Introduction to Athens, Tennessee
Athens, Tennessee, in McMinn county, is 48 miles NE of Chattanooga, Tennessee and 117 miles N of Atlanta, Georgia.
Athens History
Athens was known as Pumpkintown until it became the county seat of McMinn County in 1823. The area was most likely named Athens because of perceived topographical similarities to Athens, Greece. Prominent early settlers in the city include Samuel Cleage, a construction entrepreneur, and William Henry Cooke.
Athens and nearby Attractions
- Military Memorial Museum
- American Museum of Science and Energy
- Oak Ridge Art Center
- Red Clay State Park
- Knoxville Museum of Art
- Harrison Bay State Park
Things To Do In Athens
While in Athens, golfers can enjoy a round at the White Oaks Golf Course or the Ridgewood Golf Course. The Athens Plaza Shopping Center, the Whiteway Shopping Center and the McMinn Shopping Center offer facilities for shopping. Local churches include the First Bible Church, Cedar Springs Church and Parkway Church. The E. G. Fisher Public Library offers a wide variety of reading materials. The area hosts the Mid East Regional Fair every September.
Athens Transportation
Chattanooga Metropolitan is the nearest major airport.
Athens Higher Education
Tennessee Wesleyan College is the local institution of higher education. Other nearby institutions include Lee University, Roane State Community College and The University of Tennessee.
