Reliance is an unincorporated community located in Anderson County in the state of Tennessee, United States. According to the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), the community is situated near the intersection of Tennessee State Route 61 and a local county road, approximately 10 miles (16 km) southeast of the city of Clinton, the county seat.
Geography
- Coordinates: 35°30′45″N 84°30′12″W (approximate)
- Elevation: About 850 feet (260 m) above sea level
- Region: Part of the Cumberland Plateau physiographic province
Administrative Details
- Country: United States
- State: Tennessee
- County: Anderson
Reliance does not have its own municipal government and is administered as part of Anderson County. As an unincorporated area, it does not have a defined census population figure separate from the broader county statistics.
Historical Context
The name “Reliance” is historically associated with a local coal mining operation that operated in the early 20th century. The community developed around this mine and the associated rail infrastructure that facilitated coal transport. When the mine ceased operations, the population declined, and Reliance transitioned to a primarily residential and rural character.
Infrastructure and Services
- Transportation: The community is accessible via State Route 61, which connects to nearby towns such as Clinton and Oak Ridge.
- Postal Services: Reliance is served by the Clinton ZIP code 37716.
- Education: Public schooling for residents is provided by Anderson County Schools, with the nearest elementary, middle, and high schools located in surrounding towns.
Current Status
Reliance remains a small, sparsely populated locality characterized by a mix of residential homes, scattered farms, and remnants of its mining heritage. The area lacks significant commercial or industrial development and is primarily considered part of the rural landscape of southeastern Anderson County.
