Stan Hensley
&
Bonnie Shields

Knoxville, TN Area Guide

General Info

Named in honor of the first Secretary or War, Henry Knox, one of Knoxville’s nicknames  is “The Marble City,” thanks to a number of quarries that were active in the early twentieth century.  The third largest city in Tennessee behind Memphis and Nashville, Knoxville was the state’s first capital until 1819, when the capital was moved to Murfreesboro. 

Come to Knoxville and discover a rich history of musical milestone, literary icons and historical homes that bring history to life.  Explore the history of Knoxville, and learn why it’s called the First Frontier.  You can even get to see Davy Crockett’s famous rifle, “Old Betsy” at one of the museums.  Enjoy tours around a beautiful city, and visit Morningside Park, where a statue of Pulitzer Prize winning author Alex Haley stands, honoring the author of one of the most read books of our time, Roots.

There are endless things to see and do in Knoxville, from the Daisy’s Place Girl Scout Museum to the Dogwood Arts Festival, so pack your bag and plan to come visit. Once you’re here, you wont’ want to leave!

History

By the 18th century, the Cherokee people had become the dominant tribe in the Knoxville area,  and the first recorded European presence was an expedition led by Henry Timberlake expedition.  Although there illegally, and ordered by congress to vacate, most settler refused to give up the land to the Cherokee and never left.  In 1786, James White and his friend James Connor constructed White’s Fort near the mouth of First Creek.  By 1790, Charles McClung had surveyed the holding between First Creek and Second Creek for the founding of a town.  Four lots were set aside for a school that was eventually chartered as Blount College, setting the foundation for modern day University of Tennessee. 

President George Washington appointed William Blount, a North Carolina surveyor, Governor of the newly created “Territory South of the River Ohio.”  Making one of his first jobs to meet with the Cherokee and establish boundaries and resolve the issue of the illegal settlers. Establishing the Treaty of Holston, problems arose almost immediately between the Cherokee and the settlers.   Eventually peace was renegotiated in 1794.  Named Knoxville, the town was popular as a way station for travelers heading west, because it was situated at the confluence of three major rivers, bring flatboat and steamboat traffic to its waterfront. 
Knoxville quickly became a center for merchants to bring their wares.  Local products, especially tobacco, corn and whiskey, were traded for cotton and Knoxville’s population more than doubled  with the arrival of the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad in the 1850’s. 
Knoxville has thrived through the years, developing business and agriculture alike as well as a strong tourist trade.  Downtown Knoxville has developed into one of the star attractions for visitors with the opening of the Women’s Basketball hall of Fame and the Knoxville Convention Center, museums, restaurants and downtown living.

Attractions & Activities

Daisy's Place Girl Scout Museum 
Owned and operated by Girl Scouts of Tanasi Council, Inc., the museum's collection of memorabilia represents 80 years of Girl Scouting in Tennessee.  
http://www.artmuseumtouring.com/GS.html

Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame opened in June 1999 in Knoxville, Tennessee. It is the only facility of its kind dedicated to all levels of women's basketball.
http://www.wbhof.com/

Art Gallery of Knoxville
Exhibiting modern and contemporary art. Regular performances and events include avant-garde and experimental music, video screenings, and public discussions of emerging contemporary artists.   
http://www.theartgalleryofknoxville.com/

For a complete listing of Knoxville activities and attractions, please visit: http://www.knoxville.org/visitors/history-heritage/

Parks & Recreation

The city has a mild climate and four distinct seasons. From the blooming dogwoods of spring to the brilliant colors of fall, residents and visitors can get outside and enjoy the many blessings of Mother Nature. Because of Knoxville's central location, visitors can easily travel to the six national parks located within 90-miles of the city. Additionally, tourists can take advantage of the numerous parks and gardens located within the heart of the city. For a complete list of parks and their amenities in Knoxville, please visit:  http://www.knoxville.org/visitors/parks-nature/

Events

Enjoy the spring's Dogwood Arts Festival, the Knoxville Opera's Rossini Festival and the Sundown in the City concert series. Experience African-American heritage with the summer's Kuumba Festival or relive a day in the life of the Cherokee Indians at James White's Fort's Cherokee Heritage Days. Find something for every member of the family to enjoy at the fall's Tennessee Valley Fair or watch the nation's largest Labor Day weekend fireworks display at Boomsday. Don't forget about the month long Christmas in the City festival which celebrates the holidays in grand fashion.
For a complete list of festivals and events, visit:  http://www.knoxville.org/events/

To learn more about Knoxville, visit: http://www.knoxville.org/