Tennessee State Maps
These maps show Tennessee's Counties, Cities, Federal Areas, Physiographic, and Ecoregions.

The 95 Counties of Tennessee and Their Name Origins
- Anderson County: Named for Joseph Anderson, a U.S. Senator from Tennessee and the third Comptroller of the U.S. Treasury.
- Bedford County: Named after Thomas Bedford, a Revolutionary War officer and legislator.
- Benton County: Named for David Benton, a soldier in the War of 1812.
- Bledsoe County: Named after Anthony Bledsoe, a soldier and early settler of Tennessee.
- Blount County: Named for William Blount, a signer of the U.S. Constitution and Governor of the Southwest Territory.
- Bradley County: Named for Colonel Edward Bradley, a soldier and state senator.
- Campbell County: Named after Colonel Arthur Campbell, a Revolutionary War soldier and Indian negotiator.
- Cannon County: Named after Newton Cannon, Governor of Tennessee from 1835 to 1839.
- Carroll County: Named for Governor William Carroll, a War of 1812 hero.
- Carter County: Named after Landon Carter, a state senator and prominent settler.
- Cheatham County: Named for Edward Cheatham, a state legislator and Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives.
- Chester County: Named after Robert I. Chester, an early settler and state legislator.
- Claiborne County: Named after William C. C. Claiborne, Governor of the Territory of Mississippi and later Louisiana.
- Clay County: Named after Henry Clay, U.S. Senator from Kentucky and Secretary of State.
- Cocke County: Named for William Cocke, one of the first U.S. Senators from Tennessee.
- Coffee County: Named after General John Coffee, a hero of the War of 1812.
- Crockett County: Named after Davy Crockett, a Tennessee frontiersman, soldier, and politician.
- Cumberland County: Named for the Cumberland Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountain Range.
- Davidson County: Named for William Lee Davidson, an American Revolutionary War general.
- Decatur County: Named after Stephen Decatur, a U.S. Navy commodore and War of 1812 hero.
- DeKalb County: Named after Johann de Kalb, a German general who served in the American Revolutionary War.
- Dickson County: Named for William Dickson, a physician and state legislator.
- Dyer County: Named after Colonel Robert H. Dyer, a soldier in the War of 1812 and early settler.
- Fayette County: Named for the Marquis de Lafayette, a French general who served in the American Revolutionary War.
- Fentress County: Named after James Fentress, a prominent state legislator.
- Franklin County: Named after Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
- Gibson County: Named after John H. Gibson, a soldier in the War of 1812.
- Giles County: Named for William Branch Giles, a U.S. Senator from Virginia and Governor of Virginia.
- Grainger County: Named after Mary Grainger Blount, wife of territorial governor William Blount.
- Greene County: Named for Nathanael Greene, a major general in the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
- Grundy County: Named after Felix Grundy, a U.S. Congressman, Senator, and Attorney General.
- Hamblen County: Named after Hezekiah Hamblen, an early settler and landowner in the area.
- Hamilton County: Named after Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.
- Hancock County: Named for John Hancock, the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence.
- Hardeman County: Named after Thomas Jones Hardeman, a Tennessee politician and War of 1812 soldier.
- Hardin County: Named for Colonel Joseph Hardin, a soldier in the American Revolution and state legislator.
- Hawkins County: Named for Benjamin Hawkins, a U.S. Senator from North Carolina and Indian agent.
- Haywood County: Named for John Haywood, a Tennessee Supreme Court justice and historian.
- Henderson County: Named for James Henderson, a soldier in the War of 1812.
- Henry County: Named after Patrick Henry, a Founding Father and Governor of Virginia.
- Hickman County: Named for Edwin Hickman, an early explorer and settler of the area.
- Houston County: Named after Sam Houston, the first President of the Republic of Texas and Governor of Tennessee.
- Humphreys County: Named for Parry W. Humphreys, a judge and U.S. Congressman.
- Jackson County: Named for Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States.
- Jefferson County: Named for Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence.
- Johnson County: Named for Thomas Johnson, an early settler and state legislator.
- Knox County: Named after Henry Knox, the first Secretary of War of the United States.
- Lake County: Named after Reelfoot Lake, the largest natural lake in Tennessee.
- Lauderdale County: Named for James Lauderdale, a soldier in the War of 1812.
- Lawrence County: Named for Captain James Lawrence, a naval officer in the War of 1812.
- Lewis County: Named after Meriwether Lewis, the explorer of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
- Lincoln County: Named for Major General Benjamin Lincoln, a Revolutionary War officer.
- Loudon County: Named after Fort Loudoun, a British colonial fort in the area.
- Macon County: Named for Nathaniel Macon, a U.S. Congressman and Senator from North Carolina.
- Madison County: Named for James Madison, the fourth President of the United States.
- Marion County: Named after Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox" of the American Revolutionary War.
- Marshall County: Named for John Marshall, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
- Maury County: Named for Abram Maury, an early settler of Tennessee.
- McMinn County: Named for Joseph McMinn, a Governor of Tennessee.
- McNairy County: Named for John McNairy, a federal judge and friend of Andrew Jackson.
- Meigs County: Named for Return J. Meigs, a postmaster general and Indian agent.
- Monroe County: Named for James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States.
- Montgomery County: Named for John Montgomery, a Revolutionary War officer.
- Moore County: Named for William Moore, an early settler and state legislator.
- Morgan County: Named for Daniel Morgan, a general in the American Revolutionary War.
- Obion County: Named for the Obion River, which runs through the county.
- Overton County: Named for John Overton, a prominent judge and politician in Tennessee.
- Perry County: Named for Oliver Hazard Perry, a naval hero in the War of 1812.
- Pickett County: Named for Howell Pickett, a state legislator.
- Polk County: Named for James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States.
- Putnam County: Named after Israel Putnam, a hero of the American Revolutionary War.
- Rhea County: Named after John Rhea, a Tennessee politician and soldier.
- Roane County: Named for Archibald Roane, a Governor of Tennessee.
- Robertson County: Named for James Robertson, a founder of the Watauga Association and an explorer of Tennessee.
- Rutherford County: Named for Griffith Rutherford, a Revolutionary War general.
- Scott County: Named for General Winfield Scott, a hero of the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War.
- Sequatchie County: Named for the Sequatchie Valley, an important geological feature of the region.
- Sevier County: Named after John Sevier, the first Governor of Tennessee.
- Smith County: Named for Daniel Smith, a U.S. Senator from Tennessee.
- Stewart County: Named for Duncan Stewart, an early settler and state legislator.
- Sullivan County: Named for John Sullivan, an officer in the American Revolutionary War.
- Sumner County: Named for Jethro Sumner, a Brigadier General in the American Revolutionary War.
- Tipton County: Named for Jacob Tipton, an officer killed in 1791 at St. Clair's Defeat.
- Trousdale County: Named for William Trousdale, a Governor of Tennessee.
- Unicoi County: Derived from a Cherokee word meaning "white." The county is located in the Appalachian Mountains.
- Union County: Named for the union of sections of five counties to form the county.
- Van Buren County: Named for Martin Van Buren, the eighth President of the United States.
- Warren County: Named for Joseph Warren, a patriot of the American Revolution.
- Washington County: Named for George Washington, the first President of the United States.
- Wayne County: Named after Anthony Wayne, a Revolutionary War general.
- Weakley County: Named for Robert Weakley, a U.S. Congressman and state legislator.
- White County: Named for John White, an early settler and Indian fighter.
- Williamson County: Named for Hugh Williamson, a signer of the U.S. Constitution from North Carolina.
- Wilson County: Named for David Wilson, a Tennessee legislator.

Tennessee State County Sizes Map
Smallest County in Tennessee State
Trousdale County: 111 sq miles
Largest County in Tennessee State
Shelby County: 781 sq miles
Mean and Median Area of Counties in Tennessee State
Mean Area: 585.54 sq miles
Median Area: 563.00 sq miles

Major Cities of Tennessee State and Their Locations
In Tennessee State, most major cities are strategically located near rivers or along historic transportation routes. Below are examples of each type:
1. River Ports
Memphis: Located along the Mississippi River, Memphis is a major river port city and a vital center for transportation and trade.
Nashville: Positioned on the Cumberland River, Nashville is another major city, known for its music industry and vibrant culture.
Dyersburg: Situated near the Forked Deer River, Dyersburg serves as a regional hub for agriculture and commerce in northwestern Tennessee.
2. Historic Paths or Routes
Chattanooga: Situated on the Tennessee River and along historic trade routes, Chattanooga played a crucial role in transportation during the Civil War.
Knoxville: Located on the Tennessee River and near the Smoky Mountains, Knoxville's strategic location has made it an industrial and educational hub.
Columbia: Positioned along the historic stagecoach route, Columbia is known for its rich history and agricultural influence in the state.
Murfreesboro: Located along key routes between Nashville and Chattanooga, Murfreesboro is a growing city with a rich Civil War history and serves as a major educational center with Middle Tennessee State University.
Kingsport: Located near the Holston River, Kingsport has historically been an important city for manufacturing and chemical production, linked by historic railroads and roadways.
Oak Ridge: Known for its pivotal role in the Manhattan Project during World War II, Oak Ridge is now a hub for scientific research and innovation in East Tennessee.

Topographic Tour of Tennessee
Tennessee State offers a diverse range of terrains, shaped by its unique geology, climate, and natural features. From the rugged Appalachian mountain ranges to fertile river valleys, the state presents a rich variety of landforms.
1. Appalachian Mountains
The eastern edge of Tennessee features the Appalachian Mountains, including the Great Smoky Mountains. This region is known for its forested peaks, valleys, and scenic beauty.
2. Cumberland Plateau
Stretching across much of central Tennessee, the Cumberland Plateau is a highland area with steep ridges, deep gorges, and extensive forests. It is a hub for outdoor recreation, offering hiking, camping, and caving opportunities.
3. River Valleys
Tennessee is known for its vital river valleys, including the Tennessee River and Mississippi River. These rivers provide rich agricultural land and have shaped much of the state’s economy.

Physiographic Regions of Tennessee State
Appalachian Plateaus, Cumberland Mountain
The Cumberland Mountains are part of the Appalachian Plateaus in northeastern Tennessee, featuring steep terrain, forested slopes, and coal-rich valleys.
Appalachian Plateaus, Cumberland Plateau
The Cumberland Plateau, also part of the Appalachian Plateaus, stretches across eastern and middle Tennessee. It is known for its rugged terrain, deep gorges, waterfalls, and dense forests, making it a popular area for outdoor recreation.
Blue Ridge, Southern
The southern section of the Blue Ridge in eastern Tennessee includes the Great Smoky Mountains, offering breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and dense forests. This region contains the highest elevations in the state and is a major tourist destination.
Coastal Plain, East Gulf Coastal Plain
The East Gulf Coastal Plain covers southwestern Tennessee, offering gently rolling terrain and fertile soil. This area is important for agriculture, particularly for crops like cotton and soybeans.
Coastal Plain, Mississippi Alluvial Plain
Western Tennessee is part of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, a flat region that supports rich agricultural activity, particularly along the Mississippi River. This region also includes wetlands and floodplains that are vital for wildlife habitats.
Interior Low Plateaus, Highland Rim
The Highland Rim forms a part of the Interior Low Plateaus in middle Tennessee, featuring rolling hills, limestone valleys, and fertile farmland. This region surrounds the Nashville Basin and is known for its scenic beauty and agricultural productivity.
Interior Low Plateaus, Nashville Basin
The Nashville Basin lies within the Highland Rim and is one of the most fertile agricultural regions in Tennessee. Its low-lying, rich limestone soils support a variety of crops and livestock farming.
Valley and Ridge, Tennessee
Running through eastern Tennessee, this region consists of alternating ridges and valleys, shaped by ancient tectonic forces. The Valley and Ridge region offers important routes for transportation and settlement and is known for its karst topography, including caves and sinkholes.

Notable Federal Lands: Some of the Largest and Most Fascinating Destinations in Tennessee
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, known for its biodiversity, scenic beauty, and hiking trails. It straddles the Tennessee-North Carolina border and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Cherokee National Forest
Located along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, Cherokee National Forest offers miles of hiking trails, scenic rivers, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing access to waterfalls, fishing, and camping.
3. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
This area straddles the Tennessee-Kentucky border, offering camping, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing in a unique natural environment between two large reservoirs: Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.
4. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Located at the junction of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park preserves the famous mountain pass that played a significant role in early American westward expansion. It offers hiking, historical exhibits, and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
5. Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park is the site of significant Civil War battles, preserving the history of these engagements and offering guided tours, walking trails, and interpretive programs that explore the area's military history.
6. Tennessee National Wildlife Refuges (NWR)
a. Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge
Located along Kentucky Lake, this refuge protects waterfowl habitats and is a major spot for birdwatching, particularly during migration seasons. The refuge also offers fishing and wildlife observation.
b. Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge
Hatchie NWR covers bottomland hardwood forests and wetlands, offering protection for a variety of wildlife species. It is popular for fishing, birdwatching, and wildlife photography.
c. Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge
Cross Creeks NWR, located on the shores of Lake Barkley, provides crucial habitats for waterfowl and other wildlife. It offers hiking trails, wildlife observation, and fishing opportunities.
7. Federally Made Lakes
a. Norris Lake
Created by the Norris Dam on the Clinch River, Norris Lake is a popular recreational area offering boating, fishing, and camping opportunities. It is the first lake made by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
b. Dale Hollow Lake
Dale Hollow Lake, located on the Tennessee-Kentucky border, is known for its clear waters and excellent fishing, particularly for smallmouth bass. It also offers camping, boating, and hiking activities.
c. Kentucky Lake
Kentucky Lake is one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States, formed by the Kentucky Dam on the Tennessee River. It offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and wildlife observation.
8. Wilderness Areas
a. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
This area offers rugged landscapes, deep gorges, and scenic rivers, making it a popular spot for hiking, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting. It protects the Cumberland River's watershed and features several wilderness-designated sections.
b. Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness
Partly located in Tennessee, this wilderness area is famous for its old-growth forests and scenic beauty. It offers hiking opportunities through pristine woodlands with towering trees and rugged landscapes.
c. Savage Gulf State Natural Area
This wilderness area within South Cumberland State Park features deep gorges, waterfalls, and challenging hiking trails, making it a favorite destination for nature lovers and adventurers.

Ecoregions of Tennessee
Blue Ridge Mountains Section
The Blue Ridge Mountains section of eastern Tennessee is home to the Great Smoky Mountains, known for its high biodiversity, dense forests, and scenic mountain landscapes. This region features some of the oldest mountains in the world and a wide variety of plant and animal life.
Central Ridge and Valley Section
This region runs through the central part of eastern Tennessee and features a series of parallel ridges and valleys, formed by ancient tectonic activity. It includes fertile valleys and forested ridges, with many rivers and streams cutting through the landscape. The region is vital for agriculture and transportation.
Upper Gulf Coastal Plain Section
The western part of Tennessee falls within the Upper Gulf Coastal Plain, characterized by flat plains and rich agricultural land. The area supports significant farming activities, particularly for crops like cotton and soybeans, and features swamps, wetlands, and lowland forests along the Mississippi River.
Northern Ridge and Valley Section
The Northern Ridge and Valley section is a continuation of the Ridge and Valley Province, extending into northeastern Tennessee. It features alternating ridges and valleys, providing important transportation routes and agricultural lands. This region is known for its karst topography, which includes caves and sinkholes.
Interior Low Plateau, Highland Rim Section
In central Tennessee, the Highland Rim forms part of the Interior Low Plateau, featuring rolling hills and limestone valleys. The Highland Rim surrounds the Nashville Basin and is known for its fertile farmland, forests, and karst features like caves and sinkholes.
Interior Low Plateau, Nashville Basin Section
The Nashville Basin lies in the heart of Tennessee, encircled by the Highland Rim. It is one of the most fertile and agriculturally productive regions in the state, with rich limestone soils that support diverse plant and animal species, including unique cedar glades.
Northern Cumberland Plateau Section
The Northern Cumberland Plateau, located in eastern Tennessee, is characterized by rugged terrain, deep gorges, and sandstone cliffs. It features extensive forested areas and is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, camping, and rock climbing.
Southern Cumberland Mountains Section
This region includes the southernmost part of the Cumberland Plateau and the Cumberland Mountains. It is known for its dramatic landscapes, steep ridges, and deep valleys. The area is rich in coal deposits and contains vast forested areas that support diverse ecosystems and outdoor recreational activities.