The county seat of Knox County, Knoxville is one of the largest and most famous cities in the state of Tennessee. The city is located in the eastern part of the state and has various nicknames, including 'Queen City of the Mountains' due to its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and 'The Marble City' due to its prosperous marble quarries. Knoxville covers an area of 104.2 square miles and has a population of approximately 186,000 people, with over 860,000 in the surrounding metropolitan area.


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1. Knoxville History and Elevation

Knoxville History and Elevation

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  • When was Knoxville first settled?
    • The first settlers arrived on the land that would become Knoxville in 1786.
  • When was Knoxville officially founded?
    • Knoxville was officially founded in 1791.
  • Was Knoxville ever the capital of Tennessee?
    • Yes, Knoxville became the first state capital of Tennessee.
  • How did the railroad impact Knoxville?
    • Knoxville thrived in the mid-19th century when the railroad arrived, boosting economic growth.
  • What role did Knoxville play in the American Civil War?
    • Knoxville's population supported both the Union and Confederate sides during the war.
  • What industries contributed to Knoxville’s growth after the Civil War?
    • After the war, Knoxville developed rapidly, with marble production, manufacturing, and textiles being key industries.
  • What major event helped revitalize Knoxville's economy?
    • The city hosted the World's Fair in 1982, which boosted the local economy and led to redevelopments and renovations throughout Knoxville.
  • What is Knoxville known for today?
    • Today, Knoxville is a great destination for those looking to experience Tennessee culture.
    • It is also home to the main campus of the University of Tennessee.
    • The city serves as a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains and the Appalachian region.

2. Elevation of Knoxville

Elevation of Knoxville

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  • What is elevation?
    • Elevation refers to how high or low an area is in relation to sea level.
    • It is commonly measured in feet or meters.
    • Elevation can directly affect weather conditions, with higher elevations generally resulting in lower temperatures.
  • What is the elevation of Knoxville?
    • The elevation of Knoxville is 886 feet (270 m).
    • This is lower than the national average of 2,500 feet (760 m).
    • However, it is higher than many major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.
  • What is the average elevation of Tennessee?
    • Tennessee has a relatively low mean elevation of 900 feet (274 m).
    • The state has a high elevation span of 6,466 feet (1,971 m) between its highest and lowest points.
  • What is the highest point in Tennessee?
    • The highest point in Tennessee is Clingmans Dome, located in the Great Smoky Mountains.
    • It has an elevation of 6,643 feet (2,025 m).
  • What is the lowest point in Tennessee?
    • The lowest point in Tennessee is in the Mississippi River, near the Tennessee-Mississippi border.
    • It has an elevation of 178 feet (54 m).
  • What is the highest community in Tennessee?
    • The highest unincorporated community in Tennessee is Trade, located in Johnson County at 3,100 feet (955 m).
    • The highest incorporated town or city in Tennessee is Mountain City, which has an elevation of 2,418 feet (737 m).
  • What are the elevations of major cities in Tennessee?
    • Nashville: 597 feet (182 m)
    • Memphis: 337 feet (103 m)
    • Chattanooga: 676 feet (206 m)
    • Clarksville: 476 feet (145 m)

3. Knoxville Climate, Elevation and More

Knoxville Climate, Elevation and More

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  • What is the climate like in Knoxville?
    • Knoxville has a humid subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and mild winters.
  • What is the hottest month in Knoxville?
    • The hottest month of the year is July, with average daily highs of 88°F (31°C).
  • What is the coldest month in Knoxville?
    • The coldest month is January, with average lows of 29°F (-2°C).
  • How much precipitation does Knoxville receive annually?
    • Knoxville receives over 47 inches of precipitation each year.
    • Several inches of rain fall each month, and snow can fall from December through March.
  • What attractions are in Downtown Knoxville?
    • The Downtown district features 19th-century architecture.
  • What museums and art centers are in Knoxville?
    • The city is home to key museums and art centers, including:
      • Museum of East Tennessee History
      • Knoxville Museum of Art
  • What outdoor activities are available in Knoxville?
    • Knoxville offers a variety of outdoor activities, including:
      • Fishing
      • Hiking
      • Scenic trails
      • Cycling
    • The city also has a zoo and a nature center.
  • What cultural events take place in Knoxville?
    • Knoxville hosts many live shows and cultural events throughout the year.
    • Popular events include:
      • Christmas in the City (December)
      • Knoxville Marathon

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