There are several historical sites that you shouldn’t miss when in Knoxville, Tennessee. Some of these places include The Blount Mansion, The Ramsey House, The Sunshpere Tower, and the Forks of the River Wildlife Management Park. You can also experience the city’s thriving music scene.
The Sunshpere Tower
The Sunshpere Tower is a 266-foot hexagonal steel truss structure topped by a 75-foot gold glass sphere. It served as the symbol of the 1982 World’s Fair. It’s a popular tourist attraction and a great way to get a bird’s eye view of Knoxville.
Originally, the tower was meant to symbolize the sun. Local sports teams were even inspired to have their logos based on it. However, after the 1982 World’s Fair, the tower gained national attention after an episode of The Simpsons featured Bart accidentally knocking it over. In 2000, nuclear war protesters scaled the tower and camped out for three days in front of it.
Sunsphere is located in downtown Knoxville in World’s Fair Park, next to the Knoxville Convention Center. The observation deck is free and offers a 360-degree view of the city. Visitors can ride the elevator to the observation deck, but hours of operation vary. It is also a good idea to bring binoculars so you can view the city from afar.
The Blount Mansion
The Blount Mansion is located at 200 West Hill Avenue in downtown Knoxville, TN. It was named after William Blount, the only territorial governor in the Southwest Territory. It has a rich history and is well worth a visit. The mansion is home to many artifacts and has a beautiful, formal garden.
Until the 1850s, the Blount family owned this house, and it was home to four generations of Blounts. Several members of the Blount family lived here, including William Blount, who served as governor of Tennessee from 1809 to 1815. Other notable visitors included the future King Louis Philippe of France, Andre Michaux, and various Cherokee Indian chiefs. The mansion still holds some original furnishings and was used by William Blount and his family.
During the 19th century, the Blount Mansion was one of the most prominent homes in Knoxville. It was the home of Knoxville’s first mayor, Samuel Beckett Boyd, and also the location where Confederate spy Belle Boyd sought refuge. A Confederate General Johnston introduced Belle Boyd to the crowd on the balcony of the Blount Mansion. In 1925, the house was threatened with demolition to make way for a parking lot. In response, Mary Boyce Temple gave the city $100 to preserve the house, and the house was subsequently designated a National Historic Landmark.
The Ramsey House
The Ramsey House is a historic home in Knoxville, Tennessee. It was built in 1797 by Colonel Francis A. Ramsey on 2000 acres of prime farm land. The Ramsey family owned the house until the Civil War. Today, this home is a living museum that showcases the life of the pioneers. Open for tours Wednesday to Saturday, the house is a great place to learn about Knoxville’s early history and culture.
It was once the ‘finest house in Tennessee,’ according to local historians. It was constructed with Tennessee pink marble and blue limestone. It was a popular destination for diplomats who came to visit the area. Its architectural design and period decorative art collection made it a unique and remarkable home.
The Forks of the River Wildlife Management Park
For the outdoorsy types, the Forks of the River Wildlife Management Park offers a plethora of activities. The sprawling public park features interconnected trails, a river, and forested expanses. If you’re looking for a unique way to spend an afternoon in Knoxville, Tennessee, this park is definitely worth checking out.
For nature lovers, Forks of the River Wildlife Management Park provides six miles of trails with a variety of plants and wildlife. The area is a popular hunting ground, and sunflower fields bloom in early July. Families will enjoy spending the day exploring the beautiful landscape, and the park’s multi-use trails and ample parking make it a great family destination.
The park is also host to the annual Sunflower Celebration, where visitors can learn about wildlife and land management. This event starts at 9 a.m. and runs until noon. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency expects thousands of attendees. You’ll also be able to see some beautiful wildlife and enjoy guided group bike rides.
The Tennessee Theatre
If you are looking for something to do in Knoxville, Tennessee, then you should definitely check out the Tennessee Theatre. The theater is home to many famous performances. For instance, the Breakfast Club starred Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon. The theatre also hosts a fundraiser gala called Stars on Stage. The Tennessee Theatre has also been the setting for many movies and plays.
The Tennessee Theatre has a colorful history. It first opened in 1925 and has been a place for live theater for almost nine decades. Until the early 1990s, it was a whites-only theater. However, when To Kill A Mockingbird came to town, students protested outside of the theatre.
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