Knoxville is a city in the U.S. state of Tennessee. It is a city rich in history and brimming with Southern charm. Knoxville was founded in 1786 by James White, who established a fort that would become the nucleus of the city later on. Named after Henry Knox, the U.S. Secretary of War, Knoxville was platted in 1791 and became the first capital of Tennessee in 1796. The city’s early growth was fueled by its strategic location along the Tennessee River, which facilitated trade and transportation. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s further boosted Knoxville’s development, making it a key commercial and industrial hub in the region.

Throughout its history, Knoxville has played a significant role in various historical events. During the Civil War, the city was a strategic location due to its railroads and river access, leading to several skirmishes and battles in the area. Post-war, Knoxville experienced rapid industrialization, particularly in textiles and manufacturing. The 20th century saw Knoxville hosting the 1982 World’s Fair, which brought international attention to the city. Today, Knoxville is known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful natural surroundings, making it a great place to visit.

It is always good to start downtown to get acquainted with the destination, and the same goes for Knoxville. You will get the big city feeling along Gay Street, where you can explore a mix of architectural styles and buildings amidst the nice atmosphere. Here are old theatres like the Tennessee Theatre, a beautifully restored 1928 movie palace, and the Regal Riviera where you will feel the historical vibe as well. You can walk Market Street as well, where the tower-adorned Howard H. Baker, Jr. United States Courthouse stands at the southern end. To the north is Market Square with shops and cafes.

A few blocks further north is The Old City neighborhood, which is in fact not the oldest part of Knoxville. The area was not a part og Knoxville until the railroads arrived in the 1850s. Immigrants settled and opened saloons and shops, and later wholesaling centers. By the early 1900s, Central Street was lined with saloons and brothels, and problems with crime arose. The Old City has since been revitalized through extensive redevelopment efforts carried out during the 1980s through the present, and the charming streets now form an offbeat area close to the central business district of Knoxville.

If you head to the southwest from downtown, you arrive at the World’s Fair Park, which is a public park on the former fairgrounds of the 1982 World’s Fair hosted in Knoxville. The park is a green oasis with a lake and some interesting structures. The Sunsphere tower is a remnant of the fair, and it offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Smoky Mountains. You will also find the Knoxville Convention Center and the Tennessee Amphitheater in the park area. Bordering the park is the Knoxville Museum of Art with interesting collections and exhibitions, and the L&N STEM Academy at the former Louisville and Nashville railway station from 1904-1905.

Across the street from the former station you can enjoy the look to the Old City Hall. It was completed in 1845 and stands as a striking example of Greek Revival architecture with portico supported by Doric columns. You can rewind even further in time if you head for the Tennessee River and the Blount Mansion from 1792, which served as the home of Governor William Blount, a so-called founding father of the United States. The mansion is often referred to as the Birthplace of Tennessee, and close by is James White’s Fort, a reconstruction of the original 18th-century fort and settlement that became Knoxville.

There is a lot of nature in the Knoxville area as well. The Neyland Greenway and James White Greenway along the shore of the Tennessee River are lovely places and terraces for a walk with a view to the river and the bridges crossing it. To the southeast of Knoxville, you can visit the Ijams Nature Center at the shores of the river. It is a serene place with trails, wildlife, and scenic views of the Tennessee River. You can also choose a tour to the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum with its beautiful gardens, walking paths, and historic horticultural displays.