Population (2021): 5,953
Settled: 1792
County: Roane
Zip Code: 37763
Area Code(s): 865

Nestled along the shores of beautiful Watts Bar Lake, Kingston overflows with nature’s beauty. Once a major steam boat hub on the Tennessee River, Kingston’s waterfront is now mainly used for recreational enjoyment. Kingston was founded in 1799 and is the second oldest city in Tennessee. It was the state capital for one day on September 21, 1807, and remains the county seat for Roane County. Located in the center of Kingston is one of only seven antebellum courthouses remaining in Tennessee.

Parks adorn every square mile of the city. The City of Kingston operates a variety of recreational and leisure facilities for the enjoyment of its residents and guests. Most of the facilities are located around the beautiful shoreline of Watts Bar Lake. Alton E. Byrd park offers a lighted 190′ centered ball field, bleachers, concession stand, restrooms, and press stand. Ladd Park has large parking lot, pavilion, picnic area, grills, boat ramp and dock. City Park has two children’s playgrounds, tennis courts, sand volleyball, a basketball court, picnic tables, grills, pavilion, rest rooms, boat ramps, and docks. Fort South West Point sports complex offers a lighted baseball and softball field, bleachers, 400-meter, 8-lane track, and soccer field.

Sports are a way of life for the citizens of Kingston. The Kingston Optimist Club is dedicated to bringing out the best in kids by encouraging good sportsmanship and providing positive support in all activities. Roane County High School sports include baseball, basketball, football, girls basketball, girls lacrosse, girls soccer, lacrosse, soccer, softball, volleyball and wrestling. Kingston also sponsors adult athletic leagues in baseball and airsoft. You can enjoy all of your favorite sports at our various sports complexes around the city. Don’t forget about our huge outdoor swimming pool that has a 1-meter diving board. There is a pavilion and grassy area for sun bathing with concession stand and vending machines.

Outdoors is where you can have fun hiking, fishing, kayaking and more in and around Watts Bar Lake. On the shoreline of the Clinch River at the mouth of the Emory River, Ladd Park features a blueway access for paddlers and anglers, picnic facilities and boat ramp and dock. The Betty Brown Memorial Walking Trail runs along the shoreline of the park and invites walkers and runners to enjoy the beautiful waterfront views. Southwest Point Park is also home to historic Fort Southwest Point which is a historic fort and museum that includes barracks, blockhouse, and palisade walls.

Recreation for teens, adults and seniors; Kingston has it all. The Kingston Community Center offers a large central meeting room, a kitchen, and a variety of meeting and activity rooms. The rooms are available for rent for a set fee. The center is home to senior activities such as daily card playing, quilting, monthly luncheons, and weekly dancing. Tai Chi classes are also available three days a week. Our outdoor community swimming pool, home of the Kingston Swim Team, is 42′ by 83′ and 3 1/2′ to 12′ deep. Public swim and swim lessons are offered from May to August each year. City lifeguards are on duty at all hours of operation. For boating fun be sure to dock your boat at 58 landing located on Highway 58.

Culture is seen, heard, and felt all around various landmarks, museums, and festivals around Kingston. The Roane County Museum of History and Art is housed in one of seven remaining antebellum courthouses in Tennessee. The museum showcases artifacts and displays of Roane County and Tennessee history. It also contains a genealogical and historical library. 2017 marks the 150th anniversary of John Muir’s, the first naturalist, walk that took him through the area now known as Kingston.

Education is very important to the city of Kingston. To complement our highly rated grade schools, the Kingston Public Library aspires to have all residents connect with and discover our world – past, present, and future – using the library’s various resources. You can see more of our educational statistics here. Kingston is the neighboring city to Roane State Community College, which offers nine locations across East Tennessee, career prep courses, transfer opportunities, non-credit courses and much more! The Kingston Yellow Jackets are the premier organized sports programs that complement top quality grade school education.

Contact Us

Not readable? Change text. captcha txt