Knoxville Area Newcomer/Visitor Information
THE LEGEND....
The Indians believed that the land was sacred...Formed
by a great eagle sent from heaven to dry the soft
earth by beating its giant wings. As it flew over
the land of the Cherokees, the great eagle dipped
so low that the massive wings struck the earth creating
steep ridges and deep valleys that are now known as
" The Appalachians ".
THE HISTORY.....
Late in the 18th century, hardy frontiersmen crossed
the Appalachian Mountains into the valley of "
The Tennessee ". At the junction of the Holston
and French Broad rivers, General James White established
White's Fort. The settlement was later renamed for
George Washington's secretary of war, Henry Knox.
In 1792, the first frame house west of the Appalachians,
Blount Mansion, was built to accommodate the governor
of the vast territory south of the river Ohio. Blount
Mansion, Knoxville's only National Historic Landmark,
remains, and a reconstruction of White's Fort on land
near its original site allow us to share a bit of
history.
In 1796, when the Territory of the United States South
of the River Ohio became the state of Tennessee, Knoxville
became the first capital of Tennessee...and remained
so until 1812. Knoxville's John Sevier was the first
governor of Tennessee, serving six terms in all. Elected
in 1816, Tom Emmerson served as the first mayor of
Knoxville. The first official census, taken in 1850,
showed a population of 2,076.
The War Between the States found sympathies of Knoxville
inhabitants divided. Being a strategic point for both
the Union and Confederat forces, a major battle took
place on November 29, 1863 at Fort Sanders. The battle
was an important victory for the federal forces.
A landmark event that was to have a profound effect
on the area took place in the 1930's. A newly formed
federal agency, the Tennessee Valley Authority, began
its massively scaled plans to transform the entire
valley with flood control and power generating dams
on the Tennessee River. Knoxville would never be the
same with the influx of new people, new ideas and
the economic opportunities opened by the availability
of low cost electric power.
Another event of great significance for the area came
with World War II. Just 20 miles west of Knoxville,
the village of Oak Ridge was chosen as the site of
modern history's most closely guarded secret..."The
Manhattan Project"... Knoxville again became
the metropolitan seat of power generation. This time...
nuclear power.
For the people of the Knoxville area, the pattern of
the future was growing clear. A location that once
meant partial isolation came to be of singular strategic
value with the coming of air transport and the advent
of great highways. Diversified new industries took
root and prospered, while those already existing expanded.
As growth and progress became synonymous with prosperity,
the atmosphere within leadership circles became charged
with an optimism that still prevails.
In the continuing saga of growth and expansion, aggressive
business leaders and government officials started
in 1976 to plan the 1982 World's Fair. Twenty-two
countries and more than 90 corporations participated
in the exposition, which attracted more than 11 million
visitors.
THE FUTURE...
The pride and accomplishments of Knoxville give birth
to unlimited growth and development; supported by
the diverse base of education, business and industry.
LOCATION AND CHARACTERISTICS...
Knoxville lies in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains
and the Cumberland Mountains. The mountains provide
Knoxvillians with beautiful national and state parks
that have an abundance of recreational activities.
Knoxville is centrally located in the eastern United
States. Knoxville is the hub for three major interstates,
I-40 from North Carolina to California, I-75 from
the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, and I-81 from
Canada to Knoxville. More than 60 million Americans
are within a day's drive of Knoxville.
Knoxville is served by both major and regional air
carriers: American, United, Delta, Northwest, TWA,
USAir, Airtran Airways, Lone Star and Comair. Cherokee
Aviation and Knox Air are the fixed base operators
offering private and charter services. Additional
air service information is available from the Airport
Authority, phone (423) 970-2773.
Adjacent to the Knoxville Airport is the McGhee Tyson
Airbase with the 134th Air Refueling Group and elements
of the Tennessee Air National Guard. The airbase offers
two runways of more than 9,000 feet and additional
support facilities. Downtown Knoxville is served by
the downtown Island Airport, adjacent to the business
district. Stevens Aviation services private aircraft
using its facilities and the 3500 foot runway.
The French Broad and the Holston Rivers converge in
Knoxville to form the headwaters of the Tennessee
River which begins the 650 mile River Navigational
Channel.
CLIMATE...
Knoxville is one of the hardest sections of the country
in which to predict the weather. There is a reason
-- the mountains!! They shelter the Tennessee valley,
providing an annual average temperature of 60 degrees.
Knoxville experiences all four seasons with vivid
colors in the Spring and Fall. Extended periods of
extreme heat or cold are rare.
Knoxville and vicinity, at approximately 1050 feet
elevation, lies between the Cumberland plateau ( 3,000
feet high) and the Great Smoky Mountains National
Park (6,642 feet at the highest point). This terrain
helps the climate be diverse and interesting. Knoxville's
latitude of 36.0 enables the area to enjoy the four
seasons. Winter in the Valley is primarily from January
to Mid February with occasional snowfall of 1 to 3
inches. Spring arrives in March and is usually rainy
and chilly. Afternoons warm into the 60's and 70's
with blooming flowers during April. Summers are fairly
typical with highs in the upper 80's and low 90's.
Scattered afternoon thunderstorms are normal during
June, July and August. September brings beginning
of Fall and, of course, football season.
The average annual rainfall is 46 inches and 13 inches
of snow. The average length of the growing season
is 214 days. The annual average first killing frost
in Autumn is November 2 and the last killing frost
in the Spring is April 2.
CLIMATE SUMMARY...
|
Aver.
Temp |
Aver.
Rainfall |
Aver.
Snowfall |
Sunshine |
| January |
40.6 F |
4.67 Inches |
4.1 Inches |
39 % |
| February |
42.8 F |
4.71 Inches |
3.8 Inches |
46 % |
| March |
49.9 F |
4.86 Inches |
1.8 Inches |
53 % |
| April |
60.3 F |
3.61 inches |
0.2 Inches |
61 % |
| May |
68.4 F |
3.28 inches |
trace |
62 % |
| June |
75.5 F |
3.63 Inches |
|
62 % |
| July |
78.2 F |
4.70 inches |
|
61 % |
| August |
77.3 F |
3.24 Inches |
|
62 % |
| September |
71.6 F |
2.78 inches |
|
59 % |
| October |
60.9 F |
2.67 Inches |
trace |
61 % |
| November |
49.2 F |
3.56 Inches |
0.9 Inches |
49 % |
| December |
41.5 F |
4.47 inches |
1.9 Inches |
39 % |
COST OF LIVING...
Knoxville is below the national average for cost of
living. See charts below for further comparisons.
|
Composite |
Grocery |
Housing |
Utilities |
Transport |
Health
Care |
Misc
Goods |
| Boston, MA |
139.2 |
121.1 |
188.6 |
159.9 |
119.3 |
136.7 |
106.9 |
| Philadelphia,
PA |
128.6 |
117.2 |
149.2 |
185.5 |
117.9 |
104.8 |
110.2 |
| San Diego, CA |
119.5 |
107.8 |
153.6 |
80.0 |
129.4 |
118.2 |
103.4 |
| Los Angeles,
CA |
117.9 |
114.1 |
137.0 |
88.2 |
111.0 |
124.8 |
111.4 |
| Portland, OH |
109.1 |
99.9 |
124.8 |
74.0 |
108.3 |
125.2 |
105.9 |
| Denver, CO |
104.3 |
101.3 |
115.4 |
93.6 |
104.2 |
122.9 |
95.6 |
| Miami, FL |
110.2 |
101.7 |
111.0 |
100.5 |
105.8 |
124.1 |
114.7 |
| Baltimore, MD |
100.2 |
98.4 |
103.4 |
98.7 |
104.5 |
101.3 |
97.4 |
| Cleveland, OH |
103.7 |
96.6 |
103.5 |
115.6 |
111.3 |
115.5 |
100.2 |
| Cincinnati, OH |
101.1 |
99.6 |
97.5 |
113.2 |
103.5 |
93.2 |
102.8 |
| Norfolk, VA SMA |
97.1 |
102.6 |
86.9 |
108.6 |
105.8 |
100.8 |
97.2 |
| Dallas, TX |
100.4 |
96.5 |
90.7 |
125.3 |
106.8 |
107.3 |
101.5 |
| Phoenix, AZ |
100.8 |
105.3 |
94.5 |
104.1 |
107.2 |
113.5 |
99.1 |
| Atlanta, GA |
99.7 |
100.4 |
99.6 |
102.8 |
101.1 |
105.0 |
97.2 |
| Tampa, FL |
95.0 |
97.9 |
92.4 |
101.7 |
95.7 |
102.1 |
92.7 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL |
97.8 |
102.5 |
94.1 |
110.0 |
91.7 |
108.9 |
95.5 |
| Houston TX |
95.6 |
92.2 |
86.7 |
94.4 |
113.5 |
105.1 |
98.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Knoxville, TN |
95.0 |
94.0 |
82.5 |
111.9 |
88.3 |
89.3 |
95.5 |
Source: ACCRA, Third Quarter 1995
DAY CARE...
Important elements of Knoxville's services to the young
include numerous operating day-care centers and group
day-care homes. These are licensed through the local
Department of Human Services, which provides information
helping parents find the right program for their children.
Knox County centers charge a wide range of fees -
an average price for preschool care is $45 to $60
per week and infant care averages $50 to $75 per week
(with a credit for more than one child from a family).
Department of Human Services office is located:
1501 East Fifth Avenue, Knoxville, TN.
Main office - (423) 594-6151
Child Care Resource Referral Office - (423) 974-8911
GOVERNMENT-CITY...
Knoxville is run by a mayor and a nine-member council
all elected to four-year terms. The council meets
the first and third Tuesday of the month. The current
mayor is Victor Ashe, City-County Building, Knoxville.
Information number is [423] 215-2000.
GOVERNMENT-COUNTY...
Knox County is headed by a County Executive, a nineteen-member
County Commission as the legislative body, and three
directors who operate under the County Executive.
The Commission meets on the third Monday of each month.
The current County Executive is Tommy Schumpert, City-County
Building, Knoxville. Information number is [423] 215-2000.
GOVERNMENT-STATE...
The state maintains numerous offices within the Knoxville
area. Information may be obtained by consulting the
blue pages of the telephone book.
GOVERNMENT-FEDERAL...
Knoxville is the regional headquarters for more than
twenty-five federal agencies. Check the blue pages
of the telephone book under the heading of U.S. Government.
SENATORS
| Sen.
Fred Thompson (R) |
[ 202 ] 224-4944 Office
[ 202 ] 228-3679 Fax |
| Sen.
Bill Frist ( R ) |
[ 202 ] 224-3344 Office
[ 202 ] 228-1264 Fax |
REPRESENTATIVES
| Rep.
John J. Duncan, Jr. ( R ) |
[ 202 ] 225-5435 Office
[ 202 ] 225-6440 Fax |
Rep.
Zach Wamp ( R ) |
[ 202 ] 255-3271 Office
[ 202 ] 225-3494 Fax |
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL
PARK...
Evidence exists that as long as 15,000 years ago, Indians
might have inhabited the Great Smoky Mountains. The
highly civilized Cherokee Indians were hunting, farming
and living in the foothills when the first Europeans
arrived in the late 1500's. The Great Smoky Mountains
National Park, the first of its kind, was authorized
in 1934 and dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt
in 1940. The park has since grown to its current size;
510,030 acres of beautiful ridges, hollows, river
gorges and coves. Some of the richest and most diversified
plant life in the United States, as well as the largest
stand of virgin timber east of the Mississippi, are
incorporated within its scenic beauty. This most visited
national park hosts more than 8.45 million visitors
annually and is only 45 minutes from Knoxville.
CADES COVE: The quiet beauty of this famous cove provides
the best wildlife viewing within the park area. The
visitor today can view the landmarks of this early
settlement from the 11-mile loop road that circles
the western boundaries of the cove. The first settlers
arrived in 1819 and by 1850, 132 families inhabited
the cove. Today, evidence of these early settlers
can be seen in the log structures, churches and church
cemeteries that they left behind. Movie watchers will
remember cove scenes from "Walk in the Spring Rain"
, "Christy" and "The Dollmaker".
LEGAL SERVICE...
The Knoxville Bar Association sponsors a legal referral
service. Contact (423) 522-7501.
LIBRARY SYSTEM...
Knoxville's beautiful Lawson-McGhee Library, and its
sixteen branches, loan books, magazines, films, records,
and audio-visual equipment to card holders. The library
card is free to Knox County residents or property
owners. This card provides for a three week loan period
with renewal privileges for most material.
The main library of Knox County located on Clinch avenue.
The Lawson-McGhee library has a collection of over
10,000 rare and out-of-print books on microfiche.
Also available for public use is an excellent up-to-date
investment and corporate collection, as well as over
500 current magazines. A new addition to the library
is a fine arts section specializing in audio-visual
materials.
Of special interest is the Calvin M. McClung Historical
Collection of documents, manuscripts and photos of
people and landmarks from the days of the old southwest
territory when Knoxville was its capital. This collection
of over 4,000 volumes is recognized as one of the
finest in the nation.
The library also has a children's services department
providing reading and story-telling services to children.
Lawson-McGhee Library is located at 500 West Clinch
Avenue (865) 215-8750.
MAIL SERVICES...
The Knoxville area is served by the new regional Postal
Distribution Center on Middlebrook Pike, and more
than 12 branches. General information concerning ZIP
codes, claims, rates, passports, and permits should
be obtained by calling [ 423 ] 558-4528.
NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS...
Neighborhood and community associations and their interaction
are an important influence on both inner-city and
suburban growth. To find out about these organizations,
contact the Community Development Office at (423)
215-2120.
NEWSPAPERS...
The morning Knoxville News-Sentinel, of the Scripps-Howard
chain, provide complete news coverage. Circulation
department number is 800-237-9077.
PETS...
Care and treatment of our pets is important to each
family. Within the city, there is a leash law. Owners
should be sure that pets have their shots and wear
an identification tag. Complete care facilities are
available by contacting:
UT Veterinary Hospital (423) 974-8387
Humane Society Animal Shelter (423) 573-9674
Pet Emergency Clinic (423) 637-0114
POPULATION...
Knoxville has been designated as a rapid growth area
within the new south. The
1990 census data is a more complete source of
information. The diverse industrial and service base
assures a bright future.
|
1960 |
1970 |
1980 |
1990 |
| Knox County |
250,500 |
276,300 |
319,700 |
335,749 |
| Knoxville
SMA |
368,000 |
409,400 |
476,500 |
604,812 |
TAXES...
There is no state income tax on wages and salaries
in Tennessee. However, certain dividends and interests
are taxed. The sales tax is 8.25% (6.0% For the state;
2.25% for local sales tax). Other specific taxes in
the area include those on gasoline, cigarettes, liquor,
auto licenses and amusement.
Property taxes are paid by all property owners. Residential
real estate is assessed at 25% of value, while commercial
and industrial is at a rate of 40%. City residents
pay both city and county taxes. The Knox County Commission
has set the property tax rate of $3.16 per $100.00
of assessed value. The City of Knoxville property
tax is set at $2.87. For information, contact the
finance department at (423) 215-2084 or county trustee
at (423) 215-2305. Examples:
| Appraised
Value |
$
50,000 |
$
75,000 |
$
150,000 |
$
250,000 |
| City Taxes
- Annual |
358.75 |
538.13 |
1076.25 |
1793.75 |
| County Taxes
Annual |
395.00 |
592.50 |
1185.00 |
1975.00 |
Appraised Value X .25 [ divided by 100 ]
X tax rate = property tax.
TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY...
T.V.A. electric rates are among the lowest in the country
for both residential and industrial customers. T.V.A.
Provides power for most of Tennessee and portions
of six other states. The agency operates 2 nuclear
plants (two additional plants are in the licensing
stage), 12 coal-fired plants and 29 hydro-electric
facilities. TVA Library (423) 632-3464
T.V.A., In addition to power generation, is involved
in economic and community development, conservation
and controlled use of natural resources, navigational
and flood control, improvement of agricultural techniques
and national research and development of fertilizers.
T.V.A., which is the largest federal agency in Knoxville,
has about 36,600 employees throughout the valley and
5,200 in Knoxville. T.V.A. maintains major offices
in Chattanooga and Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
PUBLIC EDUCATION...
A progressive, innovative school system responds to
the public educational needs of over 50,000 students
in Knoxville and Knox county. The Knoxville area gives
top priority to the education of it's young citizens
and focuses on their development into responsible,
contributing adults.
The organization of the public school system reflects
commitment to students (kindergarten through twelfth
grade):
| Kindergarten through
fifth grade: |
Elementary Program |
| Sixth grade through
eighth grade: |
Middle School Program |
| Ninth grade through
twelfth grade: |
High School Program |
The scope and depth of the educational programs offered
by the Knox County School System reveals the basic
belief in individualized learning. Advanced academic
programs for the gifted, as well as special programs
suited to the academically disadvantaged and physically
handicapped are offered. The system is devoted to
the comprehensive high school concept, including advanced
placement programs providing college placement credits
and a full range of vocational and technical courses
for the vocationally talented. Outstanding high school
students, in math and science, may participate in
the Governor's School at the University of Tennessee.
All high schools in the system are accredited by the
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Public adult education courses for those desiring study
toward acquisition of a high school diploma are provided
in day and evening classes, as well as summer programs.
Opportunity for adult technical training also exits.
Commitment to the State of Tennessee's excellence in
education program initiated by Governor Lamar Alexander
is a vital element in Knoxville's renewed spirit in
education. Emphasis on recruitment and training of
dedicated educators is expanding the ranks of Knoxville's
capable and professional staff of teachers.
Knox County Schools Office
Andrew Johnson Building
(423) 594-1800
TENNESSEE SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF...
A state supported residential school (kindergarten
through twelfth grade) serves students with severe
hearing loss. The school was organized in 1844 and
has been at its historic island home location since
1924.
SPECIAL EDUCATION...
Bearden Adaptive Learning Center is available for EMR,
SMR, and physically handicapped children (kindergarten
through twelfth grade). Bus and van service with lifts
and special equipment are also available.
PRIVATE EDUCATION...
Complementing the public school system are several
excellent, accredited private and parochial schools
in Knoxville. Some of these include:
|
|
|
| Knoxville Montessori
School |
Grades Pre-5 |
(423) 525-6042 |
| Montessori Academy of
Knoxville |
Grades Kind - 3 |
(423) 691-5753 |
| Montessori Internationale |
Grades 3 - 6 |
(423) 675-0545 |
| Laurel High School |
Grade 9 - 12 |
(423) 525-3885 |
| Thackston School |
Grades Kind - 6 |
(423) 522-0729 |
| Tate's School of Discovery |
Grades Pre - 4 |
(423) 693-3021 |
| Webb School |
Grades 5 - 12 |
(423) 693-0011 |
Knoxville's denominational schools are operated by
Catholic, Christian, Presbyterian, Baptist, Lutheran
and Seventh-Day Adventist religions. Some of these
include:
|
|
|
| Berean Christian
School |
Grades Kind - 8 |
(423) 521-6054 |
| St. Joseph School |
Grades 1 - 8 |
(423) 689-3424 |
| Knoxville Catholic
High |
Grades 9 - 12 |
(423) 525-0262 |
| First Lutheran
School |
Grade Kind - 8 |
(423) 524-0308 |
| Knoxville Christian
School |
Grades Pre - 10 |
(423) 966-7060 |
| Knoxville Baptist
Christian |
Grades Kind - 12 |
(423) 524-3211 |
| Temple Baptist
Academy |
Grades Pre - 12 |
(423) 938-8180 |
HIGHER EDUCATION...
The University of Tennessee was the first co-educational
institution of higher learning in the state and continues
as the hub of higher education today. Chartered in
1794 as Blount College, a land grant institution,
the college officially became the University of Tennessee
in 1879.
The main campus at Knoxville heads a state-wide university
system offering 415 degree programs at the bachelor's,
master's and doctorate levels. The enrollmetn is capped
at 25,000 students. The main campus, off Cumberland
Avenue, is a 417 acre complex composed of some 205
buildings.
The Knoxville campus offers degree work in agriculture,
business administration, communications, education,
engineering, home economics, veterinary medicine,
social work, law and liberal arts. Popular specialized
programs include the center for extended learning,
non-credit and off-campus programs, workshops and
university evening school.
The University of Tennessee is a recognized leader
in energy research and development. The University
is a partner with the Tennessee Valley Authority and
the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in promoting joint
energy research for the industrial and economic development
of the area.
The University has long been the center for the performing
arts in Knoxville, as well as the focal point of its
nationally recognized athletic programs.
| Campus
Information |
(423) 974-1000 |
| Undergraduate
Admissions |
(423) 974-2184 |
| Graduate
Admissions |
(423) 974-3251 |
| MBA Program |
|
Pellissippi State is a Tennessee Board of Regents
community college accredited by the Commission of
the southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The college has a main campus located on 144 acres
in the scenic foothills of West Knoxville. It offers
a wide variety of career / technical and college transfer
associate degree programs and a comprehensive 2-year
liberal arts program.
| Admissions
Office |
(423) 694-6570 |
Colleges - Knox County
A number of private and state-funded institutions offer
programs ranging from four-year degree to shorter
vocational programs.
Knoxville College - one of the south's oldest
and most respected predominantly black institutions
of higher learning. Founded in 1875, Knoxville
college is a four-year undergraduate college.
Johnson Bible College - Education in a christian
environment. The 1996 seniors were the 104th graduating
class.
State Technical Institution - established
in 1974 to train technicians for business, industry
and government. Day and evening programs provide
two-year courses leading to associate degrees
in engineering and science.
State Area Vocational Training School -
offers vocational training beyond high school.
This institution offers programs in 18 training
areas including classroom, laboratory and practical
application.
Knoxville Business College - offers the
Associate of Business degree in many business
related fields. Knoxville business college is
102 years old.
Other Colleges
Within a 100-mile radius of Knoxville are some of the
state's oldest institutions - rich in heritage and
tradition:
| East
Tennessee State University |
Johnson City |
| Tusculum
College |
Greeneville |
| Maryville
College |
Maryville |
| Carson-Newman
College |
Jefferson City |
| King College |
Bristol |
| Lincoln
Memorial University |
Harrogate |
| Tennessee
Wesleyan College |
Athens |
| Tennessee
Technological University |
Cookeville |
Within the same area are four junior colleges offering
a wide range of two-year programs:
| Roane
State Community College |
Rockwood |
| Walter State
Community College |
Morristown |
| Cleveland
State Community College |
Cleveland |
| Hiwassee
College |
Madisonville |
HOSPITALS...
Knoxville has become an important center for health
care, medical education and research. Knoxville's
five major hospitals are extending their services
and expanding their facilities.
East Tennessee Baptist Hospital (438 beds) offers
a full range of patient services. It is operated as
a non-profit community medical institution through
its Baptist affiliation. The hospital's heart clinic
responds to all aspects of heart disease, from diagnosis
to rehabilitation.
Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center (575 beds)
includes not only the Presbyterian hospital facility,
but the Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center. The complex
is also a pioneer in community fitness programs through
its Center for Community Health, providing programs
to business and industry which include health-risk
appraisal and lifestyle analysis. The Thompson
Cancer Survival Center is adjacent to the main
facility; and an outpatient center is currently located
in West Knoxville.
Park West Hospital (325 beds) is affiliated
with Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. Its services
include a psychiatric unit and the state's first lithotripter,
an electronic kidney stone crusher.
Saint Mary's Medical Facility (531 beds) established
50 years ago, is owned and operated by the Sisters
of Mercy. In addition to its regular hospital facility,
St. Mary's offers a comprehensive alcohol-rehabilitation
program, open heart surgery unit and an Alzheimer
treatment and research program.
The University of Tennessee Medical Center at Knoxville
(602 beds) is the area's Level I trauma center and
offers air ambulance service in the area. It is nationally
recognized for its research programs in heart disease,
cancer, birth defects and mental retardation. A pediatric
center, intensive-care newborn nursery, and organ
transplant center are among its expanding services.
University hospital is the only teaching hospital
in the area providing continuing education for physicians.
The University of Tennessee Hospital is also a general
hospital facility.
East Tennessee Children's Hospital meets the
special needs of the young. The hospital (122 beds)
has received well earned national recognition for
it's patient-education program.
EMERGENCY SERVICES...
The enhanced 911 Emergency Response System links the
180,000 city and county telephones with emergency
assistance that notifies emergency medical services
and law enforcement departments. The system gives
the caller's phone number, address, nearest intersecting
streets, and closest emergency response facilities.
Paramedics and advanced life-support systems are carried
by the ambulances and helicopters operating in Knox
and Blount counties. Rescue service and back-up ambulance
service are provided by the Volunteer Rescue Squad.
The University of Tennessee hospital "Lifestar" helicopters
are equipped with the most advanced medical technology
and they respond to the most urgent medical needs.
In major disasters, the Knoxville emergency management
agency coordinates all agencies in Knox county and
the surrounding 16 counties.
HANDICAPPED SERVICES...
A variety of agencies provide services to the handicapped
in the Knoxville area. These include the East Tennessee
Easter Seal Society, East Tennessee Children's Rehabilitation
Center, Sertoma Learning Center, Knoxville Area Communication
Center for the Deaf and the Knoxville Association
for the Blind. These agencies provide job skills,
recreational activities, speech and occupational therapy,
as well as transportation.
A special office provides information on services available
to the disabled, handicapped and elderly. Contact
policy development, Mayor's office at [423] 215-2104.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES...
A marvelous surprise is in store for newcomers to the
Tennessee Valley in the depth and breath of native
artistic talent, and the opportunity to enjoy the
many and varied cultural activities offered in the
Knoxville area.
The cultural atmosphere of Knoxville is characterized
by high levels of professional achievement, excellent
facilities, great variety, community support and pride
in its performing arts programs. The presence of a
great university always provides the cultural stimulus
in the surrounding area.
Carousel Theater (U.T. Campus) presents theater
in the round; offering musicals, comedy, drama and
dance by professional and university players.
Clarence Brown Theater (U.T. Campus) is a professional
repertory company in residence on the campus. The
facility houses a large stage for the Clarence Brown
professional and university acting companies, visiting
troupes, and a laboratory theater for experimental
drama. The company produces four plays a year and
attracts many theatrical stars.
University of Tennessee Musical Arts Series
and University Opera Theater (U.T. Music Hall)
attracts audiences for afternoon chamber music concerts,
student and faculty recitals; while the opera theater
produces complete operas and scenes during the school
year.
The U.T. Children's Theater productions are
presented annually for local and regional school groups
with about 6,000 viewing productions each spring.
The New Repertory Dance Company of the University
of Tennessee includes ballet as well as a special
contemporary ensemble dance unit. Students are provided
an opportunity to perform on stage; instructors find
the opportunity to choreograph original pieces.
U.T. Symphony Orchestra presents several major
concerts each year and performs with the U.T. Opera
company.
U.T. Choral programs are varied and include
a concert choir, chamber singers and the "ever popular"
U.T. Singers.
While the university assumes leadership for local cultural
endeavors; by no means is it relied upon exclusively
for the surprisingly rich and varied cultural milieu
of Knoxville. When discussing serious music in the
Knoxville area, we must begin with:
The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (formed in
1935) has grown to more than 100 musicians, conducted
under the baton of a foremost conductor, is known
as one of the best in the Southeast. Each year, nationally
and internationally known guest artists perform at
the concerts presented at the Tennessee Theater. Season
tickets are offered at very reasonable prices, as
are tickets for individual performances.
Other cultural activities available are:
The Knoxville Opera Company performances are
offered at the Tennessee Theater. Nationally and internationally
known stars, such as native born Mary Costa, perform
in its major productions each year. Noted directors
and conductors are also invited to lend their professional
talents to these events.
The Appalachian Opera Company takes opera to
children in regional school systems.
The Appalachian Ballet Company incorporates
the Maryville/Alcoa civic ballet, and offers a broad
range of programs. Under the direction of Cheryl Van
Metre, the company will tour various cities and Europe
this year. Each year a performance of The Nutcracker
is presented at the Christmas season.
The Knoxville Community Theater presents much
of its schedule at the Bijou theater. Open to amateur
participation, community residents wishing to be near
the footlights, may volunteer for productions.
The Civic Center Series includes most of the
elaborate Broadway shows touring the south. Recent
performances have included: The Sunshine Boys, Annie,
Fiddler on the Roof, A Chorus Line, Sugar Babies,
Oklahoma, Cats and Sing.
The Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum
features ice shows, circus shows and concerts with
top rock groups, country music stars, and more.
The Tennessee Children's Dance Ensemble is believed
to be the world's only children's dance ensemble.
Performing in Knoxville, Salt Lake City and Washington,D.C.;
They have also performed as far away as Japan and
London.
The Nativity Pageant is one of the country's
most lavish religious presentation and features a
cast of 85 volunteers. So prestigious is the program
that would-be performers must wait at least two years
to take part in the pageant. Parents enter their children
on a waiting list at birth; once in the cast they
usually remain.
The Dogwood Arts Festival is an area-wide celebration
of spring; and offers over 350 events including arts
and crafts shows, sporting events and entertainment.
The 17-day festival, in April, showcases 500 miles
of Dogwood trails and adjoining gardens. This Spring
Festival is one of the largest of its kind in the
country.
The Beck Cultural Exchange Center displays the
history and contributions of Knoxville's black citizens.
Educational opportunities for minorities and disadvantaged
citizens are provided.
The Greek Festival, held in May, features church
tours, Greek food and pastry, and cultural exhibits.
Artfest brings a week-long celebration with
arts and crafts, children's activities, and daily
entertainment in October.
The 1982 World's Fair Site is now the center
of varied festive events, including the annual Fourth
of July celebration.
The Knoxville Museum of Art is located at the
World's Fair Site and features special exhibits during
the year, as well as exhibits of locally prominent
artists. Each year the museum sponsors a fair, where
works of art and crafts, donated by local artists
and craftsmen, may be purchased.
The Children's Museum, located in nearby Oak
Ridge, is also a popular attraction.
The Arts Council of Greater Knoxville encourages
participation in the arts with programs such as: Artists
in the Schools, Art Displays in public places, and
a Registry of Artists.
Museums in the area which should not be missed are:
Knoxville Museum of Art in the World's Fair
Park
American Museum of Science and Energy in
nearby Oak Ridge
East Tennessee Discovery Center Museum
with its planetarium
Blount Mansion (built in 1792 - Knoxville
was capital of the southwest territory)
James White's Fort located in downtown
Knoxville
Ewing Gallery of Art (UT Campus) - both
permanent and special exhibits
Frank H. McClung Museum (UT Campus) - permanent
exhibits on local geography, Cherokee Indians
and decorative arts, as well as a full traveling
exhibit schedule.
Armstrong Lockett House (contains a beautiful
collection of early silver work)
Fort on Ft. Loudon
The Knoxville Zoological Park is located on
about 120 acres off Magnolia avenue and has more than
1200 animals. It is one of the 71 zoos, out of 470
in the U.S. and Canada, accredited by the American
Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums. The
animals, wherever possible, live in open and natural
environments. The Knoxville Zoological Park's breeding
program produced the first African elephant to be
born in captivity in the western hemisphere. Other
firsts include the hatching of a hingeback tortoise
and the mating of two papuan pythons. Known for it's
collection of large cats, the zoo is an active participant
in 11 of the 37 species survival plans. The petting
zoo is a particular favorite of the children; there
one can find African pygmy goats, llamas, baby elephants,
sicilian donkeys, and other more common species.
In this area the old and the new blend in beautiful
union. The area is also rich in native heritage and
is enriched by the cultural diversity added by our
adopted citizens who have come from other parts of
the country, and the world, to call Knoxville "home".
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is within a
short drive of Knoxville. Pigeon Forge, Dollywood
and Gatlinburg are located adjacent to the park. In
this area artists are found working at their crafts
of weaving, furniture construction, pottery, painting,
basket weaving, quilt making, etc.
RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT...
Part of the good life, enjoyed by the people of the
Knoxville area, stems from the abundant recreational
and leisure opportunities afforded by the geographic
setting. Located in the heart of the Tennessee Valley,
we are in the midst of one of the most scenic areas
of the Eastern United States. Surrounded by TVA lakes
and the Great Smoky Mountains, one can easily spend
a day on the lake, or in the mountains, and be home
by evening.
THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS PARK...
This area offers an incredible array of events, activities
and attractions:
Hiking: Nearly 900 miles of well maintained trails
wait to be hiked through rugged, wooded mountains
graced with wildflowers in the spring and vivid foliage
in the fall.
Fishing: Mountain streams offering the best in trout
fishing include more than 300 miles of streams with
some 70 species of fish.
Camping: Permits may be obtained from park headquarters
or ranger stations for camping in the park's back
country. With 101 campsites, the Smokies are a treat
for the backpacker.
LeConte Lodge: Five trails lead to the 6,000 foot elevation
where the lodge is nestled above the clouds. Reservations
are made well in advance for the 40 accommodations
at the primitive lodge. Llamas are used to bring fresh
foodstuffs for delicious hot breakfasts and dinner
meals for the guests.
Gatlinburg: This prime resort caters to the approximately
9 million visitors annually. They come to view the
scenery, enjoy the family-oriented atmosphere, visit
exclusive shops and dine at popular restaurants.
Skiing: The mountains of Southern Appalachia are among
the favored skiing areas of the east. Ober Gatlinburg
has several trails, an ice-skating rink and year round
fun on the alpine slide. Nearby Beech and Sugar Mountain
Resort offers great facilities during the winter months.
Pigeon Forge: This resort area lays adjacent to the
park boundary and is sometimes referred to as the
playground of the Smokies. Thirty-six major amusement
attractions offer everything from "Dollywood", "The
Great Smoky Mountains Circus", "Lee Greenwood Theater".
RECREATION ON THE AREA LAKES...
Initially the T.V.A. System was designed for navigation,
flood control, generation of electricity and reforesting.
Now, a wide range of recreational activities is an
additional facet of resource management. Five of the
"Great Lakes of the South" are within 30 miles of
Knoxville. Fort Loudon Lake is a feature of Knoxville
with homes along both the north and south shorelines.
The more than 15 reservoirs within an easy drive offer
the best in sport fishing. Muskie and hybrid stripped
bass are the heavy-weights. Bass fishing is superb
in both the Spring and Fall. Crappie and perch dominate
the summer fun. Many of the lakes and streams are
known for fine trout fishing.
Area lakes provide over 3,000 miles of shoreline for
a wide variety of recreational activities; including
picnicking, sail and power boating, swimming and camping.
The great thrill of whitewater rafting is available
for the skilled or the amateur on the Nolichucky,
French Broad and Ocoee rivers. Within a few hours
of Knoxville, there are a number of rated whitewater
rivers.
LEISURE TIME RECREATION...
Golf: Over a dozen courses in the immediate Knoxville
area provide the week-end golfer with excellent golfing
facilities. Numerous other courses are within easy
driving distance of Knoxville, including several scenic
mountain courses along the Tennessee-North Carolina
border. State PGA members promote and supervise local
and area tournaments, including the City Men's, City
Women's, Knoxville Open, and the Chet Atkin Tournament.
Junior golf, featuring several rated juniors, is very
popular.
Tennis: Thousands play regularly at several private
clubs and city/county owned course. Several tournaments
are scheduled each year; including the Dogwood Tennis
Tournament, the City Tournament for all ages, and
the USTA Seniors. Several world-rated pros call Knoxville
their home.
Swimming: Many public and private pools, as well as
the University of Tennessee student aquatic center,
afford cool relief from the summer heat. Most pools
are open from mid-may through labor day. There are
several competitive swimming clubs in Knoxville, along
with the nationally ranked University of Tennessee
swim team.
SPORTS...
"It's football time in Tennessee" is the
cry as 107,000 fans gather at Neyland Stadium; or
local supporters cheer Knoxville Interscholastic high
school teams; or one of may city/county recreational
teams. Knoxville's enthusiasm for sports is year round.
The second largest crowd in the nation gathers to watch
the University of Tennessee play some of the finest
teams in America. It is a crisp fall day, Neyland
Stadium is a magnificent setting with "the Tennessee
Navy", a flotilla of private power boats docked adjacent
to the stadium... fans arrive in every conceivable
way, boats, train, van and rv's to enjoy picnics,
exciting football and an evening of entertainment.
Tennessee basketball is played in its 25,000 seat Thompson-Boling
arena. The arena has the largest seating capacity
of any facility in the country. The basketball program
for both men and women has provided many exciting
season schedules, as well as post-season trips to
major tournaments. The "Lady VOLS" have appeared in
the NCAA tournament the last eight years; finishing
as 1987, 1989 , 1991, 1996, 1997 and 1998 NCAA Women's
Basketball Champions.
The Tom Black Track on the university campus ranks
as one of the finest in the nation and hosts high
school, college and invitational track meets. The
track "VOLS" have dominated the conference for the
last twenty years and consistently compete for the
NCAA title.
Professional sports are also a part of the Knoxville
scene. The Knoxville Smokies, affiliated with the
Toronto Blue Jays, is Knoxville's baseball entry in
the Class AA Southern League.
East Tennesseans can watch some of the best automobile
racing in the country. NASCAR drivers appear twice
yearly at Bristol International Raceway. The International
Hotrod Association and the National Dirt Racing Association
also actively promote competition.
CITY / COUNTY RECREATION COMMISSION...
Some nineteen Knoxville interscholastic high school
teams compete in football, basketball, track, baseball
and softball.
Fourteen commissions operate within the city bureau's
recreational programs. More than 20,000 participants
are engaged in baseball, softball, football, basketball,
ice hockey and golf programs each year. Knox County's
recreation department has ten community athletic commissions
offering programs for more than 7,000 participants.
Both city and county recreation departments maintain
baseball, softball and football fields, tennis courts,
basketball courts, neighborhood playgrounds, community
parks and swimming pools.
Sports enthusiasts of all ages, active participants
and spectators, will find quality and quantity in
Knoxville's sports family.
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