Here Are The Oldest Towns In Tennessee... And They're Loaded With History
Meghan Kraft
Author
Wondering what the oldest town in Tennessee is? Well, that can be a complicated answer.
Tennessee is a proud lil’ state, and for good reason. We have a lot of spunk, a ton of class, and LOTS of character. We’re a southern state that gives you a good time, and our past is rooted in good American history – that’s why we’ve found some spots that have been there since the get-go.
We’ve found the 10 oldest incorporated towns in Tennessee. It’s necessary to pull from this date, as conflicting historical data and solid word-of-mouth can skew hard city data. So, we did it – we came down hard and found the oldest cities in Tennessee, according to state data. Curious if your town made it? Take a look!
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What did you think are the oldest towns in Tennessee? Let us know in the comments!
Some towns aren’t as old as they look. Check out these old-fashioned towns in Tennessee.
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Tennessee History
What are the oldest attractions in Tennessee?
Now that we know what the oldest town in Tennessee is, let’s take a look at some of the oldest attractions in Tennessee.
Graceland: Built in 1939, this 14-acre estate was once home to rock legend Elvis Presley. He moved here in 1957 and today, you can take a tour here.
James K. Polk House: Located in Columbia, the 11th president called this Federal-style home from 1819 until 1824. Tours are available to the public.
Tennessee State Capitol: Located in Nashville, this Greek Revival was built in the mid-1800s. Today, it is widely considered to be haunted. Take a tour and decide for yourself!
What is Tennessee known for?
Founded in 1796, Tennessee is known for a lot of things. Check these out:
Whiskey: One of the best places to sip whiskey in the U.S., there are a ton of distilleries in Tennessee to visit and experience a tasting.
Caves: Although other states like New Mexico, Louisiana, and Virginia get all the credit for caves, Tennessee has more than 10,000 caves within its borders — and you can even visit many of them!
Nashville: The capital of the state is well known across the U.S. for its connection to music, both through its venues and establishments like the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. No wonder it’s one of the most-visited cities in the country.
What are the most thrilling attractions in Tennessee?
There is a lot of fun to be had in the Volunteer State. Check out some of the most thrilling attractions in Tennessee:
Rafting: With over 50,000 miles of rivers and more than 1,000 lakes in its boundaries, there are plenty of places to ride rapids or float in Tennessee. Some of the most notable bodies of water are the Ocoee River, Pigeon River, and Hiwassee River.
Dollywood: Located in Pigeon Forge, this 150-acre amusement park is dedicated (and owned) by none other than country superstar Dolly Parton. There are over 50 rides as well as shows, a train, and much more.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Located in both North Carolina and Tennessee, this 522,427-acre park offers tons of adventure with over 800 miles of hiking as well as camping, fishing, bicycling, and horseback riding opportunities.