We are funded through a cooperative agreement between federal, state and county governments. All of our programs are offered to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, age, national origin, sex or disability and we are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
White County is in the central part of Tennessee. White County has a total land area of about 382 square miles, or 244,500 acres. Sparta, the county seat of White County and its principal town, is about 80 miles southeast of Nashville. About 65 percent of White County is in the Highland Rim area, and 35 percent is in the Cumberland Plateau area.
White County was established on September 11, 1806, from a part of Smith County. It was named for John White, one of the first settlers. The first settlement was in the Valley of the Calfkiller River. In 1809, the legislature passed an act for the establishment of Sparta, the county seat. By 1920, the population of White County had reached about 15,000 and that of Sparta was about 1,500.
According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, 66 percent of the land in White County was in farms. There were 971 farms in White County averaging 122 acres in size, or 118,600 acres in farms. Farms are mainly of the general type. Livestock farming and crop farming are the most important. Also, according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, White County is ranked #14 in the state among cattle sales. In 2020, there were 38,500 head of cattle in White County, with 17,800 being beef cattle. Soybeans is the most important cash crop, but in places corn, wheat, fruits, and vegetables are also grown as cash crops. Croplands consist of 35 percent of crops grown in White County, with pastureland at 37 percent and woodland at 24 percent. Pasture and hay occupy the largest total acreage. The main pasture plants are tall fescue, lespedeza, and some orchardgrass.
“A Hiker’s Heaven in the Land of Falling Water” White County, Tennessee, is noted for its awe-inspiring waterfalls, breathtaking vistas, hiking and camping opportunities – but did you know that it is also home to five museums, one of the last remaining Drive-In movie theaters in the country and an award winning airport?
Our rich musical heritage spans many genres, from bluegrass to alternative, from gospel to country, and from rock and roll to the blues and jazz. Sparta also hosts several wonderful festivals and events through the year and offers unparalleled beauty for fall foliage viewing. Throughout the county, around nearly every curve offers another picture perfect location.
See for yourself the 36-caliber Colt revolver Gen. George G. Dibrell carried during the Civil War at the Heritage Museum. Walk along the streets Bluegrass Legend Lester Flatt (and oh so many other wonderful people) called home.
Come for a visit or stay for a lifetime – White County is waiting for you.