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The Great Train Robbery of 1866, one of the most famous train robberies in American history, took place in Tennessee. A group of Confederate veterans stole $90,000 from a train traveling from Nashville to Chattanooga.
About Knox County
Knox County Timeline
Knox County, Tennessee, has a rich history dating back to the early 18th century. The region was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, who peacefully coexisted with European settlers until conflicts arose in the late 1700s. In 1791, the region was ceded to the United States, leading to a wave of settlers moving into the area.
The county is named after Henry Knox, a Revolutionary War general and Secretary of War under President George Washington. Established in 1792, Knox County initially covered a vast area that included parts of present-day Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina. The county seat was initially located at Southwest Point (present-day Kingston), but it was relocated to its current location in Knoxville in 1793.
In the 19th century, Knox County experienced significant growth and development. It became a prominent hub for trade and transportation, with the completion of the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad in 1855. The county also played a notable role in the Civil War, with Knoxville serving as a strategic objective for both Union and Confederate forces. The Battle of Fort Sanders in 1863, a Union victory, marked a turning point in the region.
After the Civil War, Knox County continued to prosper and expand. The development of the Tennessee Valley Authority in the 1930s brought economic opportunities and infrastructure improvements to the area. The county also became a center for education, with the establishment of the University of Tennessee in the 1790s and the University of Tennessee Medical Center in the 1950s.
Today, Knox County is a vibrant and diverse community, known for its thriving arts scene, outdoor recreational activities, and strong sense of community. The county's rich history is preserved through various museums, historical landmarks, and annual events that celebrate its past. Knox County continues to grow and evolve while retaining its distinctive Southern charm and unique heritage.
The county is named after Henry Knox, a Revolutionary War general and Secretary of War under President George Washington. Established in 1792, Knox County initially covered a vast area that included parts of present-day Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina. The county seat was initially located at Southwest Point (present-day Kingston), but it was relocated to its current location in Knoxville in 1793.
In the 19th century, Knox County experienced significant growth and development. It became a prominent hub for trade and transportation, with the completion of the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad in 1855. The county also played a notable role in the Civil War, with Knoxville serving as a strategic objective for both Union and Confederate forces. The Battle of Fort Sanders in 1863, a Union victory, marked a turning point in the region.
After the Civil War, Knox County continued to prosper and expand. The development of the Tennessee Valley Authority in the 1930s brought economic opportunities and infrastructure improvements to the area. The county also became a center for education, with the establishment of the University of Tennessee in the 1790s and the University of Tennessee Medical Center in the 1950s.
Today, Knox County is a vibrant and diverse community, known for its thriving arts scene, outdoor recreational activities, and strong sense of community. The county's rich history is preserved through various museums, historical landmarks, and annual events that celebrate its past. Knox County continues to grow and evolve while retaining its distinctive Southern charm and unique heritage.
Knox County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Knox County, Tennessee.
- Prehistory - The region now known as Knox County was inhabited for thousands of years by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Creek nations.
- 1775 - The area was settled by European pioneers, including James White, who established White's Fort, the first permanent settlement in what is now Knoxville.
- 1791 - The Territory of the United States South of the River Ohio, which included the area now known as Knox County, was organized. William Blount was appointed as the governor.
- 1796 - The State of Tennessee was admitted to the Union, and Knox County was one of the original counties established within the new state.
- 1803 - The capital of Tennessee was moved from Knoxville to Nashville.
- 1830s - The construction of the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad began, connecting Knoxville to the rest of the region.
- 1861-1865 - Knox County, like the rest of Tennessee, was divided during the American Civil War. The county was occupied by both Union and Confederate forces at various times.
- 1897 - The City of Knoxville was officially chartered as a city.
- 1933 - The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established, including parts of Knox County.
- 1982 - The World's Fair was held in Knoxville, attracting millions of visitors.
- Today - Knox County is a thriving county with a diverse economy, beautiful natural surroundings, and a rich cultural heritage.