Since The Days Of The Revolution:  Named in honor of Nathanael Greene, General of Washington's Army of the Republic, Greeneville was settled in 1783 by Scotch-Irish Conventers on the land of Robert Kerr around the famous Big Spring.  Although a part of North Carolina at that time, the encircling mountains presented such a strong barrier to existing transportation that its settlers were molded into a self-reliant, ruggedly individual group.

The Lost State of Franklin:    Greeneville was from 1785 to 1788 the Capital of a unique political phenomenon.  Seceding from North Carolina, these headstrong pioneers organized the separate and sovereign state of Franklin . . . the smallest and most short-lived state in the history of our nation.  The bold policies of its founders, men like Rev. Samuel Doak and John Sevier, resulted in the state's dissolution, and Greeneville subsequently became a part of Tennessee when it was admitted to the Union in 1796.

The Volunteer State:  Pioneers from Greeneville area helped win America's independence at the Battle of King's Mountain in 1780;  and to preserve that freedom at New Orleans in 1815.  Tennesseans volunteered in such numbers to take part in the Mexican War that the name "Volunteer State" was applied.  The nickname, and tradition, hold today.

Andrew "Tennessee" Johnson: Of all the Greeneville residents to achieve the national eye, perhaps least sung was a quiet tailor by the name of Andrew Johnson.  His home, tailor shop and burial place are preserved today as a National Shrine to this man who was elected to the Board of Aldermen in 1829 and went on to hold every political position in the fight of the American People . .   leading to the place of 17^th President of the United States.

Davy Crockett:  One of the most colorful characters every to enter the American scene, Davy Crockett, was born in 1786, a few miles from Greeneville.  His adventurous and colorful life has become a legend in drama and song prominent in the minds of today's children and adults alike.

Oldest College:  Tusculum College has the distinction of being the oldest U.S.A. Presbyterian related institution of higher learning in the United States.  It is descended from two historic schools . . . Greeneville College founded in 1794 and Tusculum Academy founded in 1818.  They were consolidated in 1868.  Fully accredited by the Southern Association, a splendid four-year liberal arts education is offered at Tusculum.

Important Data:  The Town of Greeneville, which covers 15.1 square miles is the county seat of Greene County, which has an area of 613 miles.  The Town of Greeneville has a population of 15,198 with an estimated additional 7,000 residents in its urban growth boundaries.  The 2000 census gives the population of Greene County as 62,909.  Greene County has a mild climate, with a mean precipitation of 42 inches..