Knoxville is the third largest city in the U.S. state of Tennessee, with an estimated population of 187,603 as of 2020 according to the Wikipedia page. It is the largest city in East Tennessee and the county seat of Knox County.
History
Knoxville was founded in 1786 and named after War of Independence hero Henry Knox. It was the first capital of Tennessee and has played an important role in the development of the region over the past 200 years.
Geography
Knoxville is situated along the Tennessee River near the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. It has a total area of 104.2 square miles. The city features rolling hills and ridges surrounded by mountains and valleys.
Population
As mentioned above, Knoxville’s population is estimated to be around 187,603 as of 2020. The greater Knoxville metropolitan area, which includes surrounding counties, has an estimated population of over 877,000. This makes it the third largest metropolitan area in Tennessee after Nashville and Memphis.
Knoxville’s population has grown steadily over the past several decades. Following a decline in the 1970s, the city has seen consistent population growth since the 1980s. Major factors contributing to this growth include the expansion of the University of Tennessee, growth of tourism and recreational opportunities nearby including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the diversification of Knoxville’s economy.
Economy
Some of the major industries and employers in Knoxville include:
- University of Tennessee
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
- Covenant Health
- Pilot Flying J
- Jewelry Television
- Scripps Networks
- Clayton Homes
The University of Tennessee employs over 10,000 people and is one of the largest employers in the region. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, located about 15 miles outside Knoxville, conducts cutting-edge research and also employs thousands of workers. The Tennessee Valley Authority, headquartered in Knoxville, provides electricity and economic development to the Tennessee Valley region. Knoxville is also home to the corporate headquarters for several major companies such as Pilot Flying J, Jewelry Television, and Clayton Homes.
Other major industries in Knoxville include healthcare, manufacturing, technology, retail, tourism and education. The city continues to diversify its economy, attracting new businesses and fostering startups in fields like advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and biotechnology. With its skilled workforce, low cost of living, and quality of life, Knoxville offers an attractive environment for companies looking to grow and expand.
More information about Knoxville’s economy and major employers can be found on the City of Knoxville’s website.
Landmarks and Tourism
As the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the nation’s most visited national park, Knoxville benefits greatly from tourism. Some famous landmarks in the city include:
- Sunsphere – Built for the 1982 World’s Fair, this golden orb towers over the Knoxville skyline and has become an iconic symbol of the city.
- Neyland Stadium – Home to the University of Tennessee football team, this 102,000+ seat stadium is a Knoxville landmark and one of the largest stadiums in the U.S.
- Tennessee Theatre – A grand historic theater located in downtown Knoxville, built in 1928.
- Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame – Located downtown, honoring the history of women’s basketball.
- Museum of Appalachia – Celebrating the history and culture of the Appalachian mountain region.
Knoxville also offers many restaurants, shops, museums, arts venues and nightlife options. Major annual events include the Dogwood Arts Festival and Rossini Festival. For more information on things to see and do, visit the Visit Knoxville tourism website.
Government
Knoxville has a mayor-council form of government. The current mayor is Indya Kincannon, elected in 2019. The city council consists of six members representing geographical districts in the city. City services and departments are overseen by the mayor and administered by the city recorder.
More information about Knoxville’s local government can be found on the City of Knoxville’s website.
Sports
As home to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a major center for college sports. The Tennessee Volunteers compete in NCAA Division I athletics, including popular football and basketball teams. Neyland Stadium and Thompson-Boling Arena host games on campus. The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame also recognizes Knoxville’s history with women’s hoops.
On the professional level, Knoxville has minor league baseball and ice hockey teams. The Knoxville Ice Bears compete in the Southern Professional Hockey League. And the Tennessee Smokies are a Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs playing in the Southern League.
For more on University of Tennessee athletics, visit the official Tennessee Vols website. And for info on the Smokies and Ice Bears teams, see their sites at MiLB.com and KnoxvilleIceBears.com.
You can also follow Knoxville news and events on the city’s official Facebook page.