Taking a Civil War sites tour of Knoxville can be an interesting way for a family to spend time together. It is ideal for both travelers and for staycationers.
Knoxville was known to be an area of divided loyalty. At one point or another each side was happy. Ultimately, as they did in the rest of the war, the Union troops gained control and kept it.
Some of the Civil War sites tour of Knoxville are only historical markers representing an area of significance. Other locations include restored antebellum mansions and museums. Each has its own place in the history of the East Tennessee region.
Today, you can tour these sites. A list and tips for getting to them are below. You can look some of the markers up in the Historical Marker Database by using the IE number when listed.
Note: Many of the sites listed below are on busy narrow streets. Visitors are advised to use caution when touring the markers. Always follow local laws and use good judgment when visiting. If traffic is heavy it may not be possible to visit every marker that is listed.
Civil War sites tour of Knoxville
The Battle of Fort Sanders
Fort Sanders neighborhood takes its name from the fort that once stood there. Today, all that is left are the historical markers. Several of these are in the University of Tennessee area.
Look in front of Redeemer Church of Knoxville, 1642 Highland Ave, Knoxville TN 37916 for a historical marker about the Battle of Fort Sanders. This is relatively close to the Laurel Ave. site but not quite within walking distance.
The Assault upon Fort Sanders IE-68 marker is at the corner of Laurel Ave. and 17th St. about 3 blocks from Cumberland Ave. Visitors may be able to park on one of the street parking spaces and walk to the marker.
Historical marker Fort Sanders IE-69 is at the corner of Volunteer Blvd. and Cumberland Ave. in front of Strong Hall. Parking in this area is pretty tight. Visitors may want to park near Firehouse Subs or Wendy’s on Cumberland Ave. and walk to the marker.
Civil War sites tour of Knoxville
Frank H. McClung Museum
1327 Circle Park Drive
Knoxville TN 37916
Phone: 865-974-2144
The second floor of this museum is dedicated to the Battle of Fort Sanders. Admission is free. Visitors can park in the Circle Park lot. Stop at the guard shack on the way and ask for a free museum parking pass.
Civil War sites tour of Knoxville
Crescent Bend Armstrong Lockett House
2728 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, Tennessee 37919
Phone: 865.637.3163
Occupied by Brigadier General Joseph Kershaw, the house is now a museum. Drive west on Cumberland Ave. The Armstrong-Lockett House about ¼ mile on the left after Cumberland Ave. becomes Kingston Pike. Onsite parking is free. There is an admission charge for the museum.
Civil War sites tour of Knoxville
Second Presbyterian Church
2829 Kingston Pike.
Knoxville, TN
Phone: 865.523.2189
Union General William P. Sanders was shot on the slope in front of this church. He died the following day. A historical marker (1E67) is placed in front of the church on Kingston Pike. Visitors may want to park in the church lot and walk to the marker. It is across the street just down from the Armstrong-Lockett House.
Civil War sites tour of Knoxville
Confederate Memorial Hall (Bleak House)
3148 Kingston Pike
Knoxville TN 37919
Phone: 865-522-2371
The building that houses the museum was occupied by General Longstreet. Travel a half mile farther west on Kingston Pike to the historic Bleak House Confederate Memorial Hall. This was occupied by General Longstreet during the siege of Knoxville. It is now a museum with free onsite parking.
Civil War sites tour of Knoxville
East Tennessee Historical Society Museum
601 S Gay St
Knoxville TN 37901
Phone: 865-215-8824
This downtown Knoxville museum has information on (but is not limited to) the Civil War. There is no parking on site. Visitors can park for free in the Locust Street or State Street parking garages and walk to the museum. There is free museum admission on Sunday and an admission fee during the week. Click the link above for information.
Civil War sites tour of Knoxville
Mabry-Hazen House and Bethel Cemetery
1711 Dandridge Ave
Knoxville TN 37915
Phone: 865-522-8661
At different times this house served as the headquarters for both Union and Confederate troops. Free parking is onsite. Tours of the museum are available. Click the link above for information.
Civil War sites tour of Knoxville
Farragut Folklife Museum/Battle of Campbell’s Station
Farragut Town Hall
11408 Municipal Center Drive
Farragut TN 37934
Phone: 865-966-7057
This museum contains information on the Battle of Campbell Station plus other historical exhibits on the history of the area. Admission and parking are fee. Please consult the link above for direction and hours of operation.
The list above contains information on sites and places in the Knoxville area. If you have information on another location for the Civil War Sites Tour of Knoxville please leave it in the comment section below.
Other Knoxville sites that played a role in the Civil War include Blount Mansion and Knoxville National Cemetery adjacent to Old Gray Cemetery.
Sources:
Personal Experience
McClung Museum
Mapicurious.com
Historical Marker Database
Civil War Traveler
Second Presbyterian Church
Confederate Memorial Hall
Farragut Folklife Museum
