Brief History
The Town of Livingston was purchased on August 10, 1833. The 40 acre tract sold for $200 and was divided into 120 building lots. One 268 ft lot was reserved for the courthouse, and one with a large spring was reserved for the town’s water supply. The remainder of the lots were then sold on a first-come first-serve basis.
This town is named after Edward Livingston (1764-1836). Livingston served as a U.S. Representative in Congress (1823-1829), a U.S. Senator (1829-1831), and U.S. Secretary of State under President Andrew Jackson (1831-1833).
Livingston Town Square
Since the mid 1800’s our Town Square has been the center of everything, where Civil War stories live on, and old folks say we can still hear the marching of young soldiers off to the Spanish-American War, World War I and II, and it still goes on, the Volunteers of Tennessee. Our Town Square is our most precious place, and we gather there in good times and bad. Here in Tennessee where history lives on, we pride and preserve our Town Square, and memories abound for the old and young, and the stories get bigger and better each day.
You should see it in the fall when leaves are gold, and in the spring when flowers grow. Christmas bells ring in the season and all Overton County residents gather there, and those far away will always remember the happy days spent around the Town Square. Please come see for yourself at the historic Courthouse Square in beautiful Livingston, Tennessee.
Description
The Town of Livingston, which is considered by most a small town, lies in a valley on the Highland Rim. We are approximately 20 miles northeast of Cookeville, situated halfway between Nashville and Knoxville, Tennessee.
Picture rolling green hills under a canopy of hardwood forests, the sounds of running water from our many creeks and streams, and the musical singing of numerous birds and wildlife. Livingston is only minutes from Dale Hollow Lake and Standing Stone State Park. This is a place where everyone knows their neighbor and will speak to strangers on the street.
Children can receive a good education with our K-4, 5-8 Middle School, 9-12 Livingston Academy, Volunteer State Community College, and Vocational Technical School.
We have four distinct seasons with green grass and flowers in the spring, clear blue summer skies, beautiful foliage in fall, and even some snowfall in winter.
We have a diverse plurality of churches for people to attend.
Welcome to our home in Livingston, Tennessee.
Overton County Vision Statement
A place where everyone can live, work, and play in a small town atmosphere that offers a friendly, peaceful, and clean environment with quality jobs and educational opportunities – backed by strong responsible community leaders with an eye to the future.