Last updated: April 18, 2026
- Type: City (county seat)
- Established: 1819 (county seat); incorporated 1820
- 2020 population: ~3,300
- Named for: Sgt. William Jasper of the 2nd South Carolina
Jasper sits in the Sequatchie Valley at the southern end of Marion County and has served as the county's civic center since 1819. It is the oldest incorporated town in the county and lies on the Sequatchie Valley National Scenic Byway, with U.S. 41 and U.S. 64 meeting in its historic downtown.
Founding (1819–1820)
When Marion County was created in 1817, the first court was held at John Shropshire's home in what is now Whitwell. Two years later, county commissioners purchased a 40-acre tract from Betsy Pack, the daughter of Cherokee Chief John Lowery and widow of William Pack, for the nominal price of $1. The town that grew on that tract was named for Sergeant William Jasper of the 2nd South Carolina, a Revolutionary War soldier known for his defense of Fort Moultrie.
The county's first courthouse was completed in Jasper in 1820, establishing the town's role as the county's civic center. Betsy Pack's name remains in local use through Betsy Pack Drive, the principal street through downtown.
19th century
Jasper developed as a small county-seat market town, supplying the surrounding valley farms and serving as a stagecoach and later a railroad stop. The Sequatchie Valley road from Pikeville to South Pittsburg ran through town, and the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway served the area beginning in the industrial era.
20th century to today
Jasper avoided the boom-and-bust cycles of the industrial towns further south in the county. Its economy has leaned on government, professional services, and small manufacturing rather than heavy industry. The courthouse, rebuilt over the years, remains the focal point of downtown. Jasper today is a stop on the Sequatchie Valley National Scenic Byway.
Notable people associated with Jasper
- Betsy Pack, sold the land the town was built on.
- Peter Turney (1827–1903), Governor of Tennessee and Chief Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court; born in Jasper.