Greeneville, TN Road Trips

Greeneville is notable as the town where United States President Andrew Johnson began his political career when elected from his trade as a tailor. He and his family lived there most of his adult years. It was an area of strong abolitionist and Unionist views and yeoman farmers, an environment which influenced Johnson's outlook. Its population in 2010 was 15,000. Native Americans were hunting and camping in the Nolichucky Valley as early as the Paleo-Indian period (c. 10,000 BCE). A substantial Woodland period (1000 BCE - 1000 CE) village existed at the Nolichucky's confluence with Big Limestone Creek (now part of Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park). By the time the first Euro-American settlers arrived in the area in the late 18th century, the Cherokee claimed the valley as part of their hunting grounds. The Great Indian Warpath passed just northwest of modern Greeneville. Permanent European settlement of Greene County began in 1772. The county was named after Nathanael Greene, reflecting the loyalties of the numerous Revolutionary War veterans who settled in the Nolichucky Valley. In 1784, North Carolina attempted to resolve its debts by giving the U.S. Congress its lands west of the Appalachian Mountains, including Greene County, abandoning responsibility for the area to the federal government. In response, delegates from Greene and neighboring counties convened at Jonesborough and resolved to break away from North Carolina and establish an independent state.

1 Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, 121 Monument Ave, ☏ +1 423 638-3551. Apr-Nov: daily 9AM-4PM; Dec-Mar: W-Su 9AM-4PM. The site includes Johnson's tailor shop at the corner of Depot Street and College Street, Johnson's house on Main Street, and the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery (atop Monument Hill to the south). A replica of Johnson's birth home and a life-size statue of Johnson have been placed across the street from the visitor center and tailor shop. Free. (updated Jan 2023) Capitol of State of Franklin, 204 N College St. This is a replica of the building which is believed to have served as the capitol of the State of Franklin from 1785 until 1788 and which used to stand near the intersection of Main and Depot Streets. The Franklin Legislature, which also met there, challenged the authority of North Carolina by passing laws to levy taxes, raise a militia, establish courts, authorize the performance of marriages, and open a land office. (updated May 2020) Appalachian Caverns The "wild tour" of Appalachian Caverns can be a big thrill or a chance for your nerves to get the better of you. 2 Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park, 1400 West Gaines, Limestone, ☏ +1 931-762-9408. 7AM-sunset. (updated May 2018) James-Ben Studio & Gallery, 129 North Main Street, ☏ +1 423 787-0195. 1 Niswonger Performing Arts Center (NPAC), 212 Tusculum Blvd (I-81 Exit 23 to Greeneville, right on Main St., left on Tusculum Blvd), ☏ +1 423 638-1679, [email protected]. 9AM-5PM. Various arts, music, comedy and educational programs and shows. Varies.

Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, 101 N. College Street (on Andrew Johnson Highway, take exit saying, "11E Business, Downtown Greeneville." Make right left turn at South College Street. Then, ahead is the visitor's center), ☏ +1 423 639-3711. Free. (updated Dec 2022)

Pal's, 1357 Tusculum Blvd. Tipton's Cafe, 127 W Depot Street. Whistle Stop Cafe, 905 Erwin Hwy, Tusculum, ☏ +1 423 638-3190. The Tannery, 117 East Depot Street, ☏ +1 423-638-2772.

Hyperion Grill, 1759 E Andrew Johnson Hwy, ☏ +1 423 638-4143.

1 General Morgan Inn, 111 North Main Street, ☏ +1 423 787-1000. (updated Dec 2016) 2 Nolichuckey Bluffs, 295 Kinser Park Lane, toll-free: +1-800-842-4690. Relax in a cozy and rustic Smoky Mountain cabin. (updated Dec 2016)

U.S. Route 321 follows Main Street through the center of the town and connects Greeneville to Newport to the southwest. U.S. Route 11E (Andrew Johnson Highway), which connects Greeneville with Morristown to the west, intersects U.S. 321 in Greeneville and the merged highway proceeds northeast to Johnson City. Tennessee State Route 107, which also follows Main Street and Andrew Johnson Hwy, Greeneville to Erwin to the east and to the Del Rio area to the south. Tennessee State Route 70 (Lonesome Pine Trail) connects Greeneville with Interstate 81, and Rogersville to the north and Asheville, North Carolina to the south. Tennessee State Route 172 (Baileyton Road) connects Greeneville with Interstate 81 and Baileyton to the north. Tennessee State Route 93 (Kingsport Highway) connects Greeneville to Interstate 81, Fall Branch and Kingsport to the north. Greyhound - Offers a limited stop just to the west of town. Quik Stop #45 6736 W Andrew Johnson Blvd, Mosheim