Bradley County, Tennessee is located in the southeastern part of the state and encompasses an area of approximately 290 square miles. The county is bordered by Cleveland, Hamilton, Polk, McMinn and Meigs Counties. The county seat is located in Cleveland and the county has a population of approximately 105,000 people.
The terrain of Bradley County is mostly rolling hills with some flat land along the Tennessee River Valley. The elevation ranges from 800 feet to 1,800 feet above sea level. The county has several creeks such as Big Creek and South Chickamauga Creek which flow into the Tennessee River while smaller creeks such as Hardin Creek flow into nearby lakes.
The climate of Bradley County is mild with four distinct seasons. Summers are generally hot and humid with temperatures often reaching into the 90s while winters tend to be cold with temperatures dropping into the 20s or lower at night. Rainfall averages around 45 inches per year with most precipitation occurring in late spring and early summer months.
Bradley County offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, hunting and more due to its location near several state parks including Cherokee National Forest and Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge. In addition to these parks there are also numerous historic sites located throughout the county including Fort Craig which was built during the Civil War era.
Overall, Bradley County offers a beautiful landscape that provides its residents with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation as well as access to historic sites that provide insight into its unique history.
Country seat and other main cities of Bradley County, Tennessee
The county seat of Bradley County is located in the city of Cleveland, which is also the largest city in the county. Located on the banks of the Hiwassee River, Cleveland has a population of around 42,000 people and is home to several educational institutions such as Lee University and Cleveland State Community College. The city also serves as a major industrial center for the region with several large companies based there such as Wacker Chemicals and Whirlpool Corporation.
According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, other major cities in Bradley County include Charleston, which has a population of around 7,000 people and is home to numerous attractions such as Charleston Falls Nature Preserve and Ocoee Whitewater Center. Dayton is another notable town located in Bradley County with a population of about 5,000 people. This small city offers a variety of outdoor recreation activities due to its location near several state parks including Cherokee National Forest and Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge.
Finally, Hopewell is an unincorporated community located in Bradley County with a population of about 1,700 people. This small town offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation due to its proximity to nearby lakes and rivers including Lake Chickamauga and South Chickamauga Creek. In addition to outdoor activities Hopewell also features several historic sites such as Fort Craig which was built during the Civil War era.
History of Bradley County, Tennessee
Bradley County, Tennessee has a long and interesting history that dates back to its founding in 1836. The county was named after Colonel Edward Bradley who was an early settler in the area and a veteran of the War of 1812. In the early days of settlement, Bradley County served as an important transportation hub with several roads connecting it to nearby cities.
The economy of Bradley County was heavily reliant on agriculture during this period and many settlers relied on farming to make a living. However, the county soon developed into an industrial center due to its proximity to several railroads and the Hiwassee River which provided access to major markets. By the late 19th century, Cleveland had become the largest city in Bradley County with several large companies such as Wacker Chemicals and Whirlpool Corporation based there.
During the Civil War, Bradley County was home to several battles between Union and Confederate forces including the Battle of Cleveland which took place in 1863. After the war ended, many former slaves moved to Bradley County where they established their own churches and businesses. In addition, several educational institutions were founded during this period including Lee University which opened its doors in 1891.
Today, Bradley County is home to around 100,000 people who enjoy access to numerous outdoor recreation areas such as Cherokee National Forest and Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge as well as historic sites like Fort Craig which was built during the Civil War era.
Economy of Bradley County, Tennessee
Bradley County, Tennessee has a thriving economy that is driven by several different industries. The county is home to several large companies such as Wacker Chemicals and Whirlpool Corporation which provide jobs for many of the county’s residents. Additionally, the area is also known for its agriculture with many farmers relying on crops such as soybeans and corn as well as livestock such as cattle and hogs to make a living.
The tourism industry also plays an important role in the economy of Bradley County with over 6 million visitors coming to the area each year. Visitors come to the county to enjoy its outdoor recreation areas such as Cherokee National Forest and Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge as well as its historic sites like Fort Craig which was built during the Civil War era. In addition, Cleveland is home to numerous restaurants, shops, galleries, and entertainment venues that attract tourists from all over the region.
Other major economic drivers in Bradley County include manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail services. Companies like Wacker Chemicals employ hundreds of people while healthcare organizations like SkyRidge Medical Center provide essential services for local residents. Educationally speaking, Lee University is one of the largest employers in the county while retail stores like Walmart attract customers from all over East Tennessee.
Overall, Bradley County has a vibrant economy that provides numerous opportunities for its citizens and visitors alike. The area’s diverse industries offer something for everyone while its outdoor recreation areas provide plenty of options for leisure activities. With so much to offer it’s no wonder why Bradley County continues to be an attractive place to live and work in East Tennessee.
