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Blount County is a fascinating part of Tennessee that has played a significant role in the state's history. From its connection to the Trail of Tears to its role in the Civil War, Blount County has a rich and vibrant past that is full of interesting facts. Here are seven fascinating facts about Blount County's history:
1. The first white settler in Blount County was William Wear, who arrived in the area in 1785 and built a cabin along the Little River. Wear was a Revolutionary War veteran who received the land as payment for his service.
2. Blount County played a significant role in the Trail of Tears, the forced removal of Native Americans from the southeastern United States to Indian Territory in the 1830s. Thousands of Cherokee people crossed through Blount County on their way to Oklahoma, and the county still has several historical sites related to the Trail of Tears.
3. Maryville College, located in Maryville, Tennessee, was founded in 1819 and is one of the oldest colleges in the southern United States. The college was started by Presbyterian minister Isaac Anderson, who wanted to provide education to the people of the region.
4. The Civil War had a profound impact on Blount County, with several battles and skirmishes taking place in the area. The most significant of these was the Battle of Rocky Face Ridge, fought in 1864 between Union and Confederate forces.
5. One of the most famous citizens of Blount County was Sam Houston, who lived in the area for several years as a young man. Houston would go on to become a key figure in Texas's fight for independence and would serve as the state's governor and U.S. senator.
6. Another notable figure from Blount County was Admiral William Blount, who served in the United States Navy during the Spanish-American War. Blount was named after his ancestor William Blount, who signed the U.S. Constitution and served as the governor of the Southwest Territory, which included modern-day Tennessee.
7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most popular national parks in the United States, borders Blount County. The park is home to over 800 miles of trails, stunning waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, and draws millions of visitors every year.
Blount County has a rich and varied history that has shaped the area into what it is today. From Native American displacement to the Civil War to the creation of one of the country's most beloved national parks, this region of Tennessee has much to offer history buffs and visitors alike.
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