Knoxville Iron Foundry Complex-Nail Factory and Warehouse
715 Western Ave., NW, Knoxville, TN Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The famous Battle of Franklin during the Civil War was one of the deadliest battles of the conflict. It took place on November 30, 1864, and resulted in over 8,000 casualties, including over 2,000 deaths.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.