Crossville (pop. 7,000) is the county seat of Cumberland County, which puts it right in the center of one of the most scenic regions, rich in historic lore and billed as "one of the best-kept secrets in Tennessee." The city was chosen by Rand McNally as the No. 4 location in the nation for retirement, which triggered a large amount of real estate inquiries.

Among the reasons for this honor are the area's mild climate, abundant natural beauty, an affordable and leisurely lifestyle, a progressive educational system, sound economic development, a wide range of recreational pursuits, ample natural resources, diversified and well supported industries, plenty of shopping and entertainment, and (perhaps most important of all), friendly people who will welcome you with a smile and make you feel immediately at home.

Crossville is on Interstate Highway 40, about an hour's drive from Knoxville and Chattanooga, and a two hours' drive from Nashville. It is in one of the fastest growing counties in Tennessee, where every corner seems to be a location for developing small and snug communities where the greeting "Hi, neighbor!" still retains its warmth and friendly charm. The county's growth over the past decade has been extraordinary, yet there is still plenty of land and abundant wildlife among the grassy glades and wooded hillsides.

Housing in Crossville runs the gamut, from rental duplexes to modest ranch homes to upscale tri-levels to magnificent estates. Financing is available through many banks and other financial institutions. Annual property taxes are very low--about $350 for a $100,000 home. Neighborhoods are clean and quiet, streets are well planned for easy traffic flow, utilities are readily available, and excellent fire and police departments provide protection throughout the county. There are over 100 civic, business, and professional clubs and organizations active in Crossville and Cumberland County.

Religion has always played a major part in the lives of Crossville residents. By the end of the 1800s there were more churches in the county than there were houses. Many churches of varied denominations still serve the religious needs of county and city residents.

With all these benefits, plus low taxes and low living costs, it's no wonder Crossville has become so popular with retired professionals and other retirees, companies wishing to relocate, and people tired of the hassle of city life.

History . . . Cumberland County has 71 communities, originally all isolated because of the lack of roads, and each with its own store, post office, school, and church. This was all Indian territory until 1805, when pioneers began to visit the area. The Crab Orchard Inn was built to serve travelers to the region, including President Andrew Jackson. By the end of the century, a limestone industry was in operation. It wasn't until 1973 that the historic town of Crab Orchard was finally incorporated. Meanwhile, in 1797, Greenberry Wilson, a Revolutionary War soldier, had established squatter's rights on a piece of land in the Burke community. The "Wilson Place" still stands, under continuous ownership by Wilson descendants. The county was created in 1856, and James Scott, a tavern proprietor, donated 40 acres to help decide that Crossville was named the county seat. The second courthouse celebrated its 107th birthday in 1998 and is being renovated as the county museum. Both it and the present third courthouse are listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings.

In 1901, Crossville was incorporated and began its long existence as a sleepy little village hidden among the hills in the legendary Cumberland Mountains. In the late 1930s, the successful Cumberland Homesteads Project was begun under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's recovery program following the Great Depression. Farms of five to fifty acres were carved from a 29,000-acre tract of land, and distributed to 256 homesteaders, with a home and barn built on each farm. A sizable number of the original families or their descendants remain on these properties. The Homesteads Tower, a marvelous octagonal stone tower built as part of the project, contains a water tank and a winding stairway to a lookout platform at the top. Four large rooms at the base contain a museum and are also used for various community activities.

Although now within easy reach via super highways, Crossville remains one of the best-kept secrets in Tennessee, although the secret is leaking out as more and more people learn of its many attractions. Other interesting historic and scenic sites in the county include Pioneer Hall Museum in Pleasant Hill, Crab Orchard (the oldest community), Grassy Cove, Stonehaus and Highland Manor Wineries, Cumberland Mountain State Rustic Park, Scott's Gulf, Potter's Ford with its Devil's Breakfast Table, and the Crossville Railroad Depot, where Sgt. Alvin York boarded a train for fame and glory as the most prominent hero of World War I.