Alcoa, Tennessee is a city located in Blount County, Tennessee. It is situated along the Little River and is bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains to the east and the Cherokee National Forest to the west. Alcoa is about 20 miles south of Knoxville and just over 100 miles from Nashville. Check prozipcodes for information about Anderson County, Tennessee.
The city has a total area of 16 square miles with an elevation of around 900 feet above sea level. The geography of Alcoa is diverse, ranging from rolling hills in the south to rocky terrain in the north. The city also features several small rivers and streams that cut through its landscape including Beaver Creek, Little River, and Chilhowee Creek.
Alcoa’s climate is typical of East Tennessee with hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from an average low of 28 degrees Fahrenheit in January to 85 degrees Fahrenheit in July with average annual precipitation hovering around 46 inches per year.
In terms of vegetation, Alcoa’s landscape consists mainly of deciduous trees such as oaks, maples, hickories, dogwoods, sweet gums, elms, beeches and pines as well as various types of native grasses and wildflowers. The city also boasts several parks that offer visitors access to nature trails for hiking or biking as well as picnicking areas for enjoying a leisurely afternoon outdoors.
Overall, Alcoa offers visitors a unique blend of rural beauty combined with easy access to nearby big-city amenities like those found in Knoxville or Nashville making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful escape from their daily lives.
History of Alcoa, Tennessee
Alcoa, Tennessee was founded in 1919 by the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA). The company purchased a large tract of land in Blount County and began constructing a hydroelectric dam across the Little River in order to provide power for their operations.
The city was originally named North Maryville but was later changed to Alcoa after its founding company. In 1921, ALCOA built its first aluminum plant on the banks of the Little River and began producing aluminum products for commercial use.
In 1929, ALCOA opened a new plant on nearby Montvale Road and constructed an adjacent town known as Old Alcoa which featured residential housing for plant workers as well as retail stores and other amenities like churches and schools.
During World War II, Alcoa’s plants produced aluminum parts for military aircrafts and continued to expand over the next several decades with additional manufacturing plants being constructed throughout the city.
In 1971, Alcoa became an official incorporated city with its own mayor-council form of government. Since then it has grown steadily into a thriving community that boasts excellent schools, recreational facilities, shopping centers, healthcare centers and more.
Today Alcoa is home to nearly 10,000 residents who enjoy all that this small city has to offer while still being just a short drive away from big-city amenities like those found in Knoxville or Nashville.
Economy of Alcoa, Tennessee
Alcoa, Tennessee is a vibrant city with a diverse economy that provides a wide range of employment opportunities for its citizens. The city’s most prominent industry is manufacturing, which has been an integral part of the city’s economy since its founding in 1919.
The Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA) is the largest employer in the city and continues to be a major source of income for Alcoa residents. ALCOA operates several plants in the area and produces aluminum products for commercial use.
In addition to manufacturing, Alcoa’s economy also includes retail and service-oriented businesses such as car dealerships, restaurants, grocery stores, banks and other financial institutions. These businesses provide jobs to local residents while also serving as vital sources of revenue for the city.
The tourism industry also plays an important role in Alcoa’s economy. The city boasts several parks that offer nature trails for hiking or biking as well as picnicking areas for enjoying a leisurely afternoon outdoors. These attractions draw visitors from all over who come to experience all that Alcoa has to offer.
Alcoa is also home to several large corporations such as Denso Manufacturing Tennessee Inc., which produces automotive parts, and Teledyne Energy Systems Inc., which manufactures energy storage systems. These companies are major employers in the area and provide steady jobs to many Alcoa residents.
Overall, Alcoa has a strong and diverse economy that provides numerous job opportunities while also offering leisure activities like outdoor recreation that attract visitors from all over the world.
Politics in Alcoa, Tennessee
Alcoa, Tennessee is a city located in Blount County and is part of the Knoxville metropolitan area. The city is governed by a mayor-council form of government with a mayor, city council, and various other appointed boards and commissions.
The mayor of Alcoa serves as the chief executive officer of the city and is responsible for overseeing all municipal operations. The mayor is elected to a four-year term and can be re-elected as many times as desired. The current mayor of Alcoa is James “Jim” Berryhill, who was elected in 2018.
The Alcoa City Council consists of seven members, each elected to serve four-year terms. The council is responsible for setting the overall direction for the city government through budgeting, policy making, and other decisions that affect the citizens of Alcoa.
In addition to the mayor and council members, there are several appointed boards and commissions that provide advice and expertise on various topics related to municipal operations such as zoning, parks & recreation, public safety, and more. These boards are appointed by the mayor with approval from the City Council.
Alcoa also has an active political scene with two major parties: Democrats and Republicans. During election season there are often lively debates between candidates from both parties about issues like healthcare reform, taxes, education reform, economic development, infrastructure improvements, and more.
Overall, Alcoa’s politics are fairly balanced between Democrats and Republicans with both parties having representation on all levels of government including local offices like Mayor or City Council member as well as state offices such as Representative or Senator in Congress or State Legislature.