About Fentress County
Fentress County is located in the northern portion of the Cumberland Plateau region of Middle Tennessee, covering approximately 499 square miles of rugged, forested terrain. Established in 1823 and named after James Fentress, a prominent legislator and officer in the War of 1812, the county seat is Jamestown, situated along the shores of Dale Hollow Lake. According to recent census estimates, Fentress County has a population of approximately 18,500 residents.
- The Fentress County Courthouse, located at 101 Main Street in Jamestown, houses the County Clerk, Circuit Court Clerk, and Register of Deeds offices.
- The Register of Deeds maintains all land records and property transactions.
The county is renowned for its natural beauty, including the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, which attracts thousands of outdoor enthusiasts annually for hiking, whitewater rafting, and scenic vistas. Pickett State Park, located partially in Fentress County, features natural bridges and cave systems that draw geologists and nature lovers alike. The economy historically centered on timber, coal mining, and agriculture, though tourism has become increasingly important.
The County Assessor's office, responsible for property valuations, is located at 116 Main Street, Jamestown, TN 38556. Dale Hollow Lake, created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1943, forms much of the county's northern border and has profoundly shaped local recreation and real estate development.
The county maintains a rural character with no incorporated cities of significant size beyond Jamestown.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Fentress County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. It manages the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is involved in various community programs and initiatives aimed at crime prevention and public safety. It also includes specialized divisions such as patrol, investigations, and narcotics, which address specific law enforcement needs within the county.
Police Departments
In addition to the Fentress County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is supported by municipal police departments, including the Jamestown Police Department and the Allardt Police Department. These agencies have jurisdiction within their respective city limits and work in coordination with the sheriff's office on major crimes and regional law enforcement initiatives.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Fentress County Sheriff's Office, located at 113 Justice Center Drive in Jamestown, TN 38556, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the county's unincorporated areas. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (931) 879-8142 and maintains a website at fentresscountysheriff.com where citizens can access non-emergency information. The Sheriff's Office operates the Fentress County Jail, which houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanants.
- The Jamestown Police Department provides municipal law enforcement services within the town limits of Jamestown and can be reached at (931) 879-8142 for non-emergency matters.
- Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503 and § 10-7-504, arrest records and booking reports are considered public records and may be requested from the Sheriff's Office or municipal police departments.
- Citizens seeking arrest records should submit a written request to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest, identifying the specific records sought.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Tennessee and may be released upon request, though some restrictions apply for juvenile offenders.
- Processing fees for copies of arrest reports typically range from $0.15 to $1.00 per page depending on the volume requested.
Inmate information can typically be obtained by calling the jail directly at (931) 879-8142 or by visiting the facility during business hours; some inmate roster information may be available through third-party inmate search websites, though the county does not currently maintain a comprehensive online inmate lookup system. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation also maintains a Sex Offender Registry accessible online that includes offenders residing in Fentress County. No tribal police jurisdiction exists in Fentress County, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol maintains concurrent jurisdiction on state highways throughout the county.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Fentress County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Fentress County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Background checks can be conducted through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, which provides comprehensive criminal history information for residents. The TBI offers an online portal for accessing statewide criminal records, including those from Fentress County.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Fentress County are maintained by the Fentress County Sheriff's Office. These records provide details of arrests made within the county, including the charges and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly. The Tennessee Public Records Act governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring transparency and public access to information.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Fentress County Jail, located in Jamestown, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting the charges. Inmate information can be accessed through the sheriff's office, which provides details on current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring appointments and adherence to security protocols. The bond and bail process follows Tennessee state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending court appearances.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Fentress County are taken and retained by the Fentress County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's office or online databases. Tennessee does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can request corrections or updates if the information is inaccurate.
Courts & Case Records
The Fentress County judicial system consists of multiple courts with varying jurisdictions. The Fentress County Circuit Court, located at 101 Main Street, Jamestown, TN 38556 (telephone: 931-879-7814), has general jurisdiction over civil matters exceeding $25,000, felony criminal cases, divorces, and appeals from lower courts. The Fentress County General Sessions Court, sharing the same courthouse location, handles civil cases under $25,000, preliminary hearings in felony cases, misdemeanors, and various administrative matters including mental health commitments.
- Copy fees are typically $0.50 per page for standard documents, with certified copies costing an additional $5.00 per document.
- Requests for older archived records may require advance notice and additional research fees.
The Chancery Court, also located at the courthouse, exercises equity jurisdiction over matters including land disputes, probate, guardianships, and certain contract disputes. The Circuit Court Clerk's office maintains all court records and can be reached at (931) 879-7814. Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503 establishes that court records are presumptively open to public inspection unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute.
Case information may be searched in person at the Circuit Court Clerk's office during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. While Tennessee has implemented the TnCourts.gov online portal for some judicial districts, Fentress County's case records access may require in-person or telephone inquiries to the Clerk's office. The Jamestown Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations and traffic citations within town limits.
Property & Public Records
The Fentress County Register of Deeds, located at 101 Main Street, Jamestown, TN 38556 (phone: 931-879-7222), maintains all official land records including warranty deeds, quit-claim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, satisfaction of liens, mechanic's liens, easements, right-of-way agreements, and recorded plat maps. The Register's office indexes records by grantor, grantee, and property location, with some records dating back to the county's establishment in 1823.
- Citizens may search records in person at the Register's office during business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Copy fees are generally $0.50 per page, with certified copies costing an additional $5.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.
- Recording fees for new documents vary by instrument type but typically start at $13.00 for the first page and $4.00 for each additional page.
While the office does not currently offer a comprehensive free online search portal, Tennessee has been transitioning to digital record-keeping, and some recent documents may be accessible through third-party subscription services or limited county systems. The Fentress County Assessor of Property, located at 116 Main Street, Jamestown, TN 38556 (phone: 931-879-8615), maintains property tax assessment records including ownership information, parcel numbers, assessed values, property characteristics, and exemption status. The Assessor's office conducts periodic reappraisals as required by Tennessee law.
Property tax bills are issued by the Fentress County Trustee's office. Many Tennessee counties participate in the statewide TN Map online GIS system, which may provide free parcel mapping and basic property information for Fentress County parcels, though comprehensive assessment data typically requires direct contact with the Assessor's office.
Vital Records
Vital records for Fentress County residents are maintained by both local and state agencies. The Fentress County Clerk's office, located at 101 Main Street, Jamestown, TN 38556 (phone: 931-879-7815), issues marriage licenses for couples planning to marry in Tennessee. Marriage licenses cost $97.50, though couples who complete a four-hour premarital preparation course may receive a $60 discount, reducing the fee to $37.50. Tennessee has no waiting period, and licenses are valid for 30 days from issuance.
- The County Clerk maintains marriage records and can provide certified copies for $15.00 each.
- Certified birth certificates cost $15.00 each, and certified death certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Applications may be submitted by mail, in person at state offices, or through the VitalChek online ordering service at vitalchek.com, though online orders incur additional processing fees.
- Processing times vary from immediate (in-person) to 4-6 weeks (mail requests).
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Fentress County are filed with the Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, Central Services Building, 1st Floor, 421 5th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37243. Birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 50 years old are restricted to eligible applicants as defined by Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-3-203, including the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a tangible interest. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate their eligibility to receive restricted records.
Divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk in the county where the divorce was granted.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Fentress County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Fentress County Clerk's office, located at 101 Main Street, Jamestown, TN 38556 (phone: 931-879-7815), processes assumed name (DBA - "Doing Business As") filings for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating under a name different from the owner's legal name. Tennessee Code Annotated § 62-2-101 requires businesses using assumed names to register with the county clerk in each county where they conduct business.
- The filing fee is typically $20.00, and registrations must be renewed every five years.
- The Secretary of State's online business search portal at tnbear.tn.gov allows free searches of registered business entities, including active status, registered agent information, and filing history.
For formal business entity formation and registration (corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships), the Tennessee Secretary of State, Business Services Division, maintains the official registry. Business licenses for operations within Jamestown town limits may require a municipal business license from the Town of Jamestown offices at 110 West Main Street. The Fentress County Codes Department handles building permits, electrical permits, plumbing permits, and zoning compliance for unincorporated areas of the county; this office can be reached through the county courthouse.
The Tennessee Department of Revenue administers sales and use tax permits, which can be applied for online at tntap.tn.gov. Professional and occupational licenses (contractors, healthcare providers, cosmetologists, etc.) are regulated by various Tennessee state boards and commissions. The Fentress County Chamber of Commerce, serving the greater Jamestown area, provides business resources and networking opportunities; information may be available through local business directories and the county government website.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Fentress County, Tennessee are administered by the Fentress County Election Commission, located at 101 Main Street, Jamestown, TN 38556. The Election Commission can be reached at (931) 879-9916 for information regarding voter registration, polling locations, absentee voting, and election results. Voter registration in Tennessee requires completion of a voter registration application at least 30 days prior to an election.
- Residents may also register in person at the Fentress County Election Commission, the County Clerk's office, or at various state offices including driver's license stations.
- To register, applicants must be U.S.
- The 2024 general election turnout in Fentress County was approximately 63-68% of registered voters, consistent with rural Tennessee county participation rates in presidential elections.
- § 10-7-503 et seq.), which provides public access to most election administration records.
Tennessee offers online voter registration through the Tennessee Secretary of State's website at ovr.govote.tn.gov, where eligible citizens can register or update their registration information using a Tennessee driver's license or photo ID. citizens, Tennessee residents, at least 18 years old by the election date, and not have been convicted of certain felonies (or have had voting rights restored). Voters can find their assigned polling place by contacting the Election Commission or checking the Tennessee Secretary of State's voter information lookup at tnmap.tn.gov/voterlookup.
Fentress County typically operates several polling locations throughout the county on election day, with early voting available at the Election Commission office for approximately two weeks prior to each election. Public election records in Tennessee include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted per Tenn. Code Ann.
§ 2-2-142), campaign finance disclosures filed with the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance, candidate nominating petitions, and precinct-level election results. The next major election will occur on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S.
Senate contests, Tennessee state legislative seats, and local county offices. Absentee by-mail voting in Tennessee is available to voters who meet specific criteria under Tenn. Code Ann.
§ 2-6-201, including those 60 years or older, hospitalized or ill, serving as a juror, students, military members, those observing religious holidays, election workers, or those with disabilities. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the Fentress County Election Commission, and completed ballots must be received by the close of polls on election day. Tennessee does not offer universal mail-in voting or no-excuse absentee voting.
Election transparency in Tennessee is governed by the Tennessee Public Records Act (Tenn. Code Ann.
Economy & Demographics
Fentress County's economy has historically been based on natural resource extraction, forestry, and agriculture, with significant diversification toward tourism and outdoor recreation in recent decades. The timber industry remains important, with several sawmills and forestry operations employing county residents. The county's median household income is estimated at approximately $34,000 to $38,000, significantly below the Tennessee state average, reflecting the rural nature and limited industrial base of the area.
Major employers include the Fentress County government and school system, healthcare providers including Jamestown Regional Medical Center (a critical access hospital), and retail establishments serving local residents and tourists. The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, managed by the National Park Service, is a substantial economic driver, bringing thousands of visitors annually who support local lodging, restaurants, outfitters, and guide services. Dale Hollow Lake recreational activities similarly support marinas, vacation rental properties, and fishing guide services.
Agriculture focuses primarily on cattle operations, hay production, and small-scale crop farming, with limited commercial agriculture due to the rugged terrain. Coal mining, once a significant employer, has declined substantially in recent decades. The county unemployment rate has historically tracked above state averages, ranging from 5% to 8% depending on seasonal variations and economic conditions.
Recent economic development efforts have focused on outdoor recreation tourism infrastructure, small business support, and broadband internet expansion to support remote work opportunities. The county lacks major manufacturing facilities or corporate headquarters, maintaining its predominantly rural character. Retail and service sector employment is concentrated in Jamestown, while much of the county remains sparsely populated forest and recreational land.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ Limited Online / In-Person Search | Property: ⚠️ In-Person / Limited Online | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person Only | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office / In-Person | Business: ✅ State Online (Entity Search) | Elections: ⚠️ Limited Online | Overall Score: 4/10 — Fentress County maintains a traditional in-person records access model with limited digital services, typical of rural Tennessee counties.
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Cities & Towns in Fentress County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Fentress County, Tennessee.
Nearby Counties
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