The hydroelectric potential of the Little Tennessee River, which exits the mountains about 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Alcoa, was one of the primary incentives, as the company's aluminum smelting operation would require massive amounts of electricity.

Hall, named for the inventor of the aluminum electrolytic process, was originally a segregated community for the plant's African-American workers.

Oldfield, a small community between the planned town and Maryville, would later be annexed by the city of Alcoa.

[6] World War I brought about a spike in the demand for aluminum, and the company quickly expanded its North Maryville operations.

Hultquist, who was also ALCOA's superintendent of construction, remained city manager until 1948, and oversaw much of the town's early development.

This presented a problem for the company, which feared that its workforce would leave to look for jobs elsewhere during times of low production.

Thus, during the Great Depression, the company maintained steady production levels in spite of the lack of demand for aluminum.

Managers sought to cut workers' hours— which at one point dropped to 30 hours per week— rather than slash jobs.

[6] The Depression (and accompanying New Deal legislation) also brought about increased labor union activity in Alcoa.

[6] World War II proved immensely profitable for ALCOA, as aluminum was needed for aircraft construction.

The completion of the Hall Road Viaduct in the 1940s and the continued development of McGhee Tyson Airport over subsequent decades led to commercial expansion and helped the city diversify its economy.

Large sections of the north-central and northeastern parts of the range are visible from Alcoa Highway.

[5] The climate in this area is characterized by relatively high temperatures and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year.

[19] Many of the city's streets, such as Bessemer, Joule, Edison, Darwin, and Watt, are named after famous scientists and inventors.

[20] Alcoa operates under the council-manager form of government providing a full range of services including police, fire, public works, recreation, planning and code enforcement along with electric, water and sewer utilities to our 8,500 residents and our estimated 40,000 daily visitors.