Knoxville, Tennessee
Named after the first Secretary of War, Henry Knox, the city of Knoxville is the second oldest city among Tennessee's four major cities in the region. In general, it is fondly known as the 'marble city' for a large number of quarries operated in the region in the early 20th century.
The population of Knoxville is mainly made up of White, African American, Asian and Hispanic. The city is ideal for comfortable living for all strata of people from aspiring students to professionals to entrepreneurs and officials. It is easily connected by inter-state highways to all major cities and houses some of the best universities offering a variety of courses for students.
The city is famed for its pink marble production as well as the flourished textile industry during the 1930s which gained the name "Underwear City of the World".
Some of the notable places to visit in Knoxville include the Civic Coliseum, Museum of Art, Zoo among others. The calendar is filled with various festivals like the Dogwood Arts festival and others that occur throughout the year. A unique blend of flourishing economy, education institutes and entertainment hubs make Knoxville a great place to live in.
Knoxville has a lot to offer those who enjoy city life as well as the outdoors. There are intriquing options in entertainment, education, affordable living and many other benefits the city offers its residents. The city is known for its ambient social atmosphere and its lively residents.
Knoxville History
Knoxville became the first state capital after Tennessee's admission into the Union in 1776. However, the history of settlement in the city dates back to 1000 A.D. and the oldest man-made structures are evident as a burial mound in the modern region. The evidence of history is now located inside the University of Tennessee. In Woodland period, it was called the Mulberry Place and most settlements took place along the Tennessee River which is known as Downtown Knoxville now. It was during the American Revolution that Euro-American people occupied the western Appalachian area.
Knoxville witnessed a huge economic revolution during the period 1830s when nearly 20 textile industries and other companies operated in the city. It was nicknamed as the 'Underwear Capital of the World' during that period. During the U.S. Civil war, drastic changes reformed the city and it was laden with anti-slavery and anti-secession sentiment throughout the years. By 1861, Tennessee officially joined the Confederacy leading to further development of the region. One of the important battles fought to defend Knoxville was the Battle of Chickamauga after which the industrial and reconstruction era dawned.
Investors from various parts of the country and world thronged towards Knoxville during 1880 and 1887. Nearly 97 factories were built and became operational in this period that produced textile, food and iron products for supply. Knoxville became the third largest wholesale distribution center. Apart from fabric and textile production, it excelled in pink marble export with a number of quarries run by wealthy merchants. Education is foremost in the region and when it was renamed as the University of Tennessee in 1879, a modernized university acting as the hub of all studies became functional. Law studies, technological institutes and professional course colleges sprung up under the root of the university.
During 1900s, Knoxville suffered huge loss of land during the Great Depression period when frequent flooding destroyed acres of farmland and the Tennessee Valley Authority was established in 1933 to reconstruct the struggling economy. Norris Dam, McGhee Tyson Airport and Neyland Stadium were constructed during this era. The beautiful landscapes of modern Downtown Knoxville were triggered by the author of Inside USA when he described it as the 'ugliest' city in USA in 1948.
After 1960, industrial growth deceased and Knoxville sought an economical boost from the University of Tennessee, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Regal Cinemas, history museum development that attracted several tourists. In modern times, the city functions efficiently with these large bodies in lucrative operation. The ever growing tourists lured by several attractions that make it one of the noteworthy cities in Tennessee State.
About Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville ranks as the third largest city in the State of Tennessee and boasts of being the hub of business, education, art and culture. An approximate population of over 183,500 people reside in the city. It also serves as the home campus for the University of Tennessee. It is well connected by inter-state highway and an efficient public transportation system is in vogue. Knoxville also proudly houses the Opera Company for nurturing arts and community. Boomsday celebration filled with spectacular firework display will lure tourists in large numbers.
Covering about 98.1 square miles of space, Knoxville is surrounded by French Broad River and Holston River which merge to form the Tennessee River. The city is surrounded by hills and ridges from the Appalachian Ridge while it is divided into Downtown Knoxville, South, West, and East Knoxville based on the operations carried out in different regions. Climate is favorable for residents even though summers are hot in July but winter compensate with a rather cool climate and occasional snowfall measured at an average of 11.5 inches every year.
A majority of population in Knoxville is comprised of White (79%) followed by African American (16.2%) and the rest shared by Asian, Hispanic & Native Americans. The economy of the city is mainly based on the Department of Energy facilities, National Transportation Research Center and the main campus of University of Tennessee. In terms of entertainment, Knoxville is filled with theaters, museums, recreational areas and monuments. Bluegrass music, old time music flourished in the city while Opera Company is operational for over two decades now.
A slew of noteworthy locations for tourists to visit include Bijou theatre, Frank H. McClung Museum, Knoxville Police Museum, Haley Heritage Square, Tennessee river boat among many others. Festivities and events are abundant in Knoxville with Symphony Orchestra, Dogwood Arts festival and Boomsday being the most popular of all. June's Kuumba showcases the heritage of African American heritage while spectacular firework displays adorn Boomsday.
The city has professional health institutes as well as nurtured sports activities with Women's Basketball hall of fame, Rugby Club, Ice Bears for Hockey and Force that promotes soccer teams. Education is given a forehand with institutes like Johnson University, South College, ITT Technical institute and the hub of knowledge resource, University of Tennessee home campus. Knoxville is one of the rich, heritage oriented and ideal city for a comfortable lifestyle with plethora of facilities to offer for residents and tourists alike.
About Knox County, Tennessee
Knox County was created by Governor William Blount on June 11, 1792. It holds the honor of being the county created during the territorial administration and is formed from the land of Greene and Hawkins counties. Knox County belongs to the State of Tennessee and its county seat lies in Knoxville. The approximate population as estimated by United States Census Bureau in the year 2010 is over 423,874 people. Holston and French Board rivers merge right at the heart of the county to become the Tennessee River and the Knox County is also in inclusion with the Knoxville Metropolitan Area.
When James White's fort was declared the territory capital, Knox County was formed which functions under the home rule format. It is administered by the County Mayor and is run by an elected county commission. During the years, the county faced major controversies like the P-Card controversy, Black Wednesday and Sunshine Law Trial. Some legal amendments were made during this period to ensure peace and orderly functioning of the county.
Knox County covers a total area of 526 square miles. Cherokee Caverns is an important tourist attraction in the region found by Robert Crudgington in 1854. It is located 14 miles west of Knoxville on Highway 62 and is open to visitors for sight-seeing. Transportation is facilitated by McGhee Tyson Airport and Knoxville Area Transit city bus service that connects inter-state as well as other neighboring counties like Blount County, Union County, Grainger County, Anderson County among others.
Knox County population is formed by White (88%), African American (8.63%) and followed by minorities of Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander forming the rest. Statistics reveal that men earn an average of twice what their female counterparts earn in Knox County and economically, a majority of the population is well settled. Education institutes are abundant and health care institutes are in professional operation ensuring proper administration of medical support. With a well-connected transport facility both by air and road, effective governance and amenities filled, Knox County easily becomes one of the notable counties in Tennessee State.