East Tennessee History Center, Knoxville (must see)

The East Tennessee History Center (ETHC) is housed in a landmark building that has been a federal facility for over 100 years. Constructed in 1874, this was the first federal building in the city and was designed by prominent architect, James Knox Taylor, featuring a mix of Italianate, Renaissance Revival, and Second Empire styles.

Among other things, in the late 19th century, this building made history as a popular hangout of “Fiddlin’ Bob” Robert L. Taylor, a pension agent who used to entertain visitors with his tall tales, jokes, and, most importantly, his masterly fiddle playing. A talented performer, he regularly took part in fiddling competitions in Market Square and did so well, in fact, that his fiddling skills saw him become one of Tennessee’s most prominent politicians. Using fiddle as a political tool (performing at political rallies), Taylor eventually succeeded at becoming a state governor, from 1887 to 1891 and again from 1897 to 1899, and then a U.S. Senator. So much for fiddling, huh...

Originally, the building served as a customs house and post office, until 1934, following which it was repurposed as a courthouse. After being vacated in the 1980s, it was renovated and converted for use as a museum and research center, while retaining many of its original features and historical character.

An expansion completed in 2004 beautifully complements the original structure and provides access to all of ETHC’s resources. Today, the building accommodates the Historical Society, Historical Museum, the Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection, and the Knoxville County Archives. You will also find the genealogy department of the Knoxville County Public Library here.