​Established in the 1850s along the Hiwassee Railroad, Sweetwater is a historic town named for the pure springs once used by the Cherokee. It is home to the famous Lost Sea, the nation’s largest underground lake, and a vibrant downtown district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the city maintains its rich commercial heritage, blending its agricultural roots with a thriving antique district and a reputation as a gateway to Monroe County.