Events

Let’s Celebrate Tennessee’s 225th Birthday at the House Where Tennessee’s Story Began!

Tennessee gained admission to the Union as our nation’s sixteenth state on June 1, 1796. Blount Mansion, the Birthplace of Tennessee, is partnering with the City of Knoxville, our fellow members of the Historic House Museums of Knoxville and Visit Knoxville for a special celebration of the Volunteer State’s 225th birthday on Tuesday afternoon, June 1st.

The event will begin with a short procession from James White’s Fort (205 E. Hill Ave.) to Blount Mansion (200 W. Hill Ave.), a distance of approximately 1,000 feet. The march will be led by the Watauga Fife & Drum Corps, students from South Knoxville Elementary School, and other living history interpreters in 18th century attire. Afterwards, Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon, and Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs will give remarks on this historic occasion. Every participant will have an opportunity to use a quill pen to sign their name on parchment atop the 1796 Statehood Desk in Gov. Blount’s office. We will enjoy free Moon Pies and other Tennessee-themed refreshments. The event is free and open to the public.

We will follow current Knox County Health Department COVID 19 protocols during the event. More details will be announced as soon as they are available.

The circa-1792 Blount Mansion was home to William Blount, territorial governor and a signer of the United States Constitution in addition to the original state constitution of Tennessee. The mansion is a National Historic Landmark.