Since July 7, 1870, when the city became official, Loudon has been the county seat, incorporated 57 years later in 1927. Loudon was originally founded in 1817.
The city began as many others across the country have — it was a small river town and, by some standards, it still is. In the beginning it basically consisted of a steamboat landing, a store and a couple of houses. With the advent of the railroad in 1848, the settlement began to grow steadily.
Blair’s Ferry was the original name, but it was later changed in commemoration of Fort Loudon, which was named after John Campbell, the fourth Earl of Loudon.
Loudon today still maintains its cultural heritage and its roughly 5,000 citizens continue to enjoy all the benefits of a 21st century community.
Mayor Jim Greenway, Vice Mayor Lynn Millsaps and council members Jeff Harris, Johnny James, and Dennis Stewart are looking forward to being instrumental in potential new growth of the City of Loudon.
The council meets at 7:30 p.m. the third Monday of every month in City Hall, 201 Alma Place. Workshops are held at 6:30 p.m. the second Monday of each month.
Lynn Mills serves as the city manager and his office is in City Hall. Stephanie Putkonen is the city’s recorder. For additional information on city offices, call 865-458-2033.
For those interested in building in the City of Loudon, the Regional Planning Commission, whose members include Dennis Brennan, Ken Brewster, Chairman Hamil Carey, Debbie Hines, Gene Gammons, Judy Jones, Carlie McEachern, Jimmy Parks, and Jeff Harris, meets at 12:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month in the boardroom in City Hall.
Travis Gray serves as the city’s building inspector, codes enforcement officer and health inspector. He is responsible for building inspections, zoning and other related laws, including permits.
Mike Brubaker is the city’s fire chief and James “Bear” Webb is the chief of police. The fire and police departments are located on Cedar Street at the river beside the county courthouse annex. The fire department also has a substation on Corporate Park Drive. Non-emergency calls should be made to 865-408-0408.
The Loudon Merchants and Property Owners Association, a non-profit organization, promotes public participation in the areas of economic development, community viability and historic preservation to improve the overall quality of life of city residents. Patti Wells is the association’s executive director.
LMPOA Events — such as Octoberfest, antique shows, sales, Memories on Mulberry, street festivals, Christmas in Olde Loudon and the annual Fourth of July parade — are sponsored by the organization.
The Historical Preservation Committee promotes the development, preservation and restoration of the community.
The City of Loudon also boasts a housing authority with Eddie Ratledge, Hamil Carey, Jack H. Lefler II, Lynda Randolph, and Tim Jenkins serving as board commissioners and Lori Everett serving as executive director.
Bill Fagg, director of public works, and his staff are responsible for the city’s streets and sanitation department.
In 1996, the city established the Loudon Recreation Department, which operates five parks throughout the city — the largest being Loudon Municipal Park, sprawling across 111 acres situated off Highway 72 — after residents approved a 1-cent sales tax increase to cover the cost of the program.
Loudon Municipal Park harbors four baseball/softball fields, a walking track, disc golf course and Loudon Tate & Lyle Performing Arts Center. The brand new Loudon Water Park featuring a splash pad and pool with climbing wall will be open beginning in the spring. Recreation Director Mark Harrell can be reached at 865-458-7525. The department’s offices are located in City Hall.
