Happy TravellerWelcome to Lebanon, Tennessee, a charming city located in the heart of Middle Tennessee. With a population of 38,431 as of the 2020 census, Lebanon is the county seat of Wilson County and is part of the Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city was incorporated in 1801 and was named after the biblical cedars of Lebanon (Cedrus libani). Local residents have called Lebanon Cedar City, mostly a reference to the abundance of cedar (Juniperus virginiana) trees in the area.
History:
Lebanon has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The city was incorporated in 1801 and was named after the biblical cedars of Lebanon. Local residents have called Lebanon Cedar City, mostly a reference to the abundance of cedar trees in the area. Today, Lebanon is a thriving city that is home to Cumberland University, a small, private four-year liberal arts institution.
Geography:
Lebanon is located in Middle Tennessee, approximately 25 miles (40 km) east of downtown Nashville. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 38.63 square miles (100.1 km2), of which 38.5 square miles (100 km2) is land and 0.03% is water. Lebanon is located at Latitude: 36° 12 17.40 N Longitude: -86° 19 21.00 W. Lebanon has a humid subtropical (Köppen Cfa) climate with mild winters and hot summers.
Demographics:
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 38,431 people, 11,925 households, and 8,349 families residing in the city. The population estimate from the United States census has the population at 40,888 as of July 1, 2021. The population density was 692.0 people per square mile (267.2/km2). The median income for a household in the city was $35,118, and the median income for a family was $45,094.
Economy:
Lebanon is home to several major companies, including Cracker Barrel and Lochinvar Corporation. In 2015, Chinese tile company Wonderful Group invested $150 million to build their company’s first manufacturing location in North America. The city is also home to Tritium DCFC Limited, which opened an EV fast charger manufacturing plant in 2022.
Arts and Culture:
Lebanon hosts the annual Tennessee State / Wilson County Fair, which is a major event in the area. The fair features a variety of attractions, including carnival rides, live music, and agricultural exhibits.
Education:
Lebanon is home to several primary and secondary schools, including Wilson Central High School and the newly reconstructed Lebanon High School. The city is also home to Cumberland University, which was founded in 1842. The university has a rich heritage and has produced over eighty Congressmen and Senators such as Albert Gore Sr. and Thomas Gore. The institution has also produced a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Cordell Hull, who served as Secretary of State from March 1933 to November 1944.
Media:
Lebanon is served by several newspapers, including the Lebanon Democrat and The Wilson Post. The city is also home to several radio stations, including WANT 98.9 FM and WCOR 1490 AM. Television stations serving the area include WJFB 44 and WRTN-LD 6.
Infrastructure:
Lebanon is served by several major highways, including Interstate 40 and U.S. Route 70. The city is also home to the Music City Star commuter rail service, which provides transportation to Nashville. Lebanon has a municipal airport referenced by FAA Identifier M54.
Notable People:
Lebanon has been home to several notable people, including country music performer Charlie Daniels, U.S. Representative from Tennessee Jimmy Duncan, and Grammy-nominated country music songwriter Ben Hayslip.
In conclusion, Lebanon, Tennessee is a charming city with a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering local cuisine. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s many attractions or simply relaxing and enjoying the local culture, Lebanon is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
