About Meigs County

Meigs County: Where the Rivers Tell a Story

Some places invite you to see the sights. Meigs County, Tennessee, invites you to slow down and discover the stories behind them. Here, winding waterways, rolling farmland, and welcoming communities create a getaway where history and natural beauty are never far apart.

Known as Tennessee’s Shoreline County, Meigs County offers room to explore—and room to breathe. Spend a morning fishing, enjoy an afternoon on the lake, or follow a country road just to see where it leads. Along the way, you’ll discover a place shaped by its rivers and the generations who have called their banks home.

Established in 1836 and named for Revolutionary War veteran Return Jonathan Meigs, the county’s story reaches back long before its founding. Native American communities lived throughout this river valley for centuries. Hiwassee Island was home to a thriving Mississippian settlement and later a Cherokee community. In 1809–1810, a young Sam Houston lived there with Cherokee leader John Jolly—an unexpected connection between this quiet Tennessee landscape and a nationally known historical figure.

At Blythe’s Ferry, that history takes a more solemn turn. Thousands of Cherokee people crossed the Tennessee River here during their forced removal in 1838. Learning about this chapter of the Trail of Tears brings a deeper understanding of the landscape and the people whose lives remain part of its story.

In Decatur, the county seat, the historic courthouse offers a connection to another era. Picture the surrounding countryside when riverboats carried goods and ferries linked communities across the water. Family farms, river landings, and rural settlements helped shape the county’s character.

The creation of Chickamauga and Watts Bar lakes brought profound changes, flooding farmland while creating new shoreline and opportunities for recreation. Today, visitors can enjoy these waters through boating, fishing, wildlife watching, and photography.

Make time for the quieter discoveries, too: a lakeside sunset, a visit to a local shop, or a fall drive through colorful hills. Watch for sandhill cranes during their seasonal visits, bring your camera, and leave a little space in your plans for something unexpected.

Whether you come for a family outing, a peaceful weekend, or a closer look at Tennessee history, Meigs County welcomes you to explore at your own pace.

Find your adventure—and a story worth taking home—in Meigs County.

Historical details adapted from the Tennessee Encyclopedia.