MORRISTOWN

The people of Morristown-Hamblen County are proud of their heritage. They have a little of each period of American history reflected here. And our progressive city, through visionary leadership, is making plans and dreaming dreams for Morristown for decades to come.

Davy Crockett, famous backwoodsmen and Alamo defender, lived in Morristown with his parents until 1806 when he moved West. Old timers say Davy often honed his skill with a rifle while hunting on a local hill, now call Crockett Ridge. A replica of his boyhood home, the Crockett Tavern Museum, has been constructed on the original site of the family's tavern and home. John Crockett, Davy's father, was among the first white settlers in the area. Others included Robert McFarland, Alexander Outlaw and Absalom Morris for whom Morristown is named.

Morristown was known as "the Crossroads of Dixie", serving as the crossing point of Buffalo Trail (State Hwy 25E) and the main road that joined Knoxville to Baltimore (State Hwy 11E). This strategic location aided Morristown's agricultural and industrial development. The railroad companies recognized this advantageous city and turned Morristown into a railroad hub. Morristown was officially incorporated in 1855.

The Civil War brought turmoil to Morristown as it did to most of the nation. The town was held by both armies at some point during the conflict because of the easy access by rail. Several battles were fought in this area including the Battle of Morristown and Gillem's Stampede.

Shortly after the war, in 1870, Hamblen County was formed from sections of Jefferson, Grainger and Hawkins Counties -- creating the third smallest county in Tennessee.

In the late 1800's and early 1900's, Morristown blossomed into a popular, well rounded community. The city became the retail center for surrounding counties, and the bustling downtown business district sold everything from groceries to fine clothing. Morristown College was stated in 1881 by Judson S. Hill for the education of black students in the area. In 1908, Morristown's first hospital opened, equipped with eight cots and one operating room.

Morristown sent it share of young men off to participate in the World War efforts in Europe, Two men, Edward Talley and Calvin Ward received the Congressional Medal of Honor for their heroism in WWI.

During the mid 1900's, Morristown continued to grow. In 1955, the airport was relocated to its present site. In 1965, Panther Creek State Park was established by the state of Tennessee on the shores of Cherokee Lake. Local shopping centers, downtown overhead sidewalks, a community college and two industrial parks were just a few of the massive projects that developed in Morristown in the '50s, '60s and '70s. Modern-day Morristown has many alluring qualities in addition to its rich history.

Portions of this history article provided by: Morristown Chamber of Commerce - www.morristownchamber.com

Stonewall Court 525 West Morris Boulevard
Morristown, TN 37813
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