Being one of Tennessee’s most popular and properous cities, it is truly only natural to wonder just how this amazing city got it’s name!
Before the city was even established, James White’s Fort came into existence on the Trans-Appalachian Frontier in 1786. The fort was chosen as the capital of the Southwest Territory in 1790 and the city was named by William Blount after President Washington’s Secretary of War Henry Knox.
James White became one of the first ever known settlers of Knoxville until then the Cherokees dominated the region.
Since then Knoxville, Tennessee has seen alot of historical moments including being a major center of marble distribution in the early 1900’s which gave the city its nickname “The Marble City”. Knoxville also got to see the first electric street car run from Gay Street to Lake Ottossee which is now known as Chilhowee Park.
Knoxville is also home to some very incredible military members!
McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville is named in honor of Knoxville native and Fighter Pilot Lt. Charles McGhee Tyson who was shot down over Britain’s North Sea during WWI.