Jonesborough
1779Founded in 1779, Jonesborough is the oldest town in Tennessee and served as the capital of the lost State of Franklin, a failed attempt to create the fourteenth state.
Everything Johnson City is known for
Johnson City, Tennessee, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, has a notable musical heritage, particularly in old-time and bluegrass music. The city was a haven for early recording artists and hosted the Johnson City Sessions in 1928 and 1929, bringing musicians from various genres to record. Folk artist Amythyst Kiah calls Johnson City home, and the city is mentioned in songs like "Liquor To Like Her" by Hank Williams Jr. and "Here for a Good Time" by George Strait.
Founded in 1779, Jonesborough is the oldest town in Tennessee and served as the capital of the lost State of Franklin, a failed attempt to create the fourteenth state.
12 stories, landmarks & places within ~20 miles — the same local lore RoadyGoat plays as you drive through.
Ever wonder where a legal legend goes to kick back? This is Aquone, the retirement home of Samuel Cole Williams, a major figure in Tennessee's legal and historical circles. Built in 1925, Aquone was designed by Johnson…
This city's story is one of transformation, marked by pivotal moments. It began with early settlers like William Bean, who built his cabin nearby in 1769. The region saw conflict in the 1780s during the State of…
This unassuming house witnessed a clash that shaped Tennessee's future. Colonel John Tipton built this home in 1784 and soon found himself at the center of a political storm. He fiercely opposed the State of Franklin, a…
Known by multiple names, this historic house offers a glimpse into the lives of early Tennessee settlers. Sabine Hill, also called Happy Valley, Watauga Point, and the General Nathaniel Taylor House, is a two-story…
This unassuming rocky riverbed holds a secret: it was once the gateway to a new frontier. In 1770, explorer James Robertson recognized the potential of the flatlands here at Sycamore Shoals, called the Watauga Old…
Founded in 1779, Jonesborough is the oldest town in Tennessee and served as the capital of the lost State of Franklin, a failed attempt to create the fourteenth state.
Pull over here! This is Jonesborough, Tennessee's oldest town, and it's like stepping back in time. Many of the buildings you see are over a century old.Back in 1969, the Tennessee Historical Commission took a close…
Imagine weary travelers in the late 1700s, dust-covered and eager for rest – this spot, the Chester Inn, was their oasis. Opened in 1797 by Dr. William P. Chester, it quickly became known as the finest hotel on the…
Drive through a piece of history on this 134-foot covered bridge, built in 1882 and still standing strong. Back in 1882, folks in Elizabethton needed a reliable way to cross the Doe River, connecting what's now 3rd…
This massive dam not only generates power but also tames the South Fork Holston River, preventing devastating floods. Built in the early 1950s by the Tennessee Valley Authority, Boone Dam was part of a larger effort to…
This dam isn't just holding back water; it's harnessing the river's power to light up homes and fuel industry! Fort Patrick Henry Dam, completed in the early 1950s, was built by the Tennessee Valley Authority, or TVA.…
For centuries, Long Island was a sacred meeting place for the Cherokee and a strategic point for early settlers. This island in the Holston River was known to the Cherokee as Amoyeli Gunahita. Long Island served as a…