Stop Fourteen: Ferry to South Knoxville

Rivers were the interstate highways of the 18th century. Prior to 1874, this part of the Tennessee River was known as the Holston River. Before TVA created Fort Loudon Lake here, the Holston River would have been more narrow, more shallow and would have flowed more quickly in 1792. Much of the commercial activity for early Knoxville would have taken place in this area and along the river. Before bridges, large flat bottomed boats were used to take people, horses and wagons across the river. Beginning in 1792, a ferry ran from here, near where First Creek flows into the river to where the south end of the Gay Street bridge is now, by Regal Headquarters. The Gay Street bridge was not built until 1898, almost 100 years later! The ferry was originally owned by Alexander Cunningham. Oarsmen were used to cross the river. When John Sevier was the first governor of Tennessee, its state capitol was in Knoxville. John Sevier regularly crossed the Holston by ferry and traveled on horseback to and from his “Marble Springs” farm in South Knoxville. Ferries were a welcome relief for horses after a long ride on the rough dirt roads!

Standard Tour Mission:

Take a photo of the green bridge where First Creek flows into the Tennessee River. The green bridge spanning First Creek is to the right of Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.

Virtual tour mission:

John Sevier was the only governor of the short-lived State of Franklin (1784-1788). What was the first capital of Franklin?

What is the number of the Tennessee state highway where Marble Springs is located?