DeKalb County, Tennessee, established on December 2, 1837, from parts of Smith, Wilson, Cannon, Warren, and White counties, is located in the7 Highland Rim/Central Basin area. Named for Revolutionary War hero Johann de Kalb, its early history includes settlement in 1779 by Adam Dale and a reputation as an agricultural community, later transforming into a tourism hub with the 1949 construction of Center Hill Lake. 

Key Historical Details

• Settlement & County Seat: The first settler was Adam Dale, who arrived in 1797, and the town of Liberty was laid out by 1807. The county seat, Smithville, was named for State Senator Samuel Granville Smith.

• Civil War: During the Civil War, the county was deeply divided on secession, with one of the smallest margins in the state to secede.

• Industry & Growth: The area was historically known for agriculture, but the 1949 creation of Center Hill Lake on the Caney Fork River made it a significant tourism destination.

• Culture: The county is famous for hosting the annual Fiddler's Jamboree on the July 4th weekend in Smithville since 1971. 

DeKalb County, TN, is a premier outdoor destination centered around the 18,200-acre Center Hill Lake, offering boating, fishing, and 400+ miles of shoreline. Top attractions include the annual Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree, Edgar Evins State Park, Canoe the Caney, and the Appalachian Center for Craft. 

Key Attractions and Activities

• Center Hill Lake & Marinas: Key spots include Edgar Evins State Park, Hidden Harbor Marina, Pates Ford Marina/Fishlipz, and Center Hill Marina for boating, swimming, and fishing.

• Outdoor Recreation: Canoe the Caney offers kayaking and tubing adventures. Other spots include Floating Mill Park.

• Cultural & Historic Sites: The Appalachian Center for Craft features artisan galleries. The Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree & Craft Festival is a major annual July event.

• Dining & Local Flavor: Fishlipz Bar & Grill, Blue Water Grill, The White Possum, and Harmony Lane Goat Farm.

• Shopping: Farmhouse Finds and Refined Boutique for antiques and local goods. 

   

Nearby Natural Attractions

• Burgess Falls State Park: Known for dramatic waterfalls.

• Rock Island State Park: Features deep pools and hiking.