35 Facts About Knoxville

Knoxville's Historical Significance

Knoxville, Tennessee, is a city rich in history and culture. From its early beginnings to its role in significant historical events, Knoxville has a lot to offer.

1. 01Founded in 1786, Knoxville was named after Henry Knox, the first U.S. Secretary of War.
2. 02First capital of Tennessee: Before Nashville, Knoxville served as the state capital from 1796 to 1812.
3. 03Civil War impact: The city was divided during the Civil War, with both Union and Confederate supporters.
4. 04Home to the 1982 World's Fair, which attracted over 11 million visitors and left behind the iconic Sunsphere.

Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities

Knoxville is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and offers numerous outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts.

5. 05Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Just a short drive from Knoxville, this park is the most visited national park in the U.S.
6. 06Ijams Nature Center: A 315-acre nature preserve offering trails, rock climbing, and paddling.
7. 07Urban Wilderness: Over 1,000 acres of forested hills and trails within the city limits.
8. 08Tennessee River: Flows through Knoxville, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking.

Educational Institutions

Education is a cornerstone of Knoxville, with several prominent institutions calling the city home.

9. 09University of Tennessee: Established in 1794, it's one of the oldest public universities in the U.S.
10. 10Knoxville College: Founded in 1875, this historically black college played a significant role in African American education.
11. 11Pellissippi State Community College: Offers a wide range of programs and serves thousands of students annually.
12. 12South College: A private institution known for its health sciences programs.

Cultural and Artistic Scene

Knoxville boasts a vibrant cultural and artistic scene, with numerous venues and events celebrating the arts.

13. 13Knoxville Museum of Art: Showcases regional artists and hosts various exhibitions.
14. 14Tennessee Theatre: Opened in 1928, this historic venue hosts concerts, movies, and Broadway shows.
15. 15Dogwood Arts Festival: An annual event celebrating art, culture, and natural beauty.
16. 16Big Ears Festival: An internationally acclaimed music festival featuring diverse genres and artists.

Unique Local Attractions

Knoxville has several unique attractions that make it a special place to visit.

17. 17Sunsphere: A remnant of the 1982 World's Fair, offering panoramic views of the city.
18. 18Market Square: A bustling area with shops, restaurants, and live entertainment.
19. 19James White's Fort: A reconstruction of the original settlement founded by Knoxville's first settler.
20. 20Knoxville Zoo: Home to over 800 animals and known for its red panda breeding program.

Sports and Recreation

Sports enthusiasts will find plenty to cheer about in Knoxville, with a variety of teams and recreational activities.

21. 21Tennessee Volunteers: The University of Tennessee's athletic teams, known for their passionate fan base.
22. 22Women's Basketball Hall of Fame: Celebrates the achievements of female basketball players and coaches.
23. 23Knoxville Ice Bears: A professional hockey team competing in the Southern Professional Hockey League.
24. 24Neyland Stadium: One of the largest stadiums in the U.S., hosting UT football games.

Food and Drink Scene

Knoxville's culinary scene is diverse and delicious, offering something for every palate.

25. 25Barbecue: Known for its mouth-watering barbecue joints, such as Sweet P's and Calhoun's.
26. 26Craft breweries: The city boasts a growing number of craft breweries, including Pretentious Beer Co. and Balter Beerworks.
27. 27Farmers' markets: Several markets, like the Market Square Farmers' Market, offer fresh, local produce.
28. 28Southern cuisine: Enjoy classic Southern dishes at places like Tupelo Honey and The Plaid Apron.

Festivals and Events

Knoxville hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from music to food.

29. 29Knoxville Film Festival: Showcases independent films and provides a platform for local filmmakers.
30. 30International Biscuit Festival: A unique event celebrating the beloved Southern biscuit.
31. 31Rossini Festival: An annual street fair celebrating opera and Italian culture.
32. 32Knoxville Brewers' Jam: A popular event featuring craft beers from local and regional breweries.

Fun Facts About Knoxville

Here are some quirky and fun facts about Knoxville that you might not know.

33. 33Birthplace of Mountain Dew: The popular soft drink was created in Knoxville in the 1940s.
34. 34Home to the first touch-screen voting system: Knoxville was the first city in the U.S. to use this technology in 1988.
35. 35"Marble City": Knoxville earned this nickname due to its extensive marble industry in the early 20th century.

Knoxville's Unique Charm

Knoxville's got a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty that makes it special. From the World's Fair Park to the bustling Market Square, there's always something to see or do. The city's rich history, from its Civil War sites to its role in the Manhattan Project, adds depth to its modern attractions.

Outdoor enthusiasts love the nearby Great Smoky Mountains, while foodies enjoy the local cuisine, especially the famous Knoxville BBQ. The University of Tennessee brings a youthful vibe, with sports events and vibrant campus life.

Knoxville's music scene, with its roots in country and bluegrass, offers live performances that keep the city lively. Festivals, art galleries, and theaters add to the cultural mix.

Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or just looking for a good time, Knoxville has something for everyone. This city's charm is undeniable, making it a must-visit destination.