Newport, TN
Newport, Tennessee sits along the banks of the French Broad River, which in 1968 became a State Scenic River. First established in 1797, Newport’s original location was along the shores of the nearby Pigeon River. Residents called it Clifton at that time, due to the craggy cliffs towering over the river. With the advent of the railroad and the construction of a depot on the French Broad, the town’s center shifted, giving rise to the name of “New Port,” and the town became the seat of picturesque Cocke County. Newport claimed 7,242 citizens during the 2000 Census. Estimates in 2007 were 7,449.
If you're heading to court in Newport, you should know that Tennessee's legal system includes four trial courts: the Circuit Courts, which, as courts of general jurisdiction handle civil and criminal matters and hear appeals from the courts with limited jurisdiction; the Chancery Courts, which exclusively hear civil cases and generally handle cases that fall outside the traditional common-law actions; the Criminal Courts, located in 13 of TN’s 31 judicial districts, which serve as relief for heavy caseloads in other courts, hearing criminal cases and misdemeanor appeals from the lower courts; and the Probate Court, which hears individual estate cases but only operates in a few districts. Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure are readily available to the public.
If you have a personal injury case in Tennessee, your claim will be heard in >civil court. This Self-Help section of the TN Courts website will tell you what to expect in court. Once you’ve gone through a trial, you may have the right to appeal your personal injury case to the state’s Appeals Court or the Supreme Court. The Tennessee Court of Appeals and the Tennessee Supreme Court both convene in the cities of Jackson, Knoxville and Nashville, as required by the Tennessee State Constitution.
Newport and Cocke County lie in the shadows of the Smoky Mountains. Found here is the eastern entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and the most direct route to the popular Cosby Campground and Gatlinburg. To the west of Newport, the Pigeon and the Nolichucky Rivers converge to form beautiful Douglas Lake. The Nolichucky brings courageous whitewater rafters while the lake offers some of the finest TN fishing sites. Newport is easily accessible by TN Scenic Highway 321, a lovely winding road, filled with color during fall foliage times. To the southwest of Newport, English Mountain towers at over 3,600 feet, while Hall Top Mountain looms to the southeast.
Newport, Tennessee hosts the annual Cocke County Fair, a weeklong event in August. In October, the town gathers to celebrate with the Newport Harvest Street Festival, a two-day event, including an “Ol’ Timey Night.” The Newport/Cocke County Museum contains a number of ‘Ol’ Timey’ items as well. The Hard Times Street Rod Club holds an annual Moonshine Rod Run for vintage vehicles.
Newport, Tennessee owns a colorful past, when economic hardships were such that some of its citizens sold moonshine in the first part of the last century, and others raised marijuana in the second part. Today, this is a peaceful, quaint town, with solid industries offering a good economic base. With beautiful surroundings, a strong tourist industry, and a low cost of living, Newport residents enjoy an enviable quality of life.
