October 11, 2023
MUSEUM OF EAST TENNESSEE HISTORY
601 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
“Regional history is preserved in permanent & visiting exhibits of artifacts, art & Civil War items.” - Google
After just a couple days exploring Tennessee, I learned the state can be divided into three sections, East-, Mid-, and West-Tennessee. I also discovered the people of East-Tennessee are a very proud group. This smallish museum did a great job of telling the story of the people who have inhabited this part of the state. There was a lot of information packed into the exhibits. The Civil War era and the musical roots of the people in the area were probably the most interesting parts for me. The only negative thing I can say about the museum was I thought there was too much reading at times, but that’s a personal preference of mine.
I loved the soda fountain recreation
An introduction to the people of East Tennessee before and during the Revolutionary War.
Why the people of Tennessee are called "The Volunteers"
Shirt of Alfred Green, who was shot as he tried to avoid the Confederate draft. Much of Tennessee went with the Confederacy, however, many people in East Tennessee either sympathized with the Union, or tried to avoid the war altogether.
Civil War history.
Congressional desk used by Horace Maynard, an unwavering Unionist, who served from 1857-1863.
Some stereotypes of East Tennessee people.
The Scopes Monkey Trial originated in East Tennessee. Many of the locals listened to the trial over the radio.
Tennessee is very proud that they were the state to push the 19th Amendment over the top, which gave women the right to vote.
A Steam whistle and a time clock.
I think every museum I went to in Tennessee had a still in it.
Tribute to some of the music stars that came out of East Tennessee.
A display about Oak Ridge and it's connection to the Atomic Bomb.