Tennessee has a story that stretches back thousands of years. From ancient civilizations to statehood to the present day, our state has been at the center of some of the most important events in American history. Let us walk through the timeline together, with a special focus on what happened right here in East Tennessee.

Before European Contact (Before 1540)

For thousands of years, Native peoples lived on the land we now call Tennessee. The Cherokee Nation was the dominant group in East Tennessee, with towns, farms, and a sophisticated government. They were skilled farmers, hunters, and traders. The Overhill Cherokee towns along the Little Tennessee River (not far from where we live) were some of the most important settlements in the Cherokee Nation.

1540: First European Contact

Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto led an expedition through parts of what is now Tennessee. His arrival marked the beginning of dramatic changes for the Native peoples who lived here.

1756: Fort Loudoun Built

The British built Fort Loudoun near present-day Vonore, just south of Maryville. It was the westernmost British fort in North America at the time. The fort was meant to strengthen the alliance between the British and the Cherokee, but conflict eventually led to its fall in 1760.

1780: Battle of Kings Mountain

During the American Revolution, frontier settlers from East Tennessee (called the Overmountain Men) marched across the mountains to fight the British at Kings Mountain in South Carolina. Their victory was a turning point in the war. These were our people, tough mountain settlers who helped win American independence.

1785-1788: The Lost State of Franklin

Here is a fun piece of East Tennessee history: settlers in our area actually tried to create their own state called Franklin (after Benjamin Franklin). It did not last, but it shows how independent and determined the people of East Tennessee have always been.

1795: Maryville and Blount County Founded

Our town and county were established, named after Mary Grainger Blount and William Blount. Maryville became one of the first towns in what would soon become the new state of Tennessee.

1796: Tennessee Becomes a State!

On June 1, 1796, Tennessee became the 16th state admitted to the Union. Our first governor was John Sevier, a frontier hero from East Tennessee. Tennessee earned its nickname "The Volunteer State" because so many Tennesseans volunteered to fight in the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War.

1812: Sam Houston Teaches in Maryville

Young Sam Houston, age 18, opened a one-room schoolhouse in Blount County. He went on to become governor of Tennessee and president of the Republic of Texas. His schoolhouse still stands today!

1819: Maryville College Founded

Maryville College was established, making it one of the oldest colleges in the South and one of the first to educate both men and women.

1838: Trail of Tears

One of the saddest chapters in our history. The Cherokee people were forced to leave their homeland and march to Oklahoma. Thousands died on the journey. Some of the removal began right here in East Tennessee. It is important to remember this part of our story honestly.

1861-1865: The Civil War

East Tennessee was different from the rest of the South during the Civil War. Many people here supported the Union. Blount County and the surrounding area were deeply divided, with families and neighbors on opposing sides.

Early 1900s: Alcoa Arrives

The Aluminum Company of America built a plant and a town (Alcoa) right next to Maryville, bringing industrial growth and jobs to our area.

1934: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Established

The national park was officially established, preserving over 500,000 acres of mountain wilderness right next to our community. It became the most visited national park in America.

Timeline Activity

Grab a long piece of paper (tape several sheets together). Draw a line across it. Mark the dates above and write a short note about each event. Illustrate your favorites! Hang it on the wall and add new events as you learn about them.

Discussion Questions

• Which event on the timeline surprises you the most?
• How do you think life in Maryville in 1795 compared to life today?
• Why is it important to remember both the proud moments and the difficult ones in our history?