James White Fort: Knoxville's Beginning KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- In 1786, General James White brought his wife and children across the mountains from North Carolina to claim land given to him for his service in the American Revolution. White built his cabin where the Holston and French Broad Rivers join to form the Tennessee River. He later erected three other cabins to house visitors and built a stockade as a defense against possible Indian attacks and protection of his livestock. James White was a kindly and hospitable man, so he housed many settlers as they began to pour over the mountains. Through land grants from the State of North Carolina, James White owned all land on which the city of Knoxville would later be built. In 1790, William Blount of North Carolina was appointed governor of the Territory Southwest of the River Ohio and selected White's fort as the site of the capitol. On Oct. 1, 1791, the new town was christened Knoxville, in honor of Major General Henry Knox, who, as Secretary of War, was William Blount's superior in the realm of Indian affairs. In 1796, the Southwest Territory became the state of Tennessee, the 16th state in the Union. Knoxville became the first Capitol of Tennessee and remained so until 1812. Since that time, community interest has kept James White's log house from deterioration. The home of James White has been restored to its original form and furnished with furniture, tools and artifacts of the period. In addition to the main house, other buildings include a guest house, blacksmith shop, loom house, smoke house and museum. Robert McGinnis, the on-site director at James White Fort, happens to be an eighth generation descendent of James White. Daily tours provide a glimpse into the living conditions and life struggles of the period. Special holiday events at James White Fort include the "Beary Merry Christmas," a celebration for children and their teddy bears, and the "Candlelight Tour," a formal decorated tour through the fort with music and refreshments. In April, during the Dogwood Arts Festival, "Spring Fling at the Fort" includes arts and crafts and demonstrations in bed changing, laundry and straw ticking. In August, relive a day in the life of the Cherokee Indians during "Cherokee Heritage Days." The Cherokee will demonstrate tomahawk throwing, blow gun weaponry and the chores associated with everyday life. Experience friendship dancing, storytelling, crafts, face painting and open hearth cooking. James White Fort is located at 205 E. Hill Avenue in downtown Knoxville. The fort is open Dec. 16-Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Mon. through Fri.; March 1 - Dec. 15 from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Mon. through Sat. Last tour at 3:30 p.m. It is closed Sundays and all major holidays. Return to Knoxville Home Chattanooga Hotels | Clarksville Hotels | Jackson Hotels | Johnson City Hotels Knoxville Hotels | Memphis Hotels | Murfreesboro Hotels | Nashville Hotels Stay in the Smoky Mountains: Gatlinburg | Pigeon Forge | Sevierville | Townsend © 2001-2008 Devault Interactive. All rights reserved.