About Roane Chamber
Chamber Guide
Roane County Tennessee, Profile and Resource Guide
Welcome
This is Roane County, Tennessee
Lush green foliage and gently rolling hills punctuated by steep bluffs; sweeping valleys cradling clear rivers and lakes; clean air, hospitable people and a relaxed pace: Welcome to Roane County, Tennessee.
Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, Roane County is just 30 miles west of Knoxville and is easily accessible via Interstate 40 or any of the numerous state and federal highways that crisscross the area. Though travel to and from Roane County is swift and convenient, the county itself retains its gentle pace and rural flavor. Roane County is comprised of the cities of Harriman, Kingston, Rockwood, and portions of Oak Ridge and Oliver Springs.
The rich and fascinating history of Roane County begins in 1799 with the establishment of Fort Southwest Point on a high bluff overlooking the Clinch and Tennessee Rivers. In 1801, the Tennessee Legislature was asked to establish a new county in the area immediately west of Knox County. This new county was originally named Gallatin, but the name was soon changed to Roane to honor Archibald Roane, the second governor of Tennessee. Today, visitors can view a partial reconstruction of Fort Southwest Point on its original site and a museum that houses historical artifacts.
Though the county itself was sparsely populated, many settlers passed through the area, traveling on Avery Trace and Walton Road, which would later become U.S. Highway 70. Those settlers who stayed in Roane County discovered that the rich river bottom soil produced abundant crops of corn, wheat and later, cotton and the county's staple crop of peaches. Indeed, agriculture, along with ironworks and coal mining, was the foundation of the county's successful economy through the early 20th century. In this way, Roane County's population grew. Just as water played an important role in Roane County history, the rivers, today collectively known as Watts Bar Lake continue to have a tremendous economic impact drawing tourists to the area for water recreation activities.
The confluence of the Clinch, Emory and Tennessee rivers made Roane County a center of rural commerce and transportation during the early days. A long bend in the Clinch River nearly encircles Kingston, making it one of the best natural ports on the river. Kingston is one of the oldest cities in Tennessee. The convenience of river commerce allowed Kingston's economy to thrive. An example of the city's significance in Tennessee history happened on Sept. 21, 1807, when Kingston served as the state capital for one day, and the Tennessee House of Representatives convened there. At the end of the day, the Senate and House of Representatives resolved to "...adjourn forthwith from Kingston, to meet on Wednesday at the courthouse in Knoxville." Another reminder of the past is the historic Roane County Courthouse, one of only seven remaining antebellum courthouses in the state and home to the Roane County Museum of History.
As the population grew in Kingston, settlers traveled across the Clinch River into an area known today as Midtown. Roane County is home to several parks outlined by the scenic Watts Bar Lake. One example in the Midtown area is the Roane County Park, an 80-acre nature preserve with walking and hiking trails, playgrounds, a swimming area, pavilions, ball fields, and tennis courts. Nearby is the newly refurbished Caney Creek Marina, the first marina on Watts Bar Lake to earn the Tennessee Valley Authority's coveted Clean Marina Certification. Another popular attraction is the Midtown Drive-In Theater, one of the few remaining drive-in theaters in East Tennessee. The original theater, in operation from 1949 to 1980, was renovated and reopened in 1994.
The City of Harriman also has a unique history. Known as "The Town that Temperance Built," Harriman was established by Frederick Gates, a former Methodist minister and Chattanooga Land Company representative, who envisioned a town of social temperance and industry that could be commercialized for business, profit and the betterment of mankind. In 1890, Gates held the Great Land Sale,
in which he sold 573 lots in 10 hours for a total of $604,000. The American Temperance University, founded in 1893, moved into the building previously owned by the Land Company. By the turn of the century, Harriman was the largest and most industrially diverse town in Roane County. Today, the magnificent Temperance Building still graces Main Street Harriman as a reminder of the past, and visitors can enjoy artifacts and photos in the Harriman Heritage Museum. Some of the original homes built after the Great Land Sale can still be seen in the Cornstalk Heights Historical District in Harriman.
Oliver Springs, originally known as Winter's Gap, was founded in 1830. Richard Oliver, for whom the town was renamed, was the first to commercialize the natural mineral springs in the area, which attracted travelers from all over the United States. Mineral springs were widely regarded as alleviating a variety of physical ailments. To accommodate these travelers, Oliver opened a beautiful, 150-room luxury hotel known as The Richards House, which catered to wealthy visitors who came to drink and bathe in the springs. Sadly, the hotel burned down in 1895, though the original hotel ticket booth remains in the Oliver Springs Railroad Depot Museum. Though the loss was a blow to Oliver Springs, its basic industries, coal mining and lumber, still flourished, and the town remained a thriving commercial center for decades.
The City of Rockwood was established after the Civil War when Union officer and geologist John T. Wilder discovered iron on Walden Ridge. He returned with northern industrialists to begin mining and milling operations in 1868. Rockwood began as a company town serving the employees of the Roane Iron Company. The town gets its name from the company's first president, William O. Rockwood. As the company and the town prospered, other businesses moved into the area, thus expanding and diversifying Roane County's economic framework. Today, visitors enjoy the antique shops, specialty stores, and restaurants that have moved into the renovated buildings of downtown Rockwood.
The 1930's and 1940's dramatically changed Roane County. Two national programs had significant impact on the county. The Tennessee Valley Authority programs uprooted people from their land. The result was a new economy, additional electricity, and a year-round navigable waterway to Knoxville. The second national program was the Manhattan Project, the government's code name for the development of the Atomic Bomb. Colonel Leslie R. Groves, with the Army Corps of Engineers chose a large area in Roane and Anderson County to develop nuclear weapons. Again, land was taken and whole communities disappeared for the efforts of the war. An example was the Wheat Community. Nearby, the city of Oak Ridge was developed. Today, Oak Ridge is home to internationally recognized scientific research efforts, one of the nation's top national laboratories and is a mecca for scientific and technological innovations. From genetics to robotics to Internet advances, world-changing technologies continue to be developed in local facilities.
Today, Roane County's economy is vital and strong. Many new businesses and industries have located here during the last 15 years, and the citizens of Roane County look forward to further development. With convenient access to major transportation, a highly productive and reliable labor force with a diverse array of skills, a low tax rate, abundant energy supplies, and an excellent quality of life, Roane County is a prime location for industrial and commercial development.
Roane County has been distinguished for many years as a Three-Star Community, an award acknowledging that the community's organization, attitude, facilities and skills are ideal for attracting and retaining future industry. Roane County has also received the Tennessee governor's A+ Award for demonstrating an exceptional commitment to providing quality education.
The five cities that make up Roane County: Harriman, Kingston, Oak Ridge, Oliver Springs and Rockwood, each have a unique history and have taken steps to preserve their heritage through the restoration and preservation of historic homes and other buildings. The residents of Roane County believe that their quality of life is created from a balance between the county's rural roots and its vision for the future. Whether you are looking for a home for your growing business or your growing family, Roane County just might be the perfect place for you.
Business & Industry
An Area of Growth and Progress
Roane County is on the verge of explosive growth. Through a combination of excellent location, sound development and ambitious planning, Roane County is set to experience a surge in its retail and industrial sectors, which should also bolster an already robust real estate market.
Many examples of this growth are already apparent. The Pinnacle Point development has recently been anchored by nationwide retailers Lowe's and Kroger. In fact, Kroger is currently constructing their largest store in the state of Tennessee in Roane County.
At the same time major retailers are moving into the county, development continues on several high-end, multi-million-dollar residential neighborhoods that are expected to bring thousands of new residents to the area, possibly increasing the county's population by as much as 14 percent. And developments like Ladd Landing and Rarity Ridge are being constructed not as isolated subdivisions but as whole communities complete with business districts and municipal facilities.
Situated at "America's Technology Crossroads," Roane County's location makes it a natural selection for economic development. Roane County is within a 500-mile radius of 75 percent of major U.S. markets. The transportation infrastructure that supports commerce in the area includes two interstates (I-40 and I-75), two-major U.S. highways, two railroads, a municipal airport in Roane County, an international airport in nearby Knoxville, and a commercial waterway - the Tennessee-Tombigbee.
Roane County can also boast a vast array of energy resources and close proximity to the developing high-tech corridor along the Pellissippi Parkway.
Almost 40 new plants have been developed in Roane County over the past decade. This expanding industrial base has been made possible by an excellent quality of life, an abundance of available industrial property, a highly productive and reliable work force, low tax rates, and ambitious economic development. Together with the Roane Alliance, which consists of the Industrial Development Board, the Chamber of Commerce and the Visitors Bureau, these factors and the good people of Roane County are working together to help secure a future of prosperity for all residents.
The Roane Alliance has successfully recruited dozens of new businesses and industries to the county.
The Roane Alliance
Leading the economic development and expansion efforts for the region, the Roane Alliance consists of the Industrial Development Board, the Chamber of Commerce and the Visitors Bureau. As a cooperative public/private partnership, each member organization of the Alliance operates independently with its own focus, identity, board of directors and operating budget, while working toward unified goals for increased prosperity and improved quality of living.
The Roane County Industrial Development Board seeks to draw new business and industry to the region by promoting the county as a prime location for industrial development and also works to facilitate expansion of existing businesses. The Industrial Development Board promotes the six industrial areas in the county:
Roane County Industrial Park
Roane Regional Business & Technology Park
Heritage Center - East Tennessee Technology Park
Oak Ridge Industrial Center
Horizon Center - East Tennessee Technology Park
Harriman Industrial Park
The Roane County Chamber of Commerce works to enhance the lifestyle and business climate of Roane County and to promote existing business and industry. The Chamber develops partnerships with federal, state and local organizations to carry out a variety of projects to help Roane County. A part of the community for more than 50 years, the Chamber offers a diverse array of services to members, including
Assistance with event planning
Problem resolution services
Business plan development
Creation of retail shopping promotions
The Roane County Visitors Bureau encourages tourism and provides visitors with a one-stop information center. The Visitors Bureau hopes to build the county's reputation as a tourism destination and works to promote all of Roane County's many assets, including
World-class fishing, boating & water sports
A variety of lodging choices
Antique and unique specialty shops
Historic neighborhoods and sites
Sports, including golf,
horseback riding and water sports
A wide array of festivals
Roane County has been enjoying economic growth and success, and it's clear the region has the tools needed to continue to prosper - outstanding location, a ready infrastructure, an educated work force, available industrial sites and an established resume of success in retail, tourism and industry.
