The City of Watauga, Tennessee is a quiet residential community of approximately 400 people with beautiful mountain scenery and friendly people. It is in easy driving distance to both Johnson City and Elizabethton. It is also located near Cherokee National Forest, Roan Mountain State Park, and Sycamore Shoals Historic State Park. Watauga means “beautiful waters” and reflects the peaceful Watauga River flowing through the city that holds the Quality Trout Zone, home to many trophy trout.
City Hall is also the location of a Daniel Boone Trail marker that marks the historic trail over which Daniel Boone traveled in the westward movement and expansion of the pre-American settlers as he moved from North Carolina to Kentucky as a pioneer leader of the early American Settlers. Every year local students travel that historic trail and stop by the City Hall for lunch break.
City of Watauga’s history is most notable for the Watauga Association, an autonomous government formed by the first settlers to make their home along the Watauga River, thus forming the framework of the first free government in North America. The City’s seal reflects this history with Watauga considered the Cornerstone of Tennessee.
The City of Watauga incorporated in 1960 and has offices in the historic Watauga Elementary School building. The building provides rentals of the dining room, kitchen, and gymnasium.
Announcements
- Garbage pickup every Thursday.
- Property taxes due January 31st. Call office for assistance if needed.
- Burn Permits
Burn permits are required for all open burning October 15th – May 15th.
Permits available at: https://www.tn.gov/tnwildlandfire/prevention/safe-debris-burning/permits.html or by calling 877-350-2876.
Upcoming Events
- Commissioners’ meetings are on the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. and begin with public comment. A citizen’s request form can be obtained from city hall or downloaded from this website. In order to make public comments, request forms need to be filled out in advance of the meeting and returned to city hall by 1:00 p.m. the day prior to the meeting.