Since 1797, the state had been organized by Congress into one judicial district with one judge, John McNairy.

[3][4] The judgeship was filled by President George Washington's appointment of John McNairy.

On March 3, 1837, Congress assigned the judicial district of Tennessee to the Eighth Circuit.

313, Congress divided Tennessee into three districts, Eastern, Middle, and Western.

Finally, on June 14, 1878, Congress authorized a separate judgeship for the Western District of Tennessee, at which time President Rutherford B. Hayes appointed David M. Key as judge for the Eastern and Middle Districts of Tennessee.

The first judge to serve only the Eastern District of Tennessee was Robert Love Taylor, appointed by Harry S. Truman.

As of February 27, 2024[update]: Chief judges have administrative responsibilities with respect to their district court.

The chief judge serves for a term of seven years, or until age 70, whichever occurs first.