History of Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville was established as White's Fort in 1786. It became the Territory of the South of the River Ohio's capital. It also served as the capital of Tennessee. After some time, it developed and grew to be the third largest city in the state. It became a center for industrial, educational, and commercial activities in the city.
Establishment of the City
James White was the primary founder of White's Fort. He was a veteran of the Revolutionary War. He bought a large land between First and Second Creeks to build a fort that he named after himself. William Blount, governor of the Southwest Territory designated White's Fort as the territory's capital and changed its name to Knoxville to commemorate Henry Knox, the Secretary of War. On October 3, 1791 lots were opened for purchase. Some of the men who brought lots were merchants that include Thomas Humes, Hugh Dunlap, and Nathaniel and Samuel Cowan.
Late 18th Century
Knoxville leaders commence the construction of a jail and a courthouse after the sale of lots. Under the supervision of David Henley, federal soldiers founded a blockhouse in Knoxville in 1772. Knoxville's first general merchandise store was opened in August 1772 by the Cowan brothers. Further, Knoxville's first newspaper was founded in November 1791 by George Roulstone and was named Knoxville Gazette.
Life in Knoxville
The Gazette faced a decline in 1816. This brought forth the establishment of the Knoxville Register that was founded by Hugh Brown and Frederick Heiskell. The register published a pro-emancipation newsletter, together with the book Civil and Political History of the State of Tennessee, one of the state's most comprehensive accounts.
Businessman Thomas Humes began the construction of a luxurious hotel on Gay Street in 1816. This hotel later became popular as the Lamar House Hotel. It became a gathering place for the city's elite. Further, the Tennessee School for the Deaf opened in 1848. Joseph Mabry and William Swan pledged land for the establishment of the Market Square. The founding of the Market Square created a place where farmers can sell their products.
Businessman Thomas Humes began the construction of a luxurious hotel on Gay Street in 1816. This hotel later became popular as the Lamar House Hotel. It became a gathering place for the city's elite. Further, the Tennessee School for the Deaf opened in 1848. Joseph Mabry and William Swan pledged land for the establishment of the Market Square. The founding of the Market Square created a place where farmers can sell their products.
Economic Growth
Based on William MacArthur's study, Knoxville developed to a city between 1870 and 1900. The city's first heavy industries were established as a number of newcomers and business tycoons began doing business in the city. Being one of the largest cities in the Southern region, Knoxville was home to a flourishing wholesaling industry. Merchants from East Tennessee buy goods from Knoxville wholesalers for their own general merchandise stores.
​City Expansion
After the Civil War, the first major annexation of Knoxville took place when it annexed the East Knoxville city. The Annexation of Mechanicsville happened in 1883. Knoxville's streetcar system flourished in the 1870s and 1880s. This led to the fast development of the outlying districts in the city.
Economic Struggles
In early 1900s Knoxville's economic status slowed down. Natural resources found in the nearby areas significantly declined. There was also a decline in its population growth that was also caused by the annexations that took place in 1917.
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