“Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, that the whole of the territory ceded to the United Sates by the State of North-Carolina shall be one State, and that the same is hereby declared to be one of the United States of America, on an equal footing with the original States, in all respects whatever, by the name and title the State of Tennessee.”
This act, approved by President George Washington on June 1, 1796, made Tennessee the 16th state. Two hundred and twenty-three years later, Marble Springs State Historic Site will open its gates for people of all ages to celebrate Tennessee Statehood Day and to learn about the state’s early history and first governor, John Sevier.
Lt. Governor Randy McNally will start the day’s festivities off with a welcome at 10:30. The free event will last until 2:30 and will give visitors the opportunity to visit with historical interpreters, view militia presentations, take a guided tour on the site’s walking trails, and play old-fashioned games. There will be children’s activities and birthday cake to celebrate the special day!
“Our vision is to make Marble Springs a retreat where children and adults are inspired by history and nature and where our neighbors come together to learn, share, and protect the rich resources that define Marble Springs.” said Executive Director, Cherry Johnson. “We want people to learn and have fun when they visit Marble Springs!”
The site is located at 1220 W Governor John Sevier Highway in Knoxville, TN.
Marble Springs is the farm and last remaining home of Tennessee’s first governor, John Sevier. The site is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 pm to 5:00 pm and on Sundays from 12:00 to 5:00pm. Guided tours are available for a fee.
Marble Springs is funded under an agreement with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Tennessee Historical Commission and graciously supplemented with funds from Knox County and the Governor John Sevier Memorial Association.
