Lebanon
Lebanon, the county seat, is a "community of opportunity," a city with open arms and an enviable list of resources to help newcomers build their dreams. On Nov. 23, 1819, the City of Lebanon was officially incorporated. Lebanon – a city like no other, it has maintained its rich heritage through historic preservation and yet has a progressive flair that is primed for growth through the city's effort to move forward with continuously expanding infrastructure. Lebanon remains accessible, affordable and primed for growth.
Lebanon is the county seat of Wilson County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 26,190 at the 2010 census, 28,608 in 2013 and 32, 372 following a special census conducted in 2016. Lebanon is located in Middle Tennessee, approximately 25 miles (40 km) east of downtown Nashville. Lebanon is part of the Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Local residents have called Lebanon "Cedar City", mostly a reference to the abundance of cedar trees in the area. The city is home to Cumberland University, a small, private four-year liberal arts institution.
Mt. Juliet
Mt. Juliet (also known as Mount Juliet) is a city located in western Wilson County, Tennessee. A suburb of Nashville, it is approximately 17 miles (27 km) east of downtown Nashville. Mt. Juliet is located mostly between two major national east-west routes, Interstate 40 and U.S. Route 70. As of the 2015 special census, the city has a total population of 28,156. Mt. Juliet is the largest city in Wilson County. The official city charter has the name listed as Mt. Juliet, however the United States Postal Service lists the name as Mount Juliet.
Mt. Juliet was formed in 1835 and incorporated as a city in 1972. According to the Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce, the name of the town has two possible explanations. One theory is that the town was named for Julia Gleaves, a person who was renowned for taking care of those in need within the community. The most widely accepted story is that Mt. Juliet is named for the Mount Juliet Estate, a manor house in County Kilkenny, Ireland. It is the only U.S. city with this name.
Watertown
Watertown is a town located in Wilson County, Tennessee. The population was 1,358 at the 2000 census and 1,477 at the 2010 census. It is located southeast of Lebanon.
Prior to the town's establishment, the land was a Revolutionary War grant to Colonel Archibald Lytle and his brother William. Circa 1790, the grandparents of Watertown's founder, Wilson L. Waters, moved into the area. In 1845, the post office moved from nearby Three Forks to Wilson's store. Waters expanded his operations with a sawmill, gristmill and blacksmith shop. Waters' 400-acre (1.6 km2) farm eventually became Watertown.
The Nashville and Knoxville Railroad built a depot in Watertown in 1885, making it the hub of business in the area. The increased business led to a doubling of the village's size. In 1903, a fire swept through the wood structures of the village, destroying many businesses. During the recovery period following the fire, a town square surrounded by brick building was laid out, creating the core of the current city of Watertown.
Wilson County Government
Visit WilCo
The Wilson County Convention and Visitors Bureau provides news, information and vacation ideas; events, festivals, and happenings in amazing Wilson County – home of the best county fair in the nation!
Wilson County provides scenic beauty, historic landmarks and the total serenity of days gone by are just a short drive away – no matter where you call home. Visit our three great cities within one peaceful destination and we promise you'll return to the outside world feeling energized and refreshed. Now THAT'S a vacation place to be!
Demographics and Community Data
Wilson County is one of Middle Tennessee's fastest-growing communities, offering a strong and evolving market for businesses, families and future investment. With a growing population, a skilled workforce and a thriving local economy, our community continues to create new opportunities for business growth and development. Explore the demographics, workforce statistics and community data shaping Wilson County's future.
