History of Unicoi County, Tennessee in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: September 28, 2024

Located in northeastern Tennessee, Unicoi County is a rural county with a population of 17,928 as of the 2020 census. Its county seat is Erwin. The name "Unicoi" originates from the Cherokee language and describes the characteristic fog often observed in the area's foothills and mountains. Part of the Johnson City Metropolitan Statistical Area and the broader "Tri-Cities" region, Unicoi County is geographically and economically linked to its surrounding urban centers.

1912: Unicoi County Supports Theodore Roosevelt's Progressive Party

In 1912, Unicoi County broke its trend of supporting the Republican presidential candidate and instead backed Theodore Roosevelt's Progressive Party campaign.

September 13, 1916: Hanging of Mary the Elephant

On September 13, 1916, a circus elephant named Mary was hanged in Erwin, Tennessee for killing her trainer in nearby Kingsport. The hanging was a public spectacle and was met with mixed reactions.

1986: Unicoi County Supports Democrat Ned McWherter for Governor

In 1986, Unicoi County showed support for Democratic candidate Ned McWherter in the gubernatorial election, highlighting their occasional deviation from their typical Republican stance.

1990: Unicoi County Supports Democrat Ned McWherter for Re-election

Continuing their support for Ned McWherter, Unicoi County again backed the Democratic candidate in the 1990 gubernatorial election.

1992: Publication of "The Day They Hung the Elephant"

In 1992, a book titled "The Day They Hung the Elephant" by Charles Edwin Price was published, recounting the events of the elephant hanging in Erwin, Tennessee.

2006: Unicoi County Supports Democrat Phil Bredesen for Governor

In 2006, Unicoi County joined all counties in the state in supporting Democrat Phil Bredesen for governor, demonstrating a willingness to back Democrats in certain elections.