The Sequatchie Valley

Aside from its astounding beauty, Southeast Tennessee's Sequatchie Valley is one of the most unique valleys in the world. One of only two "rift valleys," the other being the Great Victoria Valley in Africa, the Sequatchie Valley was formed by giant shears as the plateau literally split apart - giving the valley its memorable shape. Over 125 miles long from the Tennessee River to Crossville, Sequatchie Valley never exceeds 5 miles in width.

Marion, Sequatchie, Bledsoe and Cumberland Counties own bragging rights to Sequatchie Valley. Verdant farmlands and rolling foothills framed on both sides by steep escarpments are a scenic masterpiece. The Sequatchie River winds southward through the valley, criss-crossed by old bridges and lined with hardwood stands. The towns of Pikeville, Dunlap, Whitwell and Jasper are the centers of activity, but the many country roads and lanes are the attraction to those seeking a perfect country drive.

Life continues here much as it did 100 years ago with mining and agriculture being the primary mainstays of the region. Antique stores, flea markets and other roadside attractions make great stop-offs for those wishing to sample the area's flavor. From Chattanooga, Sequatchie Valley is easily reached: an excellent day trip might include a ride up Highway 127 to Pikeville or Fall Creek Falls. Check it out!

The Sequatchie Valley

TRAVEL TIPS: Getting around Sequatchie and Bledsoe Counties is easy. To drive through Sequatchie County from Chattanooga there are three alternatives: Take Highway 127 over Signal Mountain and into the valley or take the I-24 Jasper exit onto Highway 28 and up the valley into Dunlap. You can also access the Valley via Highway 111 (Corridor J) off Highway 27 just north of Soddy-Daisy. You can take Highway 127 to Pikeville in Bledsoe County, all the way to Crossville and I-40. Travelers from Nashville or Knoxville can do the same, in reverse.

For More Information, Call Rose Morgan at 423-949-2270 or 1-888-246-2121

This number puts you in touch with a Tennessee State Trooper. Brought to you by a joint effort of the Federal Highway Administration, Tennessee Department of Transportation, Tennessee Department of Safety and the Tennessee Cellular Telephone companies

History of Sequatchie County and Dunlap

Sequatchie County

    Sequatchie County, the youngest and smallest of the three counties comprising Sequatchie Valley, has an area of two hundred fifty square miles.  It was formed by an act of the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, December 9, 1857 from territory belonging to Hamilton County, or rather that which formerly was a part of Bledsoe and Marion Counties.

   The county was named for the valley in which it is located.  The valley was named for the Cherokee Chief, Sequachee, who signed a treaty with the colonial government of South Carolina.  Historians who have studied the language and lore of the Cherokee differ over the exact meaning of the word, but the general consensus is "opossum, he grins or runs."

    Sequatchie County is located in the center of the valley.  It is bordered on the north by Bledsoe County, east by Hamilton County, south by Marion County, and on the west by Grundy County and Van Buren County.

Dunlap

   The first county court met at the home of Joel Wheeler in the Fillmore Community on the first Monday in January of 1858.  It was decided to locate the county seat at a more centrally located spot and a site was selected on property owned by William Rankin at Coops Creek.

    On June 12, 1858 the name was officially changed to Dunlap in honor of William Dunlap of Knox County who had supported the creation of Sequatchie County in the state legislature.  Dunlap was incorporated as the Town of Dunlap and in 1941 was incorporated as the City of Dunlap, and remains as the only incorporated area inside the county.   

Local Government

 Sequatchie County is directed by eighteen county commissioners and an elected County Executive. The offices for the elected officials are in the historic Sequatchie County Courthouse located at 307 Cherry Street East in Dunlap.

 Dunlap is the only incorporated area inside Sequatchie County and has a mayor - commissioner form of government. The offices for the city officials are in the City of Dunlap Municipal Building located at Rankin Avenue in Dunlap

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