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National Register of Historic Places listings in Sullivan County, Tennessee facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Map of Tennessee highlighting Sullivan County
Location of Sullivan County in Tennessee

Welcome to Sullivan County, Tennessee! This page is all about special places here that are super important to history. These places are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a special hall of fame for buildings, areas, and sites that tell amazing stories about the past in the United States.

When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized as important for its history, architecture, or what happened there. It helps make sure these cool spots are protected and remembered for future generations, like you! In Sullivan County, there are 46 places on this list, and one of them is even more special, called a National Historic Landmark. Let's explore some of these awesome historical treasures!

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of places in the United States that are worth saving because of their history. It's managed by the National Park Service. When a building, a whole neighborhood, or even a special outdoor spot gets listed, it means it's a big part of our country's story.

Why are places listed?

Places can be listed for many reasons:

  • History: Maybe an important event happened there, or a famous person lived there.
  • Architecture: The building might be a great example of a certain style, or it was designed by a famous architect.
  • Archaeology: The site might hold clues about ancient cultures or early settlers.
  • Culture: It could be a place that represents the traditions or way of life of a group of people.

Being on the list helps people learn about these places and often provides support to keep them in good shape.

Cool Historic Places in Sullivan County

Let's take a closer look at some of the interesting places in Sullivan County that are on the National Register.

Long Island of the Holston: A National Historic Landmark

LongIslandoftheHolston
Long Island of the Holston, a very important historic site.

One of the most important places in Sullivan County is the Long Island of the Holston. It's so special that it's called a National Historic Landmark! This island is located in the Holston River near Kingsport. For thousands of years, it was a very important meeting place for Native American tribes, especially the Cherokee. Later, it became a key spot for pioneers and settlers. It's a place where many different cultures met and traded, making it a truly unique historical site. It was added to the list way back in 1966!

Historic Districts: Whole Neighborhoods with Stories

Some places on the list aren't just one building, but a whole area called a Historic District. These districts have many buildings that together tell a story about how a town grew and changed.

Blountville Historic District

Blountvillehistdist
A view of the historic district in Blountville.

The Blountville Historic District is in the center of Blountville. This area shows what a historic town looked like, with old buildings along the main roads. It was recognized in 1973, and later, in 2014, even more of the area was added because it was so important!

Bristol Commercial Historic District

2012-02-08; Susong Building, Bristol, Virginia (6849254603)
A historic building in the Bristol Commercial Historic District.

The Bristol Commercial Historic District is a lively area in Bristol. It includes many streets with old shops and businesses. This district is special because it actually stretches into Bristol, Virginia, showing how the two cities are connected. It was added to the list in 2003.

Fairmont Neighborhood Historic District

Spruce east of Carolina in Bristol
Homes in the Fairmont Neighborhood Historic District.

In Bristol, the Fairmont Neighborhood Historic District is a beautiful area with many historic homes. It was listed in 2010. Walking through this neighborhood is like taking a step back in time to see how people lived and built their homes long ago.

Unique Buildings and Landmarks

Sullivan County also has many individual buildings that are important.

Bristol Municipal Stadium

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Bristol Municipal Stadium, a historic sports venue.

The Bristol Municipal Stadium is a historic sports stadium in Bristol. It was built a long time ago and has seen many games and events. It was added to the National Register in 1987, showing that even places where people play sports can be historically important!

Bristol Virginia-Tennessee Slogan Sign

Bristol
The famous Bristol Virginia-Tennessee Slogan Sign.

Have you ever seen a big sign that says "Bristol, VA-TN: A Good Place to Live"? That's the Bristol Virginia-Tennessee Slogan Sign, and it's on the National Register! This sign is a symbol of the two Bristols, one in Tennessee and one in Virginia, and how they share a unique history. It was listed in 1988.

Clinchfield Railroad Station

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The old Clinchfield Railroad Station in Kingsport.

The Clinchfield Railroad Station in Kingsport is an old train station that was once a busy hub for travelers and goods. Train stations were super important for connecting towns and cities before cars were common. This station was recognized in 1973.

Grand Guitar

Grand Guitar
The Grand Guitar building in Bristol.

The Grand Guitar in Bristol is a really unique building shaped like a giant guitar! It's a fun and interesting piece of architecture that stands out. It was added to the list in 2014, showing that even more modern or unusual buildings can be historically significant.

Netherland Inn

Netherland Inn, 2144 Knoxville Highway, Kingsport (Sullivan County, Tennessee)
The historic Netherland Inn.

The Netherland Inn and Complex in Kingsport is a very old inn that used to be a stop for travelers on their journeys. Inns like this were vital places for people to rest, eat, and stay overnight. It was listed in 1969.

Old Deery Inn

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The Old Deery Inn in Blountville.

Another historic inn is the Old Deery Inn in Blountville. Like the Netherland Inn, it played a big role in the early days of travel and settlement in the area. It was added to the National Register in 1973.

Paramount Theatre and Office Building

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The beautiful Paramount Theatre in Bristol.

The Paramount Theatre and Office Building in Bristol is a grand old theater. Theaters like this were once the main places for entertainment, showing movies and live performances. It's a beautiful example of old movie palace architecture and was listed in 1985.

George Washington School

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The historic George Washington School in Kingsport.

The George Washington School in Kingsport is an important historic school building. Schools are central to communities, and this one has seen many students pass through its doors. It was added to the National Register in 2007.

Other Notable Historic Sites

Many other places in Sullivan County are also recognized for their historical value.

East Hill Cemetery

East Hill Cemetery (Bristol, VA) - Confederate Unknown
A section of East Hill Cemetery.

The East Hill Cemetery in Bristol is a historic cemetery. It includes sections for soldiers from the American Civil War and even a small area for African American burials. Cemeteries can tell us a lot about the people who lived in a place and the history of a community. It was listed in 2011 and also extends into Bristol, Virginia.

Pierce Chapel AME Church Cemetery

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Pierce Chapel AME Church Cemetery.

The Pierce Chapel AME Church Cemetery in Kingsport is another important historic cemetery. It tells stories about the African American community in the area and their history. It was added to the list in 2000.

Rocky Mount

The site known as Rocky Mount near Piney Flats is a very old historic place. It was one of the earliest settlements in the region and served as the first capital of the Southwest Territory. It was listed in 1970.

Roller-Pettyjohn Mill

Roller-Pettyjohn Mill
The Roller-Pettyjohn Mill.

The Roller-Pettyjohn Mill is an old mill located west of Blountville. Mills were essential for grinding grain and processing other goods in early communities. This mill was recognized in 1977.

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National Register of Historic Places listings in Sullivan County, Tennessee Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.