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Background

Altamont was established in 1848 as a county seat for Grundy County, which had been created in 1844. Adrian Northcut, a prominent local farmer and military officer, was the prime advocate for the site’s selection. The town’s name comes from combining alto (meaning “altitude”) and mont (meaning “mountain”). It is situated atop the southern Cumberland Plateau between the plateau’s Highland Rim escarpment to the west and Savage Gulf to the east. The elevation is 1854 feet above sea level.

Several state highways intersect at the center of Altamont. Tennessee State Route 56 (Main Street) connects Altamont to Beersheba Springs and McMinnville to the north and Coalmont, Tracy City and Monteagle to the south. Tennessee State Route 108, connects the town to Viola and McMinnville to the northwest and Whitwell to the southeast. Tennessee State Route 50 connects Altamont to Pelham and Interstate 24 to the southwest.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 20.2 square miles (52.2 km2), all land. As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,117 people, 362 households, and 240 families residing in the town. The median income for a household in the town was $21,767, and the median income for a family was $25,000.

Tourism is the one of the main economic drivers of the area. Altamont offers an abundance of the natural wonders; parks, waterfalls, hiking trails and vistas.  The western entrance to the 16,000 acre Savage Gulf Natural Region – the largest of the South Cumberland State Park system – is only a couple miles from downtown. Upper and lower Greeter Falls, Broadtree Falls and Blue Hole are popular destinations for tourists.

Pictured above is the seat of Altamont city government, located at 1433 Main St, Altamont, TN 37301.  You’re welcome to drop in or call (931) 692-3971. Click here for some interesting demographics about the town.

Incorporated in 1854.  Altamont became the county seat in 1846, before it was incorporated.  The first Grundy County Courthouse was built in 1885.  It was destroyed by fire in the 1990’s.  Altamont Academy was Grundy County’s first known school.  It was replaced by Altamont Elementary.

More Information

Altamont has one of the oldest Mormon congregations in the southeastern United States. The congregation was formed in the 1890s, and a Mormon chapel was built in Northcutt Cove just north of Altamont in 1909.

Government: Altamont provides many essential services to its residents and visitors.  Many of these are accessible at the Altamont City Hall. Click here for more information.

Business: Altamont is a small town with a big heart. There are ample provisions with the city limits to meet most daily needs. Click here for more information.

Attractions: Altamont has many area attractions to engage and entertain visitors and residents alike. Click here to find out more.

Events: Throughout the year, there are some very cool events to attend. If you want to see what’s coming up, click here. 

History: Altamont has a rich history, extending over a century.  Many residents can trace their family tree back many generations. Find out more. 

Blog: On our blog page we post interesting profiles of the businesses and people that comprise the heart of city.  See our latest story.