Located on a river peninsula, the University of Tennessee’s campus is an unheralded but fascinating historical site. Established on Knoxville’s steepest hill during the early Jacksonian Era, the college became a battleground in 1863, but its existing buildings reflect evolving architectural styles and hosted lectures by Carl Sandburg and Eleanor Roosevelt, and concerts by Frank Sinatra and Nina Simone. These old brick buildings also reflect the decisive years of a few legendary alumni, from groundbreaking Hollywood director Clarence Brown to Pulitzer-winning novelist Cormac McCarthy. There’s a century-old gridiron with history you can read from outside, the exotic stories behind a diverse array of statues, and Circle Park, which is perhaps much older than you may assume.
In a 90-minute walk, historian Jack Neely will tell UT’s stories. The tour starts outside Hodges Library on the corner of Volunteer Boulevard and Melrose Avenue.
Tickets are $15.00 for adults and $10 for students.
Parking: The official Vol Hall Parking Garage on White Avenue is three blocks from Hodges Library.
This walking tour is presented in partnership between the Knoxville History Project and University of Tennessee Libraries.
