Cherokee Indians lived in the Soddy-Daisy area long before European settlers came to the beautiful valley in the late 18th century. When these pioneers found the area abundant with rich soil, clay, and coal, they established some of the first coal mines in Hamilton County. Soddy-Daisy is a city of approximately 12,000; it was once two separate towns that incorporated in 1969. Readers will enjoy viewing vintage photographs and learning about early families, prominent homes, community events,
businesses, and landmarks. Most of the more than 200 images in this volume have never before been...

The Johnson City area was originally settled in 1777 by pioneers from North Carolina with land grants. Dissatisfied with their representation in North Carolina, local citizens held a convention and formed the state of Franklin in 1784. This state was never recognized by Congress. It fizzled out in 1788, and Tennessee was formed in 1796. More settlers came to the new state, but the area was destined to grow into a city when a combination of railroad connections in the area sparked growth during the late 19th century. In 1903, the creation of the National Soldiers Home brought disabled...

Originally established in 1779 as the seat of Washington County, North Carolina, Jonesborough is the oldest incorporated town in Tennessee. Early pioneers were given land grants to settle west of the mountains, but by 1784, they no longer trusted their political leaders in North Carolina. They created their own local government and established the state of Franklin, naming Jonesborough the original capital of the "lost" 14th state. Never recognized by Congress, Franklin eventually fizzled out and Tennessee was formed. Although Tennessee was a slave-holding state prior to the Civil War,...

The Knoxville Zoo began as the Birthday Park Zoo in 1948. Due to a lack of expertise and funding, the Humane Society started proceedings to close the zoo in 1971 after the animals' welfare came under scrutiny. The zoo was saved by Guy Smith, a local television executive, who took on the job as the zoo's first director at a salary of $1 per year. Smith managed to convince the City of Knoxville and the local community to invest in this wonderful sanctuary. As the zoo's conditions improved and awareness was raised, a focus was placed on breeding threatened or endangered animals. These efforts...