The city of Knoxville, Tennessee can be found on the eastern side of the state, bordering the Tennessee River. It’s known for its historic Old City district as well as the oft-visited Market Square and the 19th-century buildings that dot the city’s downtown area. Knoxville has long been reputed as "The Marble City," because rock quarried from the area served as one of the major centers of marble distribution in the 20th century. Though this east Tennessee gem seems to be sloughed to the side due to the popularity of Nashville, it’s a city full of history that has its own incredible story. Learn more about the city and historic landmarks in Knoxville below!
Here you can see a bird’s eye view of Knoxville and its downtown skyline. The area was first settled in 1786, and Knoxville served as the first capital of the Volunteer State. It wasn’t until the railroad arrived in the mid-19th century that industry boomed, and the town began its solid chug towards city-dom. The area was controlled by both Union and Confederate troops during the Civil War, which deepens the area’s history, and nowadays you’ll find Knoxville is home to the University of Tennessee and is one of the gateways to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
James White Fort
James White Fort is the first historic spot we’ll be visiting! It’s considered the first home founded in Knoxville and retains a legacy as the "birthplace" of the city. The 18th-century settlement expanded into the city, and the area was first settled by James White, an officer who served in the Revolutionary War. The fort began with White’s home cabin, and it eventually became the center of White’s Fort. Nowadays you can still see the log cabin on Woodlawn Pike. You'll find that events and experiences are hosted on-site throughout the year.
Knoxville Sunsphere
You can’t visit Knoxville without catching sight of the famed Sunsphere! It towers high above the city and is one of the preeminent markers of the city’s skyline. The Sunsphere was built for the 1982 World’s Fair and towers 26 stories above the city below. The ball itself is only five stories tall, but the entirety of the historic structure is a whopping 266 feet tall.
Old City
The Old City in Knoxville is an edgy, quirky area that boasts its fair share of coffee shops and eateries. You'll find artisan bakeries tucked into the historic 19th-century buildings, and make sure you stop by the Emporium Center! It's an 1898 factory house that was renovated to house art studios and galleries. You can also visit the craft beer bars that dot the area for a fun night out. The district is 33 acres in its entirety, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the autumn of 1985.
What an incredible city to visit! Knoxville is home to fewer than 200,000 people, which means it retains a small-town feel within its city structure. You can learn more about the historic landmarks in Knoxville and plan a trip with a stop-off at Visit Knoxville.
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