Photo by Derrick Hughes
Photo by Derrick Hughes
Photo by Derrick Hughes

About Cannon County


Historic Cannon County lies almost exactly in the center of Tennessee, approximately half way between Chattanooga and Nashville. Nestled in the hills of the Upper Cumberland, Cannon County and it's beautiful landscape offer a growing variety of businesses and events.


The county has an estimated population of 14,553 and a square mileage of 266 miles with two established towns (Woodbury, Auburntown) and 8 unincorporated communities (Bluewing, Bradyville, Gassaway, Hopewell, Iconium, Midway, Readyville, Sugar Tree Knob).


The policy-making and legislative authority in Cannon County is vested in the Board of County Commissioners. Commissioners are elected to four-year terms by a simple majority of the residents in their district. Each district has two commissioners, and all ten seats are up for election at the same time. Commissioners set personnel policies for the county, appropriate funds for county departments, and set the property tax rate. The county mayor typically serves as chair of the County Commission and breaks a tie if one occurs during voting. Members typically meet in January, April, July and October with special call meetings taking place when necessary.


Cannon County was established by the Tennessee state legislature on January 31, 1836. It was formed from portions of Rutherford, Smith, Wilson, and Warren counties and was named for Governor Newton Cannon, the eighth Governor of Tennessee from 1835 to 1839. This was part of the Middle Tennessee region, with mixed farming and livestock raising, including of thoroughbred horses.

Location

An hour outside of Nashville surrounded by Coffee, Dekalb, Rutherford, Warren, and Wilson Counties in the hills of the Upper Cumberland

Population

Population of 14,533 with an estimated 5,488 households, and 3,903 families residing in the county

Education

The education system consists of one High School, one Middle School, and 3 Elementary Schools (Cannon South, Cannon North, and Cannon Elementary)

Government

From a county of approximately 79% Republicans, 19% Democrats, and 2% Third Party, Cannon has a small local government vested in a Board of County Commissioners that serve four-year terms.

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