Blount County is where we live, and it has one of the most interesting histories of any county in Tennessee. From the Cherokee people who called this land home for centuries to the pioneers who settled here, our county has stories worth knowing.

The Cherokee: First People of This Land

Long before there was a Blount County or even a Tennessee, the Cherokee Nation thrived in these mountains and valleys. The Cherokee were not just passing through - they built permanent towns, farmed the land, created a complex government, and had a rich culture of storytelling, art, and spiritual life. They knew every trail through the mountains, every river bend, every place where medicinal plants grew.

The Cherokee called the Smoky Mountains "Shaconage," meaning land of the blue smoke. That blue haze you see over the mountains? The Cherokee named it long before anyone else. Their connection to this land runs deep, and understanding their history is an important part of understanding where we live.

Fort Loudoun: A Piece of Colonial History

Fort Loudoun, located near present-day Vonore (just south of us), was built by the British in 1756 during the French and Indian War. It was the first British fort built west of the Appalachian Mountains. The British built it to maintain their alliance with the Cherokee, who were valuable allies.

But things did not go well. Relations between the British and Cherokee broke down, and the Cherokee laid siege to the fort for months. Eventually the soldiers surrendered. Today, you can visit a reconstruction of Fort Loudoun and walk through the grounds. It is a great field trip that brings colonial history to life right here in our area.

Early Settlers and the Founding of Blount County

Blount County was created in 1795, the same year Maryville was founded. It was named after William Blount, the territorial governor. The early settlers were mostly Scots-Irish families who came through the gaps in the Appalachian Mountains looking for good farmland and a fresh start.

Life was hard for these early families. They had to clear forests, build cabins, plant crops, and protect their homes, all while living on what was still the frontier. But they were tough, resourceful people, and they built the foundations of the community we enjoy today.

Sam Houston Schoolhouse

Here is a fun fact that every Blount County kid should know: Sam Houston, one of the most famous figures in American history, taught school right here in our county! In 1812, when Houston was just 18 years old, he opened a one-room schoolhouse near Maryville. He charged his students eight dollars a year, payable in cash, corn, or cotton cloth.

Houston went on to become the governor of Tennessee, the president of the Republic of Texas, and then the governor of Texas too. But his teaching career started right here. You can still visit the Sam Houston Schoolhouse today. It is a small log cabin that looks much like it did over 200 years ago.

The Civil War in Blount County

During the Civil War (1861-1865), East Tennessee was deeply divided. Unlike much of the South, many people in our area were loyal to the Union. Blount County had families fighting on both sides, which made it an especially difficult time. Neighbors disagreed, families were torn apart, and the war touched everyone.

Growing Into Today

After the Civil War, Blount County slowly grew. The railroad came through, connecting us to larger cities. Maryville College continued educating students. Alcoa (the aluminum company) arrived in the early 1900s and built an entire town next to Maryville, bringing jobs and growth to the area.

Today, Blount County is home to over 130,000 people. We have great schools, beautiful parks, and a community that cares about its history and its future.

Discussion Questions

• What do you think daily life was like for a Cherokee child living in this area hundreds of years ago?
• If you visited the Sam Houston Schoolhouse, what questions would you ask?
• How is Blount County different today compared to 1795?

Knowing where you come from helps you understand where you are. And Blount County has a story worth telling!