Discover Sullivan County 2020

•

DISCOVER

•

SULLIVAN VOLUME 1 — 2020

County T EN N ESSEE

Suzanne Barrett Justis

World renowned artist takes art to an extraordinary level

Little Shop of Feathers The Netherland Inn Exchange Place

Historical Site and Living History Farm

Tim Stafford A Life in Music

The Birthplace of Country Music Museum The Battle of Blountville The Old Kingsport Presbyterian Church Marks 200 years

2 Discover Sullivan County • 2020

2 21 SERIES PHIPPS BEND RIVER RUN Saturday, March 13, 8:00am 10 Mile Trail Race Phipps Bend TCAT - Surgoinsville

SFTC Long Distance Series SFTC Trail Series Competition SFTC King & Queen Competition RRCA TN State Cross Country Championship

LAUREL RUN ASCENT Saturday, April 10, 8:00am 11 Mile Trail Race Laurel Run Park – Church Hill SFTC Long Distance Series SFTC Trail Series Competition SFTC King & Queen Competition

AMIS MILL 10K Saturday, June 5, 8:00am Amis Mill Eatery – Rogersville SFTC King & Queen Competition

BAYS MOUNTAIN TRAIL RACE Saturday, September 18, 8:00am 15 Mile Trail Race Bays Mountain Park – Kingsport SFTC Long Distance Series SFTC Trail Series Competition SFTC King & Queen Competition

SURGOINSVILLE 10 MILER Saturday, October 16, 8:00am Surgoinsville Middle School

SFTC Long Distance Series SFTC King & Queen Competition RRCA TN State10 Mile Championship SKELTON LAW RACING

WOLF RUN Tuesday, July 13, 6:30pm 7 Mile Trail Race Bays Mountain Park – Kingsport Kingsport Fun Fest Event SFTC Trail Series Competition SFTC King & Queen Competition

For information, contact… RRCA Certied Race Director Mark Skelton 423.272.4812 (ofce) | markskelton@markskelton.com | www.RunTriCities.org

Law Office of Mark A. Skelton Serving East Tennessee Since 1983

Consumer Bankruptcy • Social Security Disability Adoption, Divorce & Family Law • Estate Planning & Probate

Discover Sullivan County • 2020 •

DISCOVER

•

SULLIVAN

County

Inside

Barrett Justis 5 Suzanne World renowned artist takes art to an extraordinary level

12 Little Shop of Feathers 20 The Netherland Inn Exchange Place 26

Historical Site and Living History Farm

30

A Life in Music

Tim Stafford

36

The Birthplace of Country Music Museum

423-229-9422 Signature Lifestyles of Rogersville features personalized, assisted living for those who desire social connections, clinical support, or need help with routine activities of daily living.

of Rogersville Assisted Living Christina Curtsinger, Executive Director 1341 E. Main Street • Rogersville, TN 37857

423-293-3700

www.siglifestyles.com Find Us on Facebook

40 The Battle of Blountville 43 The Old Kingsport

Presbyterian Church

Indoor Pistol Range

Marks 200 years

• We BUY, SELL and TRADE Guns

ON THE COVER: Suzanne Barrett Justis

Discover Sullivan County is published by Hawkins County Publishers, Inc. P.O. Box 100 | 316 East Main Street Rogersville, TN 37857 www.therogersvillereview.com 423-528-0659

2804 N John B Dennis Kingsport, TN 37660

423-288-9851

Open 7-Days a Week: Mon.-Fri. 10-6 | Sat. 10-5 • Sun. 1-4

• Ammo • Internet Transfers • Reloading Equipment • Big Game Check In • Hunting & Fishing License • Carry Permit Classes

GUN SALES TO TN & VA RESIDENTS

www.GunRackTN.com

Advertising rates and information available upon request.

MANAGEMENT Richard Clark • Editor & Publisher

Story suggestions, inquiries should be made to richard.clark@therogersvillereview.com

EDITORIAL

Discover Sullivan County 2020 is a single-copy supplement to The Rogersville Review. Additional copies may be picked up at the Review office and are available at no cost. We will gladly mail at a cost of $4 per copy to cover the cost of postage and handling.

ADVERTISING

Copyright: 2020, Discover Sullivan County 2020, Hawkins County Publishers, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the newspaper’s management.

Reproduction of advertising and design work is strictly prohibited due to the use of licensed art services and agency agreements.

Randy Ball • Contributing Writer Rita Dykes • Contributing Writer Abby Swearingen • Marketing Consultant Ashley Pendleton • Marketing Consultant Freda Turbyfill • Creative Services / Production

© 2020Hawkins County Publishers, Inc.

3

4 Discover Sullivan County • 2020 Suzanne painting a posthumous portrait of Officer Stephen Edwards.

Discover Sullivan County • 2020

5

“

... I soon discovered that being an artist wasn’t just what I would do...it’s who I am!”

­– Suzanne Justis

Suzanne Barrett Justis S

World renowned artist takes art to an extraordinary level

uzanne Barrett Justis is a self-taught artist who has turned her love for animals and art into a life-long passion. She began her journey into the world of art as a mere child. Her mother was a professional artist who helped her develop a love for art at a very young age. Despite this, Suzanne never saw herself drawing or painting for a living. Her love for animals led her to college where she majored in animal science. “I saw myself as being a veterinarian or working with animals in some aspect; I never thought I would be an artist.” Suzanne continued, “But I soon discovered that being an artist wasn’t just what I would do...it’s who I am!”

Suzanne did commission paintings all through high school,

college, and even during her first professional job in cancer research at Vanderbilt. Doctors and other coworkers would commission her to do their pets’ portraits. She loved painting animals so much that on some days she would skip work to paint. Following her work at Vanderbilt, Suzanne became a stay-at-home mom to raise her first child, Hannah. Although she was a full-time mother, she began to use her art as a way to make a living while caring for both her daughter and her son, Matt. After the children were a little older, she began doing murals all over East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Some of her mural artwork is featured at area hospitals, continued on page 7

6 Discover Sullivan County • 2020

“Cock-la-ree Holds Audience” This piece is currently on tour. It will be in exhibit in several museums across the world including the James Art Museum of Wildlife and Western Art in St. Petersburg, FL

Discover Sullivan County • 2020

“Fire and Ice” From page 5

the Kingsport Civic Auditorium, the YMCA, and other public spaces.

After Matt began school, Suzanne opened her very own studio and gallery in beautiful downtown Kingsport. As a business owner, she was able to work around her children’s schedules and do what she loved doing as an artist. As a result of having a mother and grandmother who were artists, Hannah and Matt both have grown into artists themselves.

Hannah received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and now she does commission drawings and paintings as well as manages the frame department at Michael’s Crafts. Matt is currently in college and is doing an internship at Bailey Computing Technologies as a computer networking engineer. He is also an artist in the music world as an extremely talented percussionist. Now that Suzanne’s children are both grown, she works most days creating masterpieces, teaching art, and giving back to her community.

Suzanne became a signature member of Artists for Conservation (AFC) in 2018 and has 6 paintings included in a mural that is currently on tour all over the world. The mural, entitled “Silent Skies,” is an international collaborative project that features 678 endangered species of birds from all across the world. It is made up of all-original artwork on 8x8 canvases and was completed by 160 AFC artists from 15 countries. Most canvases are available for sale, and each artist donates a portion of their sales to a conservation organization of their choice.

Suzanne was honored to participate in the project and attend the unveiling of the 100-foot masterpiece in Vancouver, BC at the 27th International Ornithological Congress. The mural will be on tour until 2022.

Suzanne wanted to give Kingsport the chance to experience the mural and raise awareness for the red-listed endangered bird population. To make this vision come true, she enlisted the help of Bonnie MacDonald, previous Kingsport Cultural Arts Director. They had the mural printed on vinyl and made Kingsport the very first city to display the international “Silent continued on page 9

7

8 Discover Sullivan County • 2020

Discover Sullivan County • 2020

9

A posthumous portrait of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

“Harry”. A friend that is now deceased — the painting now hangs in Harry’s son’s home in Atlanta.

From page 7

with God, He will put you where you need to be.” Laughing she continued, “And you better believe that I will be in St. Petersburg for its unveiling!”

Suzanne also had a local unveiling of three heartfelt and touching posthumous portraits of officers from the Bristol Virginia Police Department. She was honored to be asked to do those paintings. She said, “You just can’t help but to feel and see the loss of these three great men as you are capturing their likenesses.”

She has also painted commission pieces for other notable people, such as the horse portrait she completed for Shay and Bob Griese. If you don’t know about Bob Griese, you must not be a Miami Dolphin football fan. Griese led the Dolphins to three consecutive Super Bowls with two victories as the team’s quarterback. This was a double treat for Suzanne because she loves horses and loves to paint them.

Suzanne gives back to her community in many ways to show her appreciation for the arts and for the community that she cherishes. She is currently a member of Oil Painters of America, Artists for Conservation, and the Portrait Society of America.

She has served on several committees, donated many pieces of art to charity events and local animal shelters for fundraising, participated in live demonstrations, and judged art events, such as the Pride events. She also has works of art in zoos’ permanent collections worldwide. The Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, the Dallas Zoo, the Zoo at Grassmere in Nashville, and the Chapultepec Zoo

Skies” mural as a vinyl outdoor work of art. It was displayed on the side of the State Street Theater on Market Street from February 2019 through September 2019. Bird watchers, enthusiasts, and art lovers came from all around to view the gorgeous mural.

Following the mural’s display in Kingsport, Suzanne and others began to team up to dispose of it properly and keep it out of the landfill by recycling it into tote bags. The pilot project is still in the works and bags will be for sale at a later date. Proceeds from the sales will go to sewing groups and endangered bird charities.

Suzanne also has another piece of artwork currently on tour with Artists for Conservation entitled “Cock-la-ree Holds Audience.” Just like the mural, this piece of art will tour from Vancouver to Arizona to China and end up in the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg, Florida. Coincidentally, this museum is owned by a friend of Suzanne’s late father. More than three years ago, her father told her, “Oh Suzie, you need to be in that museum!” She said, “He always believed in me and my art even when I didn’t believe in myself. It just goes to show that, Opposite page: “The Silent Sky” mural was displayed across from Suzanne’s downtown art gallery/studio at 110 E. Market St in Kingsport. The mural was very popular with bird watchers. Suzanne would actually see people looking at the mural with binoculars so they could identify each bird.

continued on page 11

10 Discover Sullivan County • 2020

Mark Albert Skelton Amy Kathleen Skelton Attorneys At Law

Serving East Tennessee Since 1983

Complete line of Ekornes Stressless Sales throughout the year ... plus recliners, sofas, love seats and accessories to fit your lifestyle.

We have great gifts for all occasions!

Consumer Bankruptcy Social Security Disability Adoption, Divorce & Family Law Estate Planning & Probate The Law Office of Mark A. Skelton is a debt relief agency.

We have helped people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code since 1983.

423.272.4812

121 South Depot Street • Rogersville, TN 37857

www.MarkSkeltonLawOffice.com

One-O-One West Main Street • Jonesborough, TN 37659 1-800-611-MAUK (6285) Visit our website! www.mauks.com

DID YOU KNOW? For every dollar in sales tax collected, 50 cents is shared between city and county schools.

In 2018-2019, approximately $36.3 million sales tax dollars were collected in Kingsport ... with $18.1 million going to city and county schools.

When you shop elsewhere, your tax dollars are supporting other cities and counties.

Support YOUR schools ...

SHOP KINGSPSORT FIRST

BE LOYAL - BUY LOCAL!

Discover Sullivan County • 2020 From page 9

in Mexico City are just a few that display her work. However, possibly one of her most well-known undertakings in Kingsport was serving as the lead painter of the Kingsport carousel project for six years. In this role, she was in charge of painting all the animals, teaching volunteers, and making sure the color palate was cohesive throughout the carousel. It was quite an undertaking and many are still enjoying the project today.

On a daily basis, Suzanne paints in her studio, teaches classes, and displays and sells her artwork in her gallery. She also travels to hold painting workshops in various locations. Well-known for her wildlife paintings, most workshops are centered around teaching wildlife painting techniques. The three-day-long workshops last anywhere from 8 to 10 hours each day. Attendees leave the workshop with a vast amount of knowledge and some great paintings.

Although 2020 has been a challenge, she has not let that hold her back. With the help of her tech-savvy son, Matt, she now has tutorial videos on YouTube and Patreon. The videos on YouTube are approximately 20-minute time-lapse videos, and on Patreon, they are in real-time. Through these online avenues, most anyone can join and learn at a minimal fee. Suzanne said, “I am also able to teach online with my students and hold workshops through Zoom.

I have several students across the USA that join me for a weekly class. If nothing else, Covid forced us to do things smarter. Kinda like a dinosaur, you must evolve. I did miss seeing people come into my studio, but thankfully, I was able to open my gallery and studio back up. I do require that strict masking and social distancing guidelines are followed in my studio. Although I continue my online videos and zoom workshops and classes, I do have around 15 students attending class in the studio again.”

In her classes, students not only learn the skills to draw or paint, but they also learn the history of artists, their techniques, and styles. Following a little history lesson, students will paint in the style of that particular artist. Many of Suzanne’s students have gone on to be professional artists themselves. She said, “Seeing my students reach success is one of the aspects that I enjoy most in my teaching. It fills my heart with joy.”

If you are interested in learning more about Suzanne’s art, classes, and tutorials, feel free to visit her at her gallery or venture onto her website. You won’t regret it!

— By Rita Dykes

Suzanne Barrett Justis Fine Art Gallery 110 East Market Street Kinsport, Tennessee 37660 Phone: 423-967-4040 Website: www.sbjfineart.com Facebook page: Suzanne Barrett Justis Patreon link: patreon.com/suzannebarrettjustis YouTube: Suzanne Barrett Justis – Artist More on the conservation efforts and the “Silent Skies” mural: visit: Artistsforconservation.org

“Madame H”. Suzanne’s daughter Hannah was the model.

11

12 Discover Sullivan County • 2020

H

Amazons

ave a love of beautifully colored birds?

Perhaps you have always wanted a unique pet? Look no further than Little Shop of Feathers in Kingsport, Tennessee. Amy Howard, owner of the Little Shop of Feathers, has loved birds ever since she got her very first one as a child. Years later and after many months of research, Amy decided that not only did she want another bird but that she wanted to raise a cockatiel from a baby. Once she found a breeder, he tested her knowledge to ensure that she could properly continued on page 14

Discover Sullivan County • 2020

Amy with her pet Harlequin Macaw, Hank.

13

14 Discover Sullivan County • 2020

John Howard with female Eclectus.

From page 12

Amy’s Cockatiel, Smokey, is the bird that she fell in love with and that inspired her to become a breeder.

care for it. Then, she took the baby bird home where she hand-fed her for eight weeks. Amy recalled, “I instantly fell in love.” At that moment, she was hooked.

During the course of raising her cockatiel Smokey, Amy met breeder Pam Caldwell, who soon became her mentor on all things birds. In 2014, Amy’s mentor and friend decided to retire and handed over the reins to Amy and her husband John. Pam entrusted all of her birds to the couple, and they started their own bird breeding business.

The couple began breeding birds in their home for three years before opening a bird shop in the Tri-City Flea Market, where they stayed for nearly a year. They quickly realized that they wanted a shop closer to home and one that could be open more often, so in July 2018, they opened their shop in Kingsport. Their goal is to have multiple locations where they can grow their business and provide convenient locations for current and future clientele.

Unlike birds shipped to many chain pet stores, the birds sold

by Little Shop of Feathers are hand-fed and tamed by the owners.

This means that the birds are already socialized and ready to become a part of your family. Bird lovers who are purchasing a continued on page 15

Discover Sullivan County • 2020

Baby Parrotlets and Budgies

Baby Sun Conures

From page 14

pet can also choose their bird as a baby, watch it grow, and spend time with it for weeks until it is ready to go home with them. By choosing a baby and visiting with it, the bird will already know you and be used to your presence.

Amy and John breed and raise finches, budgies, English budgies, parrotlets, cockatiels, green cheek conures, sun conures, rosellas, Senegal parrots, Indian ringnecks, and lovebirds. If you are looking for a larger bird, such as a macaw or cockatoo, Amy and John have a reputable breeder where they obtain those magnificent birds. As a matter of fact, the couple have two pet Macaws, Hank and Puddin. Hank is a beautiful harlequin macaw and Puddin is a loving, gorgeous severe macaw.

Amy said, “Breeding is an extremely hard job, but it is also very fulfilling. I begin hand feeding when the babies are two or three weeks old. At first, the babies are fed every 4 hours, around the clock. As they get older, the feeding times change to every 6 hours and increase as time goes on. On occasion, we will have a pair that will not feed their babies. When this occurs, I have to feed the babies about every 2 hours around the clock. Depending on the type of bird, I normally hand feed them for 8 to 16 weeks.” Amy and John also make sure that all of their breeder birds get plenty of calcium and eat a very good diet consisting of natural pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables.

Purchasing a bird is a commitment that requires education and research. “What most people don’t understand is that they have to change a lot in their home, such as: no Teflon or similar products, no self-cleaning ovens, no air fresheners, no chemicals, and other things that can be harmful to their bird’s well-being. Birds need time out of the cage for at least several hours each day. They need to be fed a healthy diet and need lots of love and attention. Birds enjoy being with their people.” Amy added, “Also what many people don’t realize is that birds are absolutely amazing animals.

They are extremely intelligent, they love to kiss and cuddle, they love to gently wrestle and be petted, and they enjoy learning tricks.”

Little Shop of Feathers offers everything you need for your continued on page 16

Puddin, a Severe Macaw

15

16 Discover Sullivan County • 2020

Budgies From page 15

pet bird from toys, perches, seed, and pellets to cages and cleaning supplies. They also provide services such as wing trimming, DNA testing, and birdie boarding. They even have a certified Avian Veterinarian who sets up a clinic in their shop twice a year. Amy doesn’t stop there. She educates people before they purchase a bird and is also available 24/7 for questions or concerns after purchase.

Stop in to visit Little Shop of Feathers at 338 Commerce Street in Kingsport, Tennessee or visit them on Facebook.

Little Shop of Feathers 338 Commerce Street Kingsport, TN 37660 423-579-6623

— By Rita Dykes

Bird toys

What some of their customers had to say: “If you are looking for a quality hand raised, socialized and beautiful feathered friend look no further. Amy and John provide all the knowledge and products to provide you with the awesome new experience of bringing a bird into your home!”

— Jeff Allen “The Little Shop Of Feathers is an amazing shop. They have everything that you could want for your bird. Amy is so knowledgeable and helpful with questions or concerns. I have purchased three birds from the shop and would highly recommend them to anyone that is looking for a bird.”

— Roben Caulder “This is probably the best shops dedicated to birds that is local and I am glad to give them my full support. Trust me on this, you will be very please and surprised how well their birds are! Clean, friendly and respectable!”

— Amanda Deel

Bird food and travel cages.

Bird Facts

Some birds breed once a year but others breed two or three time a year. n Average lifespan can range anywhere from 15 to 80 years depending on breed. n All bird breeds are different, research, research, research, and then research some more. n Food usually consists of fresh chopped fruits and vegetables, and good quality pellets or seeds. Make sure of what foods your bird breed can eat before feeding. n Water is not only for drinking. Birds love to bathe in their water bowl. Water bowls should be cleaned out and refilled multiple times a day. Sometimes another unwanted surprise my be in the bowl. n Parrots tend to sleep from sun down to sun up and need around 12 hours of sleep. n Their beaks are for more than eating.

They like to chew and will destroy things so plenty of toys is a must have for the bird’s safety and for your belongings. n Fast movements, anger, and jealousy are a few reasons they may bite. Learn their body language to help avoid being bitten. n Birds are quite messy and will have to be cleaned up after a whole lot. You will find feathers, food, water, poo, and dander outside of the cage but it is extremely important to clean their cage regularly.

After all, you don’t want to walk around or eat your poo, neither do they. You may need to change your air filter more frequently depending on breed. n Make sure you are up for the challenge before purchasing a bird. You will be their flock, teacher, and parent. (You will have a whole lot more to learn.) n

Eclectus

Discover Sullivan County • 2020

TOXIC / DEADLY / UNHEALTHY Candles, wall scented plug-ins, cleaning products, pesticides, mouse traps, any aerosol sprays, pots and pans (Tons have Teflon and it is toxic to birds. Do not use them if they contain PTFE or PFOA) Irons: for hair or for clothes, certain kitchen appliances, stain repellents, self-cleaning oven option, oven bags, aluminum foil with non stick coating or just about anything that says/is non-stick, some hair dryers, certain metals/wood/plants/flowers, nearly all paint, most all glues, tape ingestion, hair dye, nail polish/remover, sharp objects, electrical cords, any non-food grade dye, even some bird toys are unsafe because of ingestion like: bird tents/huts, clips on some bird toys, thread of any sort can be ingested like: swings and boings (birds should be monitored when in use), cigarettes/smoke, mirrors can cause sexual frustration and/or aggression with their own image, things with glitter, glow in the dark stuff, shiny/silky objects, certain inks, detergents, ceiling fans, carpet fresheners, essential oils, flea collars, mothballs, human medications, pine oil, tea tree oil, fertilizer, other animals, space heaters, bread machines, waffle irons, ironing boards covers, carbon monoxide, gas leaks, sleeping next to your bird in bed, human grade food such as salt, some seasonings, dairy, onion, avocado, alcohol, fruit pits, seeds of some fruit, sugar/sugar substitutes, and coffee/grinds (caffeine products).

Paco, a Blue Front Amazon

Baby Cockatiel

Alexandrine

Kakiriki

Parrotlet

Cockatiel

17

18 Discover Sullivan County • 2020

Dusky Conures

Lovebirds

Goffins Cockatoo

Indian Ringneck

Discover Sullivan County • 2020

Green Cheek Conures

Hank, the Harlequin Macaw

19

20 Discover Sullivan County • 2020

The historic three story building on the Holston River.

The

F

NETHERLAND INN

or more than 200 years, the Netherland Inn has stood on the banks of the Holston River on the Old Stage Road, at the very spot where Kingsport began.

The three-story structure has been beautifully restored and maintained, offering a glimpse of the past to visitors.

HISTORY Kingsport can trace its heritage back to Col. Gilbert Christian, of the Virginia Colonial Militia. He had served in the area and after mustering out in 1772, he brought his family to settle along Reedy Creek. Other families settled there and the village of Christianville grew. It was near Christian’s home that the Donnelson Flotilla crashed in route to what is now Nashville. The people of Christianville helped the families repair their boats.

After Gilbert Christian died in 1802, his son Robert Christian, subdivided his father’s vast lands and sold 3.5 acres, the westernmost

portion, to William King, of Saltville, Virginia, for the sum of $60.

King owned huge salt mines in Virginia and wanted the land as a shipping point to send his salt into the west. He realized the commercial potential of the property; the Island Road and the Reedy Creek Road, two of the oldest in the country, ended at the Holston River and that people and goods going west would need to continue their journey by water.

King established King’s Boatyard in 1802. It came to be called “King’s Port.” The construction of a three-story building that would become the Netherland Inn took from 1802 until 1808. Its original purpose was to be a dormitory to house the men King would hire to build flatboats to transport his salt west.

He also built wharves, warehouses, a large three-story barn, and scale sheds. John Lynn was hired to manage the boatyard.

“King’s Port” became a bustling commercial center grew along continued on page 22

Discover Sullivan County • 2020

Room on the second floor.

The kitchen of the inn.

A sleeping room. Multiple beds were in the same room.

The tap room on the ground floor.

Games were played in the ground floor “public” rooms.

21

22 Discover Sullivan County • 2020

Jordan and Jane, slaves — Jordan belonged to the Netherlands and married Jane, who belonged to a neighboring family.

From page 20

the stagecoach traffic that ran daily along the Great Stage Road in front of the King property. Netherland purchased the lands and buildings at a sheriff’s auction and obtained a stagecoach contract.

Netherland, his wife and six of his 10 children, moved into the three-story building, and opened it as The Netherland Inn. The Inn remained in the Netherland family until 1906 and played a role in many important historical events.

Presidents Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson, and James K. Polk all stayed at the Inn. The first Charter for the City of Kingsport was signed in the first floor rooms in 1822, joining the villages of Christianville and Rossville into one.

Richard Netherland served as county clerk for Sullivan County and many business meetings were held there as well as meetings of the first committees attempting to bring the railroads into eastern Tennessee. The Inn became a popular gathering place for locals as well as a favored stop for coaches along the Great Stage Road.

In much of the 1900s, the Inn was a boarding house.

Interestingly, the room that had served as a bar in earlier times was boarded up for a time during this period. The Inn was a popular place for the dances held on the first floor in the public rooms.

The inn was then developed into the historic site that it is today. Cabins were moved in and placed where slave cabins once stood. The Bank Barn was added in 2009.

The Netherland Inn is open for tours on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m., May through October. (NOTE: Due to changing COVID situations, readers may want to call ahead and make sure that the Inn is open.) It is available for weddings and other private events, (please see www.netherlandinn.com for rentals).

Special events are held throughout the year, including the Lo Country Boil and the 1818 Christmas at the Netherland Inn. The Inn is a registered National Historic Site and the only site on the register to have been both a boatyard and a stagecoach stop.

It is operated by the Netherland Inn Association, an all-volunteer organization, and is supported by association memberships, donations, and fund raisers.

the river banks, as flatboats carried salt, iron ingots, produce, furs, mountain herbs, and other goods.

After King died in 1808, John Lynn continued to manage the boatyard until 1814. The boatyard was leased to George Hale, a prominent merchant and farmer from Rogersville. All went very well for Hale until the spring of 1816, when the “year without a summer” happened. A volcanic eruption in the East Indies significantly change the weather of the southeastern U.S. bringing freezing temperatures, snow and ice in the summer.

With no produce and herbs and wagons of salt and iron unable to reach the boatyard, the economy and the boatyard business were devastated. Hale lost his shipping contracts. In 1817, Hale turned his store over to his brother and retired to his farm in Rogersville.

A few months later, the land and buildings of King’s Boatyard were sold at a Sheriff’s auction.

Since 1810, Richard and Margaret Netherland and their children had been living on the Long Island of the Holston where they had a large plantation on the land inherited through Margaret’s family. Richard envisioned a (Special thanks for help with this article go to Jennifer “Rusty” business opportunity, watching Light and caretaker Tommy Hammonds.)

— By Randy Ball

The replica flatboat with the Netherland Inn and the Bank Barn in the background

Discover Sullivan County • 2020

23

James NETHERLAND James Netherland was a prominent physician. He served as Zachary Taylor’s personal physician. His desk and medical bag are displayed at the inn. He was also a violinist.

The Sad Story of Mollie NETHERLAND The sad love story of the beautiful Mollie Netherland and Hugh Graham Kyle is displayed in the inn. They were to be married but Mollie was killed in a riding accident. Kyle kept this photo of her at his bedside, even after eventually married.

Lenders you know and trust

&

www.fcbanktn.com‫ ގ‬I‫ ގ‬423.392.5800 I 423.357.5800‫ ގ‬I‫ ގ‬423.272.5800‫ގގ‬

Steve Droke Kingsport

Dana Parkinson NMLS #1465002 Kingsport

D. Lynn Salyers NMLS #592057 Kingsport

Stephanie Potts NMLS #1120342 Church Hill

Jamie Ward NMLS #1852053 Church Hill

Todd Brown NMLS #1704125 Rogersville

Ashley Lawson NMLS #1118458 Rogersville

Debbie Price NMLS #757649 Rogersville

24 Discover Sullivan County • 2020

The

CABINS

Three cabins have been moved to the property from the surrounding area. They sit where the original slave cabins once stood.

THE PENCE HOUSE This log house was located in the fertile Reedy Creek Valley on the Edgeman-Pence 200 acre plantation, part of the Pendleton Grant, purchased in 1805 from James Gaines by Samuel Edgeman for $600. The land and house remained the Pence family well into the 20th century. In 1995, the historic Pence log house was donated by Joe Wimberly and Carl Braun.

It now serves as the visitors’ center and gift shop.

THE BOONE CABIN The Boone cabin also serves as a children’s museum. “In 1979/80, this cabin was carefully dismantled and moved from beside the Kentucky wilderness road in Duffield, VA and reassembled here on the foundation site of the Netherland slave cabin, home of a beloved slave, Jordan Netherland and his wife Jane Lynn. This was the 1773-75 home of Daniel & Rebecca Boone and later the Ephraim Fraley home. It is a fine specimen of the typical early pioneer log architecture of the region.” Donated by Jerry Legg.

THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE The Old Schoolhouse is described in an on-site plaque as “an Ordinary (inn) – home – schoolhouse, built by 1790.” The description continues: “By 1790, David Ross’ Ordinary at the junction of the Great Stage Road (Bloomingdale Pike) and Reedy Creek Road (W. Sullivan Street); 1795 leased home/inn of sheriff William & Nancy McCormack; 1817, owned by Jacob and Rose Myers; 1854, owners Draper, then Kendrick; 1878 Prof. “Hawk” & Ellen (Groseclose) Copenhaver home & school; 1892 section of well-known merchant Thomas L. Nelms family home; restored at this location 1986; originally a two-story building, only enough logs survived to preserve one story. Its small dependency was moved intact.”

Discover Sullivan County • 2020

THE BANK BARN The Bank Barn was built into the embankment and provided a stable on the first level and a second floor for stage coaches and wagon repair.

From the early 1800s it remained in use until the 1920s or 1930s. The present building was reconstructed on the original site, and portions of the original limestone foundation are visible. The Hal T. Spoden Bank Barn now houses the Museum of Pioneer Transportation, including ledgers and artifacts from the King’s Boat Yard and George Hale’s Boatyard Store.

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPING SERVICES

&

Greenhouses

Landscaping

Rogersville Coin & Jewelry Exchange BUY • SELL • TRADE

SILVER, GOLD, COINS, and JEWELRY

Free Estate Appraisals

TJ Garland

Beautiful Poinsettias (Grown in our Greenhouses!)

Thank you for supporting your local small businesses!

301 Dodge Dr. • Rogersville, TN 37857 • 423-272-6300

Tuesday through Friday: 12pm - 6pm 201 C West Main • Rogersville, TN 37857

865-755-0153

ironguard866@gmail.com

www.rogersvillecoin.com

25

26 Discover Sullivan County • 2020

Discover Sullivan County • 2020

Exchange Place K

ingsport’s Exchange Place has been a working farm since the early 1800s. Today it is a historic treasure, depicting farm life between the 1820-1850 time period.

Exchange Place got its name because it was a place where travelers could exchange tired horses for fresh ones and exchange Virginia currency for Tennessee currency. n

area

Before white settlement, Native Americans occupied the

n In 1750, Edmund Pendleton received a 3,000 acre land grant (including the property that would become Exchange Place) from British Colonial Governor Robert Dinwiddle. n Pendleton appointed his nephews, James and Thomas, as agents to sell the land in 200-acre tracts. Thomas’ grandson, John Strother Gaines, acquired the land that became known as Exchange Place. By 1820 he had established a homestead here. n In 1845, Gaines traded the property to John Montgomery

27

Historical Site and Living History Farm

Preston. Preston deeded it to his son, James, in 1847. He raised his family here before returning to Abingdon, Virginia after the Civil War. n Generations of the Preston family owned Exchange Place until 1970, when seven acres, including the main house and its dependency buildings, were donated to the Netherland Inn Association. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and developed as a living history museum.

Today Exchange Place brings east Tennessee history to life.

The historic site occupies both sides of Orebank Road.

For additional information see:

www.exchangeplace.info — By Randy Ball

28 Discover Sullivan County • 2020

Discover DiscoverSullivan SullivanCounty County• •2020 2020

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Exchange Place hosts the storytelling event “Witches Wynd” in late October and “Christmas in the Country” in early December.

FESTIVALS

Exchange Place hosts the Spring Garden Fair in April and the Fall Folk Arts Festival in September.

(ED. NOTE: Due to changing situations with the COVID pandemic, readers are advised that some events could be postponed or cancelled. Before making a trip, call ahead to make sure.)

29 29

30 Discover Sullivan County • 2020

TIM STAFFORD Photos by Randy Ball

Discover Sullivan County • 2020 On the set of Hee Haw -- Adam Steffey, Tim, Alison Krause, Barry Bales, Country Music Hall of Fame member and Hee Haw Co-Host Roy Clark, and Alison Brown.

TIM STAFFORD

T

A Life in Music

im Stafford has spent his adult life involved in bluegrass music. Perhaps best known for his guitar expertise, he is also a songwriter and is now an author of books about bluegrass music. Tim grew up in Kingsport and has spent most of his life in the tri-cities area.

EARLY LIFE

Tim Stafford was born in Kingsport in 1960. His family lived there until 1965 when they moved to Cookeville, where Tim attended first and second grades. The family moved again, this time to Newbern, Tennessee where they lived for about six months. The Stafford family returned to Kingsport in the late 1960s. Tim attended Ketron High School. He lived for a while in Johnson City and for two years in Ohio (finishing work on his PhD in history at Miami University) and then returned to the area for good. He has lived in Jonesborough for the last five years.

THE MUSIC BEGINS

Tim’s mother’s family, the Browders, were musical and his twin sisters play piano and sing, but Tim’s serious interest in music didn’t start until his freshman year of high school. “I heard a couple of guys playing bluegrass, Greg Cornett was a junior and played mandolin and Pat Cox, a senior, played guitar. I didn’t know what the mandolin was.” An English teacher at Ketron, Wayne Chilcote, was a member of a band called Country Comfort, which was heavily influenced by The Country Gentlemen and the Seldom Scene. As fate would have it, bluegrass star Doyle Lawson’s mother lived near Tim’s family. Tim remembers meeting the members of continued on page 32

Tim, at age 18 in Winfield, Kansas, with Sam Bush’s mandolin “Hoss”, 1978.

31

32 Discover Sullivan County • 2020 From page 31

the Country Gentlemen at her house. Tim said “I remember going to my first bluegrass festival, The Wise County Bluegrass Festival in Wise, Virginia. I saw the Country Gentlemen, The Seldom Scene, Ralph Stanley and Larry Sparks.” Tim began playing banjo, but switched to guitar in the late 1970s.

Flatpicking Guitar magazine features Tim in this issue, a tribute to his ability as a guitarist.

The Tony Rice book was co-written by Tim and Caroline Wright.

The Tim Stafford Acutab guitar instruction book.

Tim at the Paramount Theater, Bristol.

THE BANDS

One of the early bands Tim played in was “The Boys in the Band”. “We had Frank Wing and Tom and Audey Ratliff. We played from 1980 to 1987.” Tim then played with the band Dusty Miller, which included Adam Steffey and his wife Tammy Rogers and Barry Bales. They recorded for June Apple Records. A young The Jesse McReynolds session Alison Krauss heard Tim play with The Boys in the Band and Dusty Miller. She asked Tim to join her group, but at that time he did not join. In 1990 Tim would join Alison Krauss and Union Station along with Barry Bales and Adam Steffey. Tim spent two years with Alison, leaving in May of 1992. Tim left to avoid the constant travel; “My son was 4 or 5 months old, I just wanted to be home with family.”

Tim also spent some time in the first East Tennessee State Bluegrass Band when Jack Tottle first started the ETSU Bluegrass Program.

Tim was a graduate student at that time.

BLUE HIGHWAY

Tim kept up with the bluegrass community after leaving Alison Krauss and Union Station by writing articles for Bluegrass Unlimited magazine. It would be almost two years before Blue Highway would be formed. One article Tim wrote was about Tim Laughlin’s band, where he first met Wayne Taylor. Tim said “I heard Wayne Taylor (bass) playing with Tim Laughlin and I thought I would really like to play with him if he ever left that group.” Wayne did become available and about the same time Shawn Lane (mandolin) continued on page 33 With Mac Wiseman

Discover Sullivan County • 2020

Ken Irwin (founder of Rounder Records), Tony Rice, Sam Bush and Tim.

33

Tim jamming with Chris Eldridge (Infamous Stringdusters, Punch Brothers)

Tim, Tony Rice and Caroline Wright From page 32

contacted Tim about playing together. Tim had gotten to know Rob With the late John Prine Ickes (dobro) from his time on the road with Alison Krauss. Jason Burleson (banjo) was the final piece and Blue Highway played their first show on New Year’s Eve on 1994.

The new band was an immediate success. Their debut album won “album of the year” in 1995 and they were named “emerging band of the year.” Blue Highway has continued to win numerous awards. Tim states that “Rob won dobro player of the year about fifteen times.” A prolific songwriter, Tim won “songwriter of the year” in 2014 and 2016. To date Blue Highway has released twelve cds, along with two compilation cds. They recorded their first three albums for Rebel Records. They then recorded for Ricky Skaggs’ Ceili Records. In 2001 they moved to Rounder Records with Jerry Douglas producing and have released their last eight albums there.

Blue Highway has been nominated for three Grammy Awards, has won a Dove Award and nearly thirty IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Awards.

“KEEPING BUSY”

Tim says that he likes to keep busy. He has recorded three solo albums and is working on another. In 2010 he co-authored Still Inside: The Tony Rice Story, the biography of bluegrass legend Tony Rice. He recorded an album in 2010 with Steve Gulley entitled “Dogwood Winter” and they have a new recording in 2020; “Still continued on page 34 On stage with Tony Rice

34 Discover Sullivan County • 2020

BLUE HIGHWAY Blue Highway continues to be one of the most honored and most popular bands in bluegrass music.

From page 33

Here”, which was completed not long before Gulley’s untimely passing. He has taught occasionally at ETSU and taught a class called “Bluegrass Traditions” at Appalachian State. He has recorded a Christmas EP cd with Barry Ricks. He continues to teach at numerous guitar camps.

Tim is in demand as a studio musician, having recorded with over 75 artists, including Willie Nelson, Kenny Chesney, Jorma Kaukonen, Jesse McReynolds, Benny Sims, Marty Raybon, Joe Isaacs, Ronnie Bowman, Charles Sawtelle, Tony Trischka, Larry Sparks, Jim Mills and many others. Tim was named SPBGMA Guitar Performer of the Year in 2001 and 2015. He has produced many award-winning records for various artists, including Kenny Chesney, The Infamous Stringdusters (IBMA 2007 co-album of the Year), and Knee Deep in Bluegrass, the Acutab Sessions (IBMA 2001 Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year).

Some future projects Tim is working on include a book on the history of bluegrass music. He continues to add to the 250+ songs he has written, and has upcoming cuts with Shannon Slaughter, Linda Lay, Nate Lee, Tom Jutz, Doyle Lawson and Volume Five among others. And of course, Blue Highway will continue to be one of the most popular bluegrass bands in the world.

www.TimStaffordGuitar.com www.BlueHighwayBand.com — By Randy Ball

Discover Sullivan County • 2020

FEATURED

DISCOGRAPHY

Endless Line, FGM Records 114, 2004.

Just to Hear the Whistle Blow, Hedge Drive Records, (HDR01) 2014.

Acoustic Guitar, Hedge Drive Records, (HDR02), 2017.

Tunes & Ballads, Hedge Drive Records, (HDR03), 2020.

FEATURED

Jim Hurst, Tim Stafford and Bryan Sutton, Hurst, Stafford and Sutton: Live in Nashville, FGM records, 2003 (DVD).

Steve Gulley and Tim Stafford, Dogwood Winter, Rural Rhythm (RHY-1066), 2010.

Tim Stafford and Bobby Starnes, What We Leave Behind: A Songwriters’ Collection, S&S Records, S&SR-001, 2018.

Tim Stafford and Barry Ricks, Who Needs Mistletoe?, BT Records, BT-001, 2019.

Steve Gulley and Tim Stafford, Still Here, 2020.

WITH ALISON KRAUSS AND UNION STATION

Alison Krauss and Union Station, Every Time You Say Goodbye, Rounder 0285, 1992.

[Grammy winner; IBMA Album of the Year] Alison Krauss, Now That I’ve Found You: A Collection, Rounder, 1997.

WITH BLUE HIGHWAY

Blue Highway, It’s a Long, Long Road, Rebel 1719, 1995. [IBMA Album of the Year] Blue Highway, Wind to the West, Rebel 1731, 1996.

Blue Highway, Midnight Storm, Rebel 1746, 1998.

Blue Highway, Blue Highway, Ceili 2002, 1999.

Blue Highway, Still Climbing Mountains, Rounder 0489, 2001.

Blue Highway, Wondrous Love, Rounder 0524, 2003. [Grammy nominee; Dove Award winner] Blue Highway, Marbletown, Rounder 0558, 2005. [Grammy nominee] Blue Highway, Lonesome Pine, Rebel 7512 (Vault Masters series), 2006.

Blue Highway, “I’ll Wait” on Strummin’ with the Devil, CMH, 2006.

Blue Highway, Through the Window of a Train, Rounder 0594, 2008.

Blue Highway, Some Day: A 15th Anniversary Celebration, Rounder 0633, 2010.

Blue Highway, Sounds of Home, Rounder 9107, 2011.

Blue Highway, The Game, Rounder 9170, 2014.

Blue Highway, Original Traditional, Rounder 610010, 2016. [Grammy nominee] Blue Highway, Somewhere Far Away: Silver Anniversary, Rounder 1166100620, 2019.

OTHERS (selected)

The Boys in the Band, self-produced EP, 1983.

The ETSU Bluegrass Band, East Tennessee, Now and Then Records, 1986.

The Boys in the Band, self-produced cassette, 1987.

Dusty Miller, self-produced cassette, Classic C-3178, 1988.

Dusty Miller, Dusty Miller, June Appal, JA0057,1989.

Alison Krauss, Every Time You Say Goodbye, Rounder 0285, 1992.

Alison Krauss, Now That I’ve Found You: A Collection, Rounder, 1997.

35

36 Discover Sullivan County • 2020

Discover Sullivan County • 2020

36

www.BirthplaceofCountryMusic.org Photo courtesy of Birthplace of Country Music (BCMM)

Discover Sullivan County • 2020

37

The Birthplace of

Country Music Experience Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia’s rich heritage at the gorgeous Birthplace of Country Music Museum. An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the museum is dedicated to the history of early country music and to Bristol’s unique role in keeping country music alive and thriving throughout the surrounding region and beyond.

The museum tells the story of the 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings in Bristol, Tennessee, and the role that evolving sound technology had in shaping their success. Jimmie Rogers and The Carter Family made their commercial debuts during the Sessions and went on to become well known musicians. While commercial country music recordings began in 1922, the genre really took off after the Bristol Sessions, and as a result, Bristol began to be known as the “birthplace of country music.”

The building that is now home to the museum also has a rich history. It was originally built by Frank Goodpasture Sr. in the 1920s to house a Chrysler dealership. The dealership, located on the corner of Cumberland and Moore Streets, recruited automobile

dealers to sell Chrysler vehicles. After the Great Depression began in the 1930s, Chrysler cut out the dealership network and began selling directly to the dealers. That change began the creation of the Goodpasture Motor Company. Later the company moved locations, so Goodpasture began renting out the second floor of the building for events such as prize fights, wrestling matches, concerts, and dances. Since that time, many other occupants have utilized the space: Palace Barber Shop, Union Shoe Store, Tate’s News, and a cab company. In 2003, the building was given to the non-profit organization Birthplace of Country Music (BCM).

Following much fundraising and community partnerships, the Birthplace of Country Music enlisted the talents of professionals to renovate the historic building into a masterpiece that would honor and preserve the early days of country music. BCM, along with Peyton Boyd Architects, studioMUSarx, 1220, ExPlus, and Hillmann & Carr, began to plan, design, perfect, and execute the monumental restoration in 2012. continued on page 38

38 Discover Sullivan County • 2020

BCMM, Performance Theater. Photo by Billie Wheeler

BCMM, Vintage Stereo Exhibit. Photo by Sarah Hauser From page 37

On August 1, 2014, Bristol residents, BCM officials, and those who worked endlessly to turn their vision into a masterpiece celebrated the opening of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.

The two-floor, 24,000 square feet building is now home to a large permanent exhibit space featuring text and image panels, a variety

of artifacts, interactive and media displays, and four theater film experiences, along with a 100-seat Performance Theater; 2,000 square feet of special exhibition space where in-house special exhibits and traveling exhibits from the Smithsonian Institution and other institutions are displayed; space for educational and community outreach programs, and an extensive collection of digital content.

The current special exhibit Honky Tonk features portraits of country music musicians, their fans, and the places where they perform by photographer Henry Horenstein. On exhibit are stunning photographs over the nine-year period of 1972 – 1981.

Horenstein captured scenes in the real world of country music.

Some of these scenes include the early years of performers like Dolly Parton and Del McCoury along with seasoned performers such as Mother Maybelle Carter and Don Stover. The exhibit covers an era in country music that took place in music parks, festivals, and the Grand Ole Opry as well as Nashville’s Tootsies Orchid Lounge and other honky tonks. Horenstein’s photographs captured musicians, fans, cowboys, and townies as they gathered together to sing, kick up their heels, and have a honky-tonkn’ good time.

The museum is also recognizing the centennial of women’s suffrage in the United States with two poster exhibits. The exhibits include: Votes for Women: A Portrait of Persistence from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and To Make Our Voices Heard: Tennessee Women’s Fight for the Vote from the Tennessee State Museum. Both exhibits are a great way to learn while celebrating this monumental turning point in our nation’s history. These exhibits will be on display until midnight March 31, 2021.

This year has presented many challenges for everyone, and the BCM has been no exception. The Birthplace of Country Music

Discover Sullivan County • 2020

39

BCMM Circles of Success. Photo by Neil Staples administration has the health of their staff, volunteers, and visitors images, and artifacts on display. at the top of their priorities and want to ensure that everyone has a If you can’t make it out to the museum in person, there are safe place to work and visit. The museum was able to reopen during many video links on the website and on Facebook for you to enjoy. the pandemic due to their great efforts. BCM received a Healthy Business Certification from the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce — By Rita Dykes & Industry. The certification ensures both its business office and the museum have a disease prevention plan that meets guidelines set forth by the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control, and OSHA for workplace health and pandemic response.

So rest assured, that protocol is being enforced to help make your visit a safe one.

101 Country Music Way | Bristol, VA 24201 | 423-573-1927 The museum is a great educational venue for all ages with www.BirthplaceofCountryMusic.org its ever-changing exhibits and events. Its store features local artists’ pieces along with a vast array of country music-inspired Hours: memorabilia. If you are looking for a unique gift featuring Bristol’s Tuesday – Saturday - 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. heritage of county music, you may just find that perfect gift at The Sunday - 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Museum Store.

Closed Mondays If you want to venture out to the museum and spend a few hours Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, enjoying all things country music, be sure to check out the website New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and Easter for current and upcoming events and exhibits so that you don’t miss something you want to experience. The museum would also Admission: be a great place to take out-of-town visitors so they can experience $13.65 – Adults Bristol’s history of county music. Set in Bristol’s historic downtown, $11.55* – Seniors, College Students, Military, you can also enjoy a wide variety of restaurants, breweries, galleries, Children ages 6–17, and Groups of 20+ and shopping.

FREE – Children 5 and under The Birthplace of Country Music recommends allowing at least 1 ½ to 2 hours to visit the core exhibits and at least half an hour * Admission prices include Virginia admission tax. for any special exhibits. Giving yourself this much time means that Your ticket gives you admission to the museum for the full day you will have ample opportunity to participate in the many film and (enter and re-enter the museum with your day ticket) interactive and sound experiences as well as fully appreciate the text,

Birthplace of County Music Museum

40 Discover Sullivan County • 2020

THE BATTLE OF

BLOUNTVILLE “a shell from the federal guns entered the courthouse, setting it on fire, and soon the best portion on the town was destroyed.”

T

he quiet little town of Blountville was nearly destroyed in a four-hour period on September 22, 1863.

Blountville found itself prized by both the Union and Confederate armies on this day late in the Civil War. Union General Ambrose Burnside had led an expedition into east Tennessee with the objective to clear the roads and gaps into Virginia and to eventually secure the salt works in southwestern Virginia.

The Virginia and Tennessee railroad was located just east of Blountville. The Union needed the railroad as a supply line to Knoxville, and the Confederacy wanted it as a supply line into Virginia.

After several days of skirmishing in the area, the two armies converged in Blountville. At the start of the battle, Confederate forces led by Colonel James E. Carter occupied the town. Union forces under Colonel John W. Foster held the south bank of the Watauga

Photos by Randy Ball

River. The Confederate forces numbered 1,257, with the Union forces more than twice that number. Foster attacked at noon, his artillery shelling the town. Foster initiated a flanking maneuver and the battle ended after about four hours. The Confederates retreated, giving Foster and the Union army the victory.

The Battle of Blountville was the first step in driving Confederate Major General Sam Jones from east Tennessee. Much of the town of Blountville was destroyed, including the Sullivan County courthouse.

A “Civil War Trails” marker at the courthouse (rebuilt in 1866) says that after the war, Mrs. Walter E. Allen wrote: “a shell from the federal guns entered the courthouse, setting it on fire, and soon the best portion on the town was destroyed.”

— By Randy Ball

Discover Sullivan County • 2020

The Sullivan County Courthouse

41

42 Discover Sullivan County • 2020

Heritage Tourism Visitors Center

You can learn more about the battle and Blountville at the Heritage Tourism Visitors Center and the Archives and Tourism Regional Research Center.

Archives and History Research Center 3425 Hwy. 126, Suite 100 Call 423-323-4660 for current hours

Confederate marker at the Sullivan County courthouse.

Photos by Randy Ball

Discover Sullivan County • 2020

43

The Old Kingsport Presbyterian Church marks

O

200 YEARS

n May 20, 1820 a congregation was organized in Kingsport, then called “The Boatyard Congregation”.

Now known as “Old Kingsport Presbyterian Church”, it celebrated its 200th anniversary earlier this year.

The location has changed over the years. The first congregation met in a log structure in the Old Kingsport Presbyterian Church Cemetery near the Netherland Inn. In 1846 a new building was constructed. In 1910 the building was moved due to the railroad being built near the church. In 1953 the church was moved to its present location at 2049 Greenway Street just off Stone Drive.

Rev. Robert Glenn was the first pastor, serving from 1820-1826. The current building was financed by Frederick Ross, owner of Rotherwood Mansion, who served as minister from 1826-1852.

In 1973 the church was added to the National Registry of Historic Places.

The present pastor is Jeff Morelock. Due to precautions related to COVID-19 he has been leading services and Bible studies through the church’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/oldkingsport.

— By Randy Ball

Photo by Randy Ball

44 Discover Sullivan County • 2020

'PS 5IF -PWF PG 5FOOFTTFF

3PHFSTWJMMF

0I )FOSZ T

%JOF 8JUI 0VS %PXOUPXO -PDBM &BUT

5RJHUVYLOOH

0DLQ 6WUHHW URJHUVYLOOHWQPDLQVWUHHW FRP