Knoxville Chronicles
Knoxville Chronicles is a podcast series produced by the Knoxville History Project highlighting some of the most interesting of the city’s old stories that still have relevance today.The Knoxville History Project is an educational nonprofit with a mission to research, preserve and promote the history and culture of Knoxville, Tennessee.Learn more at KnoxvilleHistoryProject.org
Knoxville Chronicles
The Glorious Fourth of July
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Since its earliest days, Knoxville has considered the Fourth of July to be a cause for much celebration. The first event occurred in 1793, just two years after the city was founded, at the Knoxville Blockhouse (where the Knox County Courthouse stands today) when a parade of soldiers kicked off proceedings with a “federal salute” before a banquet ensued with prominent guests toasting a lengthy list of honorees. The day was topped with evening’s fireworks display.
In this episode, we’ll include a quick look at other notable Fourth of July downtown events across the decades, before and after the Civil War, and also out at popular gathering places like Chilhowee Park.
Written by Jack Neely and Paul James and read by Alex Haralson.
Special thanks to producer Pete Carty.
Knoxville Chronicles is brought to you by the nonprofit Knoxville History Project.
Funding for this episode has been kindly provided by the City of Knoxville and Friends of the Knoxville History Project, plus Gary Balltrip and Christopher Manning, who made donations on National Giving Day 2025 to support Season IV all year long. Thanks to all.
Please consider making a donation to the Knoxville History Project to help support this ongoing podcast. Learn more at KnoxvilleHistoryProject.org