Morristown is now going through a resurgence, claiming the beauty and integrity of that past and mixing it with the strength of the future. Come stroll our wonderful downtown circa 1880, stroll our historic Olde Towne, walk the Stained Glass Tour, and take rubbings in our cemetery. For anyone interested in history, education, or architecture, Morristown is a treasure trove!

In the Morristown of a hundred years ago, the tree-lined streets of Main, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd North Streets, with their big grand or small bungalow homes, were an extension of the downtown and life did not end nor did downtown die each evening when the shops closed. People migrated from their front porches and strolled down the lanes, kids trotted down alleys giggling and screaming, andeveryone eventually found themselves back on Main Street. Today, The Historic Morristown Foundation is alive and well, working towards historic preservation and ordinances to preserve the beauty of Olde Towne, the grand homes and wonderful craftsman bungalows. Come visit us anytime and be transported to a place you've only seen in movies and in your dreams.

Morristown has reason to boast. It was a center of some of the most pivotal battles of the Civil War. It was visited by John Philips Sousa who played to a sold out crowd in the Sousong Building. It is where people came from everywhere to steal a peek at the Divine Miss Sarah Bernhart who stopped here after a theatrical performance in Knoxville. It is the home of The Crockett Tavern and Museum, a reproduction of the site built in the 1790s where Tennessee hero Davy Crockett spent his childhood. Hamblen County also has to-date, nine Historic Trust recognized properties including Rose Center, the Henry Street Post Office, the Keyhole House and the Hamblen County Courthouse.

Civil War History

Morristown and Hamblen County has a rich and well documented history in relation to the Civil War. The "From Bridge to Bridge" brochure and self guided driving tour brings that history to life with an information packed tour of our area's involvement in this great conflict. The tour encompasses a large area of the East Tennessee Valley. This area between the Strawberry Plains Bridge on the west and the Lick Creek Bridge to the east was the location of several pivotal battles during the War Between the States and numerous skirmishes in the period from the fall of 1863 until early 1865. Close to 50,000 troops from both armies were billeted here during the conflict. Highlights of the tour include, Arrow Hill - a private home used as a headquarters by both armies, Gen. James Longstreet's Russellville Headquarters, Rose Center and Bethesda Church & Cemetery, which served as a hospital and a smallpox quarantine during the war and now features an informational display concerning the area battles.

Click here for a "Bridge to Bridge" Brochure

Historic Central Morristown

Morristown's Downtown is MAIN STREET USA! The center of the wheel from which all things radiate. Now in Morristown the renaissance has started, shopkeepers, business owners, bankers, and lawyers are moving back into these beautiful circa 1880-1950 brick buildings, renovating and setting up shop. There is a great and growing pride in the community and everyone is finding themselves back on Main Street.

The Morristown Cemetery

The Morristown Cemetery is rich in history. The graves of nine soldiers, five mayors, two city recorders and fifteen alderman have been identified amongst the old maples and magnolias. Beautiful headstones and monuments have been uncovered. Many fragments and pieces have been resurrected. Still from what has been left, reconstructed and mended the history is evident. Currently the cemetery is being considered for inclusion into the National register of Historic Places.

Mountain Makins Named to STS Top 20!

The Mountain Makins Festival, scheduled for October 24-26, 2008, was recently named as one of the Southeast Tourism Society's Top 20 Events. Mountain Makins is held every year at Rose Center and is the the largest annual event held in Morristown. The festival is a celebration of the music, arts & crafts and heritage of the lakeway area. At Mountain Makins you will find over 60 juried crafters, country cooking, special children's activities, and two stages featuring bluegrass, gospel, and old time music all in the within the breathtaking beauty of an East Tennessee Autumn.

Step back in time with demonstrations of the traditions of Appalachia: spinning, woodworking, quilting, blacksmithing, apple butter making, dulcimer making and Civil War living history encampment.

The Festival begins with a "Preview Reception" on Friday evening in the Rose Center building. Enjoy great food, special entertainment, and a first look at the crafts. Special admission fee and reservations are required for the preview evening. Fee includes weekend pass for the festival.

For more information contact Rose Center (423) 581-4330.