James County: Tennessee’s Brief and Tumultuous Lost County
Mountain Oaks Manor in Ooltewah. (Photos/William Newlin of Chattamatters)
Chattamatters NOW…
Today, William Newlin of Chattamatters covers a glimpse into Tennessee’s fleeting past with the story of James County—a short-lived, turbulent entity that once challenged local boundaries before ultimately fading into history.
Click to listen and learn more below…
Nestled in Ooltewah, Mountain Oaks Manor stands as a charming reminder of Tennessee’s rich history. The mansion, which hosts events from weddings to Harry Potter nights, also serves as a window into the past—once serving as the third and final courthouse for the now-defunct James County. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976, the two-story brick building reflects turn-of-the-century elegance, with rooms that once housed a jail and a judge’s chamber.
James County’s story begins in 1871, born out of resentment toward Chattanooga’s dominance in Hamilton County. When Chattanooga overtook Harrison as the county seat in 1870, local residents in eastern Hamilton County, feeling slighted, pushed for a new county—James County—named after legislator Elbert A. James. Ooltewah was chosen as the county seat, and the county’s early days saw the construction of public buildings, including its courthouse.
However, the county’s short-lived existence was marred by tragedy and controversy. In January 1890, a fire devastated the courthouse, destroying most records. Efforts to rebuild faced opposition, and within months, the state legislature moved to dissolve James County amid legal disputes and local protests. Despite resistance from residents who wanted to keep their county intact, the law was initially upheld, but the Tennessee Supreme Court later ruled the abolition unconstitutional.
Throughout the early 1900s, James County grappled with underfunded roads and schools, fueling sentiments for annexation. The arrest of a county clerk for arson in 1912 and subsequent fires only intensified debates over local independence. Ultimately, economic struggles led to bankruptcy in 1919, and voters faced their final choice: to dissolve James County entirely.
In December of that year, the residents overwhelmingly voted for annexation, ending James County’s brief but fiery existence. Today, the name lives on only in history, a testament to a unique chapter in Tennessee’s story—one of pride, controversy, and resilience. As the local historical society notes, “James County is gone. It now exists only as a part of the history of this community and in the hearts and memories of its citizens.”
Find out more at CHATTAMATTERS.COM, follow Chattamatters on Facebook and Instagram, and to listen to previous Chattamatters NOW segments click HERE.
SOURCE: Chattamatters
