Explore the Richness of East Tennessee’s Historic Towns

Knoxville is the heart of the 9 Lakes Region and the perfect hub for historical adventures. Whether you prefer to tough it out at campgrounds or find quaint inns to lay your head at night, there is something for everyone in this Appalachian Mountain region. Not sure where to start? Every lake is surrounded by notable settlements just waiting to be traversed. Take a step back in time and explore one of these East Tennessee historic towns.

Norris Lake

Norris

The small community of Norris was certified in 1933 as a neighborhood to house Norris Dam workers. Norris Lake was the first man-made lake by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Construction for the Norris Dam began in 1933 on the Clinch River and was completed by 1936. You can see the dam for yourself at Norris Dam State Park. As the town of Knoxville grew, historic Norris was incorporated into the city but stayed true to its roots. You’ll also find the Museum of Appalachia in Norris. This living history museum shows what life was like for pioneers where the mountains meet the water.

Rocky Top

If you asked your great-grandfather about Rocky Top, he might look at you confused. He might know the small Tennessee town as Lake City. His great-grandfather knew the town as Coal Creek. Coal Creek came to be with the Treaty of Tellico in 1798 and mines moved into the area. When the Norris Dam was complete, state leaders changed the name to Lake City. In 2014, the town officially became Rocky Top when a judge approved the name change. Learn more about Rocky Top’s unique history at the Coal Creek Miners Museum.

Cherokee Lake

Morristown

On the banks of Cherokee Lake, American pioneers settled Morristown at the intersection of two major routes in Tennessee. Among the early settlers of Morristown was John Crockett, the father of Alamo hero Davy Crockett. The Crocketts ran a tavern later used as a hospital during the Civil War. The Crockett Tavern Museum in Morristown is a reconstruction of the Crockett’s home in the original location. The Crockett Tavern was burned to the ground after the Civil War to prevent the spread of smallpox.

Jefferson City

Take a day trip from Knoxville to see the historical sites in Jefferson City, many of which are within walking distance from each other. Jefferson City was founded in 1788 along the Holston River, with the first American Europeans arriving in Cherokee Lake. It’s said the settlement was initially dubbed Mossy Creek because of its breathtaking Tennessee native plants, including vivid green moss. Jefferson City is a great place for Civil War enthusiasts to explore as the town was the site of several battles, including the Battle at Mossy Creek.

Douglas Lake

Dandridge

The charming town of Dandridge is on Douglas Lake, the perfect place for a getaway on the water. Nicknamed “Tennessee’s Second Oldest Town,” wander Dandridge’s Downtown District to find historic buildings, roads, and settler markers dating back to its founding in 1783. Bed and Breakfasts are tucked away in towering trees, and hiking trails offer panoramic scenes of Douglas Lake. Historic Dandridge is a great place for folks looking for a waterside retreat to visit.

Sevierville

Sevierville is one of the best vacation destinations in the Smokies, sitting north of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Sevierville offers travelers many outdoor recreational activities with beautiful backdrops in the foothills of the mountains. If mountains aren’t your thing, head south on Mecca Pike and visit Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. Sevierville’s rich history and natural beauty make this place a great destination for families and history buffs.

Melton Hill Lake                  

Oak Ridge

While Oak Ridge was founded in the 1940s, it didn’t appear on any maps until much later, thanks to the U.S. government. The town’s remote location and access to precious minerals made it the perfect place to test nuclear reactors. You can uncover the United State’s secret city of Oak Ridge at the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. After World War II, the Tennessee Valley Authority constructed the Melton Hill Dam on the Clinch River in 1963, creating the Melton Hill Lake. The lake is popular for water sports and competitive rowing thanks to its flat waters and long body.

Oliver Springs

North of Oak Ridge, the East Tennessee community of Oliver Springs rose to fame when settlers discovered a natural mineral spring in the early 20th century. Driving through Oliver Springs now, it is hard to imagine it was bustling with life a century ago. Tourists and health gurus flocked to the springs for its medicinal properties, and the Cherokee people even had a special word for the healing waters: “Tah-hah-lehaha.” When the Oliver Springs Hotel burned down in 1905, community leaders decided not to rebuild the springs, but you can explore the remains and look for hints of the springs.

Don’t overlook the small towns in eastern Tennessee when planning your next vacation. These places are rich in American history and tradition. From the Smokies to Davy Crockett’s childhood home, uncover what life was like in the early 19th century. The best part is that no matter the time of year, you’ll find serenity in the calm lakes, great mountains, and colorful trees of East Tennessee.

Gina Thompson is an experienced multimedia journalist, producer, and content writer born and raised in Texas. In her spare time, she loves catching a live band, dancing, and finding the next big taco spot. As a writer, she is passionate about making a positive impact on her community by elevating the voices and stories that need to be heard.