Jefferson City was founded in 1788 as Mossy Creek by Adam and Elizabeth Peck, who floated down the Holston River from Virginia and built a home beside a moss-covered stream that inspired the town’s original name. Adam Peck opened a mill that served nearby settlers and later became a member of the Tennessee Assembly, while Elizabeth helped establish the area’s first Methodist church. By the late 1700s, stores, iron works, and a post office were established, and the community continued to grow through mining, railroads, and the founding of Carson–Newman University in 1851. Mossy Creek saw Civil War action in 1863 but expanded steadily afterward with new businesses, newspapers, and landmarks like Glenmore Mansion. In 1901, Mossy Creek merged with nearby communities to officially become Jefferson City. The city continued modernizing with utilities, a water system, and regional growth spurred by the construction of Cherokee Dam in 1942, while still maintaining the scenic beauty and hospitality that have long defined the community.