Posted in Tennessee December 19, 2016 by

20 Then And Now Photos That Will Forever Change The Way You See Tennessee

There’s something beautiful about a peek into the past – a moment spent wondering about what once was, the people who were once here, the lives lived before we ever touched our great state. With each of these photos, you’ll see a bit of the past, and link it tight to the present. Get ready to be wowed.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
1. A scene from downtown Springfield, Tennessee
TNSOS
The photo is thought to have been taken around 1904 or 1905.
2. Downtown Springfield, circa 2012.
FlickRiver - Flickr
There are a significant lack of horses...
3. Here you can see a normal scene in Bristol, Tennessee.
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This photograph was taken between 1915-1925.
4. 2006 looks a little bit different.
Mike D'Angelo - Flickr
Sprawling neighborhoods made way for a larger industrial and business fostering environment.
5. Here's a shot of downtown Knoxville, the business area.
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This is how Knoxville appeared in 1911.
6. Downtown Knoxville, 2010.
Deidre Woollard - Flickr
We're proud that Knoxville has maintained quite a bit of historical integrity.
7. An aerial view of Memphis.
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This is how Memphis appeared in 1967.
8. In 2006 there were a COUPLE more buildings.
Gary Bridgman - Flickr
Maybe just a few?
9. Here's a shot of downtown Nashville from across the Cumberland River.
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Taken in 1940.
10. We've definitely expanded in the last couple of years...
Jason Mrachina - Flickr
This photograph was taken in 2012.
11. First United Methodist Church in Cleveland, Tennessee.
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There is no documented date on this photograph.
12. This shot, however, was taken in 2010.
J. Stephen Conn - Flickr
The First United Methodist Church of Cleveland is now the New Life Bible College.
13. The Carousel Theatre at the University of Tennessee
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This photograph is undated.
14. Here, you can see it pictured in 2015.
Rough Tough, Real Stuff - Flickr
Not much has truly changed, don't you think?
15. This undated photo of the The Ramsey House in Knoxville documents the first stone house in the city
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It was constructed in 1797 by Knoxville's first builder, Thomas Hope, however it was for Francis Alexander Ramsey.
16. Here is the Ramsey House in 2010.
DM - Flickr
It no longer has the porch, but quite a bit of the structure has been restored.
17. The Sam Davis house in Smyrna.
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This particular photograph was taken in 1949.
18. Another photograph of the Sam Davis house, this one taken in September of 2016.
Allen Forrest - Flickr
This is the kind of historic spot that doesn't change TOO too much. Thankfully, it's protected by the state.
19. Laurel Falls, circa 1940.
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Hiking back in the 1940s was much different than the ease of hiking today - a lack of REIs makes this photograph even more precious.
20. And Laurel Falls as it appears today.
Michael Hicks - Flickr
It's such a funny thing to see how nature changes in such small, effective ways over time. It's a slow grow, isn't it?

Pretty amazing, amiright? Tennessee is a pretty wonderful place. Take a moment to reflect on how lucky we all are during a beautiful wintry drive – this is the most scenic route you can take in all of Tennessee.