Societies:
- Roane County Genealogical Society: An active society that publishes a quarterly journal and is an excellent resource for researchers.
- Kingston, Harriman, and Rockwood Public Libraries: All have local history and genealogy collections.
- East Tennessee Historical Society: Located in Knoxville, this is the premier historical organization for the region and holds extensive collections relevant to Roane County.
- Bordering Jurisdictions:
- Morgan County (north)
- Anderson County (northeast)
- Knox County (east)
- Loudon County (southeast)
- McMinn County (south)
- Meigs County (southwest)
- Rhea County (southwest)
- Cumberland County (west)