Close your eyes and imagine beautiful mountains with fresh clean air, cool emerald lakes and crystal streams with clean water, wide-open spaces for relaxing and having fun. Imagine the treasure of friendly neighbors, a motivated work force with loyal, honest and hard working employees. Imagine living and working in a rural area with low taxes but with easy access to a nearby metropolitan area.

Now, open your eyes. You have just visualized Union County!

Small in area but large in beauty, natural resources, history, tradition and opportunity - that's Union County!

In addition to quality living, Union County has much to offer those interested in nature and recreational pursuits. The pristine clear, clean water of Norris Lake is available for all kinds of water sports - swimming, boating, fishing and water skiing.

Union County is made up of several commonly recognized areas :

• Maynardville - the county seat, the site of the main industrial area of the county.

• Sharps Chapel - the site of chuck Swan Management Area, a wildlife preserve.

• Big Ridge - the home of Big Ridge State Park and Hickory Star Resort, popular places
  on nearby Norris Lake to visit.

• Luttrell - a friendly, thriving community.

• Plainview - a rural residential community.

The average annual temperature of Union County is 58 degrees, average annual rainfall is 56" and snowfall is 14". The freeze free period in the area (growing season) averages 210 days.

The 2000 census population of Union County is 17,808 and covers 247 square miles of area. Community facilities include day care, libraries, health care, financial institutions, restaurants, and meeting rooms. Entertainment includes community and state parks, along with the beautiful Norris Lake which provides numerous marinas in the Union County area.

The average annual temperature of Union County is 58 degrees, average annual rainfall is 56" and snowfall is 14". The freeze free period in the area (growing season) averages 210 days.

"Striving for Excellence" is the motto for the Union County School System. Our schools are reaching this goal with continuous evaluations of the current teaching styles, curriculum, and environments.

Although seasons have come and gone and brought many changes to Union County, our spiritual roots remain strong and run deep. "Church" is still an important part of our culture.