What happened to this Tennessee county and why does it no longer exist?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – There are 95 counties in the Volunteer State split by the three Grand Divisions – East, Middle and West Tennessee.

Over its 220+ year history, Tennessee has only seen one county come and go. The county, known as James County, was established in 1871.

According to Tennessee Virtual Archive, the county was seated in the town of Ooltewah and had an estimated area of 330 square miles.

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The Honorable Elbert Abdiel James introduced the measure to create the new county, named in honor of his father, Reverend Jesse J. James, a Methodist minister and native of Sullivan County, states the Tennessee Encyclopedia.

Historians said the county was created due to political motives. According to the state encyclopedia, the county’s residents were predominantly Republican, whereas Chattanooga’s residents were largely Democratic.

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However, in 1919, the county was dissolved by the Tennessee General Assembly and annexed by Hamilton County after a vote from the residents, said the Hamilton County Clerk.

The reason for the abolishment, according to historians, was revenue — or the lack thereof.

According to the Tennessee Secretary of State, most James County records were destroyed in a fire. However, a few records can be found at the Hamilton County Courthouse and Chattanooga Bicentennial Library.

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The Old James County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and still stands in Ooltewah. However, the building now serves as a wedding venue known as the Mountain Oaks Manor.

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