Welcome!

Welcome to DeKalb County!

DeKalb County, located in the heart of Middle Tennessee, was established on December 2, 1837, from portions of Smith, Wilson, Cannon, Warren, and White counties. It was named in honor of Johann de Kalb, a German-born hero of the American Revolutionary War who died in the Battle of Camden. The county seat, Smithville, was incorporated in 1843 and quickly became a central hub of government, trade, and education for the surrounding rural communities. The early settlers of DeKalb County were primarily of Scots-Irish and English descent, drawn by the fertile lands, freshwater springs, and opportunities for farming, milling, and commerce along the creeks and rivers.

Agriculture shaped the foundation of DeKalb’s economy, with corn, tobacco, and livestock dominating the 19th-century landscape. The county also played a notable role during the Civil War, as both Union and Confederate sympathies were present, leading to tensions and divided loyalties. Skirmishes and raids occurred in the region, with local families often caught between conflicting sides. Following the war, DeKalb County, like much of the South, underwent slow economic recovery. However, the early 20th century saw growth with the arrival of new infrastructure, including schools, roadways, and the Center Hill Dam project in the 1940s, which created Center Hill Lake and brought federal investment and tourism to the area.

Today, DeKalb County is known for its blend of scenic beauty, small-town charm, and deep historical roots. Annual events like the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree celebrate the region’s cultural heritage, while grassroots preservation efforts continue to document and protect the county’s cemeteries, churches, family histories, and historic landmarks. The community remains proud of its rich past and committed to ensuring that the stories of early settlers, veterans, and families are remembered and shared with future generation