Historic Sites in Gatlinburg

"James White was the founder of Knoxville, and now you can see how he would have lived by visiting his former house, known as the James White Fort. The home is the perfect place to learn all about frontier life, and you can enjoy hands on displays here like cooking, spinning, and even blacksmith workshops. There are also special holiday events here at this working life museum such as ghost tours around Halloween, so make sure to check out what is on when you are in town."

"The founder of Knoxville was James White, who named the city for President George Washington’s secretary of war, Henry Knox. He built the first log cabin in 1786, which was restored and opened to the public as James White’s Fort in 1970. Each year, more than 10,000 people visit the fort, which offers hands-on frontier living demonstrations, such as blacksmithing, spinning and open-hearth cooking."

"History buffs visiting Knoxville should make a stop at James White’s Fort. This historic museum portrays how frontier life was like in the late 1700s. This historic home was the living quarters of Knoxville’s founder, James White."

"The Ramseys were one of the first families to settle in Knoxville and were very involved in the local community. In 1797, the city’s first builder, Thomas Hope, constructed the Historic Ramsey House using Tennessee pink marble and blue limestone. Today, it sits on more than 101 acres (41ha) and has been restored and furnished to reflect the period of the Ramsey family’s occupancy."

"Along with James White’s Fort, the Ramsey House is one of the oldest buildings in Knoxville, dating back to the 1790s. The house is an excellent example of Late Georgian architecture, featuring significant ornamentation for the time period. Its owner, Francis Ramsey, was a surveyor and government official, and his son was one of the first mayors of Knoxville."

"This extravagant house is sometimes called the Confederate Memorial Hall, and it’s one of the most visited historic sites in Knoxville. It was originally gifted as a wedding present to Congressman Robert Houston Armstrong and Louise Franklin. It also served as the Confederate army headquarters during the Siege of Knoxville; bullet holes in some of the walls are a vivid reminder of its wartime past."

"Next to Heaven Ranch offers unguided trail rides, so the duration varies. For children under the age of 5, the single-rider price is halved. If the scenic views that you get on horseback aren’t enough, you can check out its zip-lining operation too."

"Nearly 1000 whiskies grace the bar at this Old Town Scottish haunt, where catching live music is a given, may it be a big show or a pub session where you’re encouraged to join in — if that’s your talent. Savor traditional Scottish dishes such as Scotch eggs, steak and ale pie, and fish and chips. You can also order fare like haggis, neeps, and tatties, even if just for the simple reason that “neeps and tatties” is fun to say."

"End your night on the town with a taste of Scotland at Boyd’s Jig and Reel. In the Old City, this Scottish-inspired pub is home to some of the city’s tastiest and most unique desserts. Open until 3 a.m., Boyd’s Jig and Reel prides itself on its rich heritage, and its dessert menu is no exception."

"Mike and Cheryl Fowler as well as their daughter Ava run this clay studio, where you can buy handmade pottery and also take a seat behind the potter’s wheel for some hands-on instruction."

"Explore the timeless faces of Southern Appalachian mountain folk and the rural farmers in the pencil and paint artwork at the Paul Murray Gallery!. This art gallery is located on Gatlinburg’s historic 8-mile loop road and is one of the highlights of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Artist Paul Murray records the timeless faces of the pioneer lifestyle, and he has several art collections available, including the Appalachia Series, Mirrored Souls Collection, the Ouellette Series and The Last of the Legend Series."

"The Paul Murray Studio & Gallery displays the work of one of Gatlinburg’s most accomplished artists. After dropping out of school at age 13, Paul Murray became a professional painter and sketch artist. Murray’s work focuses on the rural residents of the Appalachian mountains."

"Just a block away from Market Square and diagonal to the East Tennessee History Center, it’s a great place to start the day with some caffeine and pleasant conversation with your barista. And if you like the neighborhood already, that’s greater than great since you’ll be looping back around to it later in the day."