Originally, most of the community was made up of farmers, but during the 1930’s almost 20% of Union County’s original land mass was flooded with the building of Norris Dam. The construction of the dam brought work and electricity to the county, but also displaced many families, flooding entire towns such as Loyston and Lost Creek. Today, Norris Lake has become an asset for the county. Encompassing over 34,000 acres of water of which 30,000 are situated in Union County, and with more than 800 miles of shoreline, Norris Lake is a popular destination for vacationers and outdoor enthusiasts, as well as retirees finding their way to the one of the of multiple upscale lakefront properties that are being developed.
Union County is comprised of 3 cities and 3 unincorporated towns. The county seat is located in Maynardville. Luttrell, a thriving business orientated community which has an industrial park with railroad access and Plainview, a fast growing residential community are both located in the south east corner of Union County. Sharps Chapel, a mixed community of agriculture and upscale lakefront developments, is home to the 24,000 acre Chuck Swan WMA. The community of Braden is only accessible by ferry from Union County. Big Ridge -Hickory Valley are also both a mix of agriculture and upscale lake communities, as well as the home to Big Ridge State Park, Hickory Star Marina and Waterside Marina. With 3 industrial parks, 5 marinas, great natural amenities, and only 15 miles north of the metropolitan city of Knoxville, why not come here, come home.
