Historical facts and links related to the history of Knoxville, South Knoxville, Tennessee River, and SWFT.
HISTORY
Avoid the Chaos
Situated on the southern banks of the Tennessee River, 303 Flats Apartments is Knoxville’s only waterfront student community for the University of Tennessee. Nestled in the beautiful Southside Waterfront Neighborhood, on the quiet side of the river, 303 Flats is […]
Tennessee River “Flying Machine”
On August 2, 1891 the Knoxville Tribune ran an article titled “Ready for Passengers.” It was a glowing account describing “a wonderful car that flies across the river–the first and only cable line in the U.S. or the world.” But […]
Under the River
Did you know that Tennessee has one of the most diverse assemblages of fish in North America with at least 320 species? Whether or not you enjoy matching wits with them using a fishing pole, it is fascinating to discover […]
Give Him Six
Legendary “Voice of the Vols” John Ward passed away this month at the age of 88. So many of us cut our teeth as Vol fans by listening to him on the radio while we watched the games on muted […]
Give Him Six
Legendary “Voice of the Vols” John Ward passed away this month at the age of 88. So many of us cut our teeth as Vol fans by listening to him on the radio while we watched the games on muted […]
A Big Flop on the Southside Riverfront
Pithy proverbs were common in 16th century England and America. John Heywood (1546) cautioned his young friend who was contemplating marriage with a bit of proverbial wisdom: “In wedding and all things look or ye leap.” Looking before leaping is […]
Train Next Door
It chugs by CityView at RiverWalk usually twice a day but never on Sunday. The rail and its rusty trestle have crossed the river for some 100 years, at least since 1913. It even survived the Butcher brothers’ clean-up for […]
The Train Next Door
THE TRAIN NEXT DOOR It chugs by CityView usually twice a day but never on Sunday. The rail and its rusty trestle have crossed the river for some 100 years, at least since 1913. It even survived the Butcher brothers’ […]
Big Orange Country
March Madness! It comes every year at this season; the final play in the university basketball world. And this time the Vols have been invited to the big dance as the Southeastern Conference co-champs. Ray Mears would like that! From […]
UT Name Change
Founded in Knoxville in 1794, the University of Tennessee first began as small struggling institution called Blount College, named for Tennessee’s first governor, William Blount. Offering academic programs formed from the seminary courses it’s first president (Rev. Samuel Carrick) had […]
Market House Bell
It hung in the tower of City Hall on the north end of Market Square beginning in the 1880s. Rung by the Police Chief, this bronze bell alerted citizens about civic emergencies such as major fires and riots. Using a […]
Henley Bridge Namesake
The Henley Bridge, often incorrectly called the Henley Street Bridge, is named after Colonel David Henley who was a Revolutionary War soldier and early settler in Knox County. Born in Massachusetts, Col. Henley served under General George Washington as an […]