Kingsport was developed after the Revolutionary War, at the confluence of the North and South Forks of the Holston River. In 1700’s it was known as “Salt Lick” for an ancient mineral lick.

In the heart of the Appalachian foothills, where the Holston and Clinch rivers weave their watery threads, lies Kingsport, Tennessee. A city with a melody in its name and a history etched in stone and steel. Let’s journey through its timeworn tales and vibrant offerings, a tapestry woven from industry, artistry, and the untamed spirit of the mountains.

Our narrative begins in the whispers of prehistory, when Native American tribes danced under the painted sky, leaving cryptic petroglyphs on Bays Mountain’s rugged shoulders. Fast forward to the 18th century, and we find settlers carving homesteads from the wilderness, their axes ringing against virgin timber.

The 20th century saw Kingsport’s pulse quicken. Iron and coal kissed fire in hulking furnaces, birthing an industrial giant. But beneath the smoke and clang, a different heartbeat thrummed. The Tennessee Eastman Company, a chemical colossus, brought not just jobs, but a vibrant community spirit. Music filled the air, from the soulful strains of the Clinch Mountain Boys to the Carter Family’s Appalachian ballads echoing from Hiltons, just across the border.

Today, Kingsport’s story unfolds like a well-worn map, sprinkled with landmarks that whisper of its past. Take a step back in time at the opulent Netherland Inn, where presidents once slumbered. Or delve into the industrial saga at the Bays Mountain Planetarium, where constellations dance above blast furnaces long dormant.

But Kingsport isn’t just a museum of bygone days. It’s a canvas splashed with the colors of the present. Hike hidden trails in Bays Mountain Park, where waterfalls tumble and ancient cedars whisper secrets. Paddle the Holston River, its mirrored surface reflecting the sky’s kaleidoscope. Feel the pulse of downtown, where art galleries pulse with creativity and craft breweries brim with laughter.

For the thrill-seeker, Kingsport revs its engines at the legendary Bristol Motor Speedway, where stock cars roar like metal beasts. And for the soul-searcher, moments of quietude await in the Sunsphere, a futuristic beacon overlooking the city, and the Kingsport Greenbelt, a verdant oasis weaving through the urban heart.

Whether you’re drawn to the echoes of history or the whispers of adventure, Kingsport welcomes you with open arms. Come, trace the footprints of pioneers on Bays Mountain, savor a melody born from Appalachian roots, and discover the vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of time. In Kingsport, Tennessee, past, present, and future find harmony, inviting you to write your own verse in its ever-evolving story.

So, pack your curiosity, lace up your hiking boots, and let Kingsport serenade you with its enchanting blend of history, nature, and heart. This city in the Tennessee Valley isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience waiting to be unraveled, one chapter at a time.

In the mid-18th century, Daniel Boone and his axe men left an area known as the Boatyard District and Long Island on the Holston River to mark a trail through the unexplored Cumberland Gap. This was America’s frontier, a bustling center of activity and a source of relaxation for three American presidents, Daniel Boone, David Crockett and other frontiersmen.

Due to its overall mild climate in summer and winter, There really is never a bad time to visit Rogersville; However, many people enjoy the beautiful spring burst of color across it’s landscape in April. Also, throughout the summer months from May – October, Rogersville hosts a number of events and festivals. These include Cruise-In’s on the Square and in October their biggest festival – Heritage Days.