Stop Three: Blount College

Blount College was founded two years before the founding of the state of Tennessee on this site. Knoxville’s early settlers were Presbyterian Scottish and Irish from Northern Ireland. They placed great importance on education and lifelong learning which enables one to put faith into practice. For this reason, James White set land from his own property for both a church and a school. On the site of the present day Tennessee Theater, a log cabin was built to house Blount College. In 1807, Blount College was renamed East Tennessee College. Thomas Jefferson recommended that the college leave its log cabin in the city and relocate to accommodate future growth. In 1826, the college bought 40 acres west of downtown. Now known simply as “The Hill,” the University of Tennessee now has more than 28,000 students.

Standard Tour Mission:

Take a photo of your team around the historical marker commemorating Blount College.

Virtual Tour Trivia Questions:

Blount College eventually becomes East Tennessee College, and then The University of Tennessee. Its orange and white colors, according to legend, were inspired by what object?

William Blount’s daughter was one of five women who were educated at Blount College. The Hill at The University of Tennessee was originally named after her as well. What was her name?