Wilson County, TN FAQs

What is the history of Wilson County, TN and what are its notable landmarks?

located in the state of Tennessee
founded in 1799
named after Major David Wilson, a Revolutionary War veteran
The county was formed from parts of Sumner County and was one of the first counties created in Tennessee.
played an important role during the Civil War, with both Union and Confederate forces occupying the area at different times. The county’s proximity to Nashville also made it an important strategic location during the war.

Today, Wilson County is a growing and thriving area with a rich history and several notable landmarks. Some of the county’s most famous landmarks include:

Cumberland University
- Located in the city of Lebanon
- founded in 1842 and is one of the oldest universities in Tennessee
- The campus includes several historic buildings, including Memorial Hall and the Old Collegiate Building
Cedars of Lebanon State Park
- located just south of Lebanon and offers hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities
- named for the cedar trees that once grew in the area, which are now mostly gone due to logging and development
Fiddlers Grove Historic Village
- located in Lebanon and features a collection of historic buildings, including a one-room schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, and a general store
- open to the public and hosts several events throughout the year
Wilson County Courthouse
- Located in the city of Lebanon
- built in 1939 and is an excellent example of Art Deco architecture
- the courthouse is still in use today and is open to the public
Historic Lebanon Square
- located in the heart of downtown Lebanon
- home to several historic buildings, including the Wilson County Courthouse and the Lebanon Public Square Historic District
- the square is a popular destination for shopping, dining, and events throughout the year
Cedars of Lebanon Baptist Church
- located in the city of Lebanon
- built in 1802
- one of the oldest churches in Tennessee and is still in use today
The Old Lighthouse
- Located in the city of Mt. Juliet
- a historic landmark that was once used to guide boats on nearby Percy Priest Lake.
- open to the public and offers tours and events throughout the year.

What are the recreational activities available in Wilson County, TN?

Cedars of Lebanon State Park: This park covers 1,139 acres and is located in eastern Wilson County. It offers hiking trails, campsites, picnic areas, and a pool.
Percy Priest Lake: Percy Priest Lake is located partly in Wilson County and is a popular spot for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping.
Nashville Superspeedway: The Nashville Superspeedway is a 1.33-mile concrete oval race track located in Wilson County. It hosts NASCAR races and other events throughout the year.
Providence Marketplace: This shopping center in Mt. Juliet, Wilson County, offers a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
The Hermitage: The Hermitage is the historic home of President Andrew Jackson and is located in nearby Davidson County. It is a popular destination for history enthusiasts.
Cumberland River: The Cumberland River runs through Wilson County and offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking.
Old Hickory Lake: Old Hickory Lake is a reservoir located partly in Wilson County. It offers fishing, boating, and camping opportunities.
Pine Creek Golf Course: Pine Creek Golf Course is located in Mt. Juliet and offers an 18-hole course, driving range, and practice greens.
Charlie Daniels Park: Charlie Daniels Park is located in Mt. Juliet and offers a variety of sports fields, a playground, and a walking trail.
Wilson County Fair: The Wilson County Fair is held annually in August and features livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, and entertainment.

Find Nearby Foreclosures

Middle Tennessee’s karst landscape poses unique challenges for communities like Wilson County. The area is rich in limestone, which dissolves over time. Recent studies show 1,876 depressions in Wilson County, showing its risk for ground collapses.

Neighboring White and Robertson Counties have even more sinkholes. They have 2,970 and 3,602 sinkholes, showing the Cumberland Plateau’s shared risks. These sinkholes come from groundwater eroding layers, sped up by rain and water level changes.

Ground stability in this area depends on limestone dissolving and water levels. A 2023 study mapped underground fractures, showing how water flows change. This research helps explain sudden sinkholes, affecting roads and homes.

It’s key to understand these systems for planning and safety. While no single event is the biggest, the data shows the need for constant monitoring in areas prone to sinkholes.

Recent & Notable Sinkhole Incidents / Case Studies

Wilson County has seen many sinkholes in the last 20 years. New tools like LiDAR help us find hidden dangers. They work with old methods and past reports.

Davis Drive Roadway Collapse: 2024 Case Study

In March 2024, a 5’x5’x10′ sinkhole appeared on Davis Drive. It closed the road. Crews used compacted stone fill and steel to fix it. They’re figuring out if it was the ground or water that caused it.

Mt. Juliet’s Infrastructure Strategy

City engineers took three steps:

They moved traffic with digital signs.
They scanned nearby areas with radar.
They worked with state geologists for long-term fixes.

This event shows what studies have found:

Study	Method	Sinkholes Identified
2009 Cookeville Survey	Topographic Mapping	52
2009 Cookeville Analysis	LiDAR Technology	217
2017 Sparta Assessment	LiDAR + Core Sampling	89

The 2017 Sparta project showed LiDAR’s power. It found 71% more hidden voids than old methods. This helps Wilson County watch for sinkholes better. But, officials say sinkholes are complex and often have many causes.

Risk Factors & What Homeowners Should Do

Residents in Wilson County TN face higher risks of sinkholes because of limestone bedrock. This bedrock is found in 86% of the area. Signs like sudden water pooling and foundation cracks show instability.

Property owners near karst formations should check their properties often. They should follow Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation guidelines.

Professional geological assessments are key. They include digital elevation modeling (DEM) analysis. This helps find hidden problems. The 2021 Clarksville sinkhole project showed how important early detection is.

Homeowners can check the Tennessee sinkhole map for their area’s risks. This helps them understand their local hazards.

To prevent sinkholes, homeowners should direct downspouts away from their foundations. They should also fix plumbing leaks quickly. Insurance policies in Wilson County Sinkhole TN areas must cover sinkholes.

Standard homeowners’ insurance usually doesn’t cover damage from earth movements. So, extra policies are needed for protection.

Watching for changes like door frame misalignment or new wall cracks is important. County authorities suggest talking to licensed geotechnical engineers if soil subsidence happens. These steps can save up to 65% on repair costs, as 2023 research shows.

FAQ

Why is Wilson County particularily prone to sinkholes?

Wilson County is in Tennessee’s karst corridor. This area has 86% soluble limestone bedrock. DEM analysis shows 1,876 sinkholes. Groundwater patterns speed up dissolution, making the terrain unstable.

What caused the March 2024 Davis Drive sinkhole in Wilson County?

The 5’x5’x10′ sinkhole on Davis Drive is being looked into. Initial fixes included stone fill and metal plates. It’s unclear if karst dissolution or stormwater erosion caused it.

What warning signs should homeowners monitor in sinkhole-prone areas?

Look out for sudden depressions, cracks over ¼ inch, and water pooling. The Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation suggests surveys for properties near limestone. DEM analysis from 2023 is recommended.

How does Wilson County’s sinkhole risk compare to neighboring regions?

Wilson County has fewer sinkholes than White and Robertson counties. Yet, 2023 DEM studies found more sinkholes in Wilson County. LiDAR technology has revealed more sinkholes in Cookeville than previously thought.

What insurance protections exist for Wilson County sinkhole damage?

Tennessee requires specific sinkhole coverage in karst areas. Policies must meet 2021 Clarksville standards. Homeowners should check if their policies cover “catastrophic ground collapse”.

How effective are modern detection methods for sinkhole risks?

LiDAR technology is 76% more accurate than old methods, as seen in 2017. It uses aerial DEM surveys and ground-penetrating radar. Wilson County has used these methods in planning.

Sinkholes in Wilson County, TN | Tennessee Sinkholes