This marker is located in the Oak Hill Cemetery, near the grace of the flag designer…read more It reads, "In 1905 the Legislature adopted as the state flag one which was designed by Colonel Le Roy Reeves, a native and resident of Johnson City. The three stars represent the three grand divisions of Tennessee. The flag was first raised by Company F of the National Guard on October 10, 1911 during the dedication ceremonies of East Tennessee State Normal School." It is marker number 1A-86 and it was erected by the Tennessee Historical Commission. The three white stars represent the state's three grand divisions - East, Middle, and West Tennessee - but their arrangement is carefully regulated: no two stars may align parallel to the flag's edges, and the highest star must sit nearest the upper corner. This layout avoids rigid symmetry and instead suggests dynamic balance. The blue circle enclosing the stars symbolizes unity, binding the divisions into an indissoluble whole. The tri-star within the blue circle has become an unofficial logo for Tennessee. It appears in branding for state agencies, sports teams like the Tennessee Titans, and even private companies. [Review 1441 of 2025 - 579 in Tennessee - 24992 overall]

This small obelisk is standing on the grounds of the Washington County courthouse. It is a…read morefountain, though I doubt it is potable water. The memorial dates back to 1930 and is a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the town's founding in 1779. Records of the festivities are recorded by the University of Tennessee and captured in https://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/wm12NB9_Jonesborough_Sesquicentennial_Fountain_Jonesborough_TN: "The first monument to be described at the History Museum is the fountain where many residents and visitors have taken a drink on a hot summer day. The description states: "The Sesquicentennial Fountain was originally located in front of the courthouse. Constructed of five separate pieces of Crab Orchard, TN Marble, the monument is inscribed with significant dates in the history of Washington County and the town of Jonesborough. It was gifted by the State of Tennessee and Washington County and received by former Tennessee Governor Alf Taylor during the opening ceremony of the day. The fountain not only marked the history of the town, but also its progress as the public water system had just been completed the preceding year. This is why the celebration was held in 1930 instead of 1929, the actual 150th anniversary. When Courthouse Square was redesigned in 2013, the fountain was moved to the west side of the building to open up the front step area for special events." The engravings on the marker read, "Washington District 1776; the first governmental division ever named in honor of George Washington; Washington County 1777; Jonesborough established by N.C. Act of 1779 laid out 1780; Capital of State of Franklin 1784-1785; Judicial Capital Washington District. Territory South of the River Ohio 1790-1796". There is street parking nearby. [Review 93 of 2026 - 596 in Tennessee - 25283 overall]

This marker is along Watauga and there is a spot to stop and read the marker. It is next to Carver…read morePark. It has the same text on both sides. The marker reads, "On September 2, 1811, James Nelson deeded to trustees William Nelson, William Duzan, James King, Jacob Hoss and John R. Boring, 4 acres and 8 poles to be used by the Methodist Episcopal Church for a house of worship. For many years a campground for religious meetings was maintained here with a central permanent tent and many family tents. During the Civil War Col. Robert Love's 62nd N.C. Regiment, CSA used the ground as a camp." It is marker number 1A-89 and it was erected by the Tennessee Historical Commission. It does not have a date for when it was installed but it is well faded. [Review 266 of 2025 - 570 in Tennessee - 23829 overall]

On my way through Johnson City and looking for a place to get a meal, I spotted this marker and…read morestopped to read the history of this small city. There is parking nearby and restaurants. The marker reads, "The town was formerly known as Green Meadows, Blue Plum, Johnson's Depot, Haynesville, then Johnson City. It is situated on land grants of 1782 to Robert and Joseph Young and in 1792 to Joseph Tipton. The town charter was repealed in 1879, but incorporated in 1885. The name honors Henry Johnson, prominent merchant and postmaster. As industrial and educational center, it is the home of Milligan College, East Tennessee State University, and Steed College." It is marker number 1A-93 and was erected by the Tennessee Historical Commission. [Review 20376 overall - 476 in Tennessee - 1354 of 2023.]

Just a few blocks from the center of Jonesborough, this marker offers a welcome shift from the…read moreusual Southern rhythm of Colonial and Civil War history that defines so much of Tennessee's oldest town. Instead of recounting a battle or an early settlement, it pauses to honor an individual whose life stretched from enslavement to distinguished military service, and whose story links this quiet corner of Washington County to events that shaped the nation far beyond it. The marker has the same text on both sides. It reads, "Alfred Martin Ray, Buffalo Soldier. circa 1849-1917. On July 1, 1898, Lt. Ray planted the United States flag on San Juan Hill, Cuba, amid a hail of enemy bullets during the Spanish-American War. For his heroic courage in action, Ray received a battlefield promotion. He served in the U.S. Army from 1872 to 1903, first in the Indian Wars as a Buffalo Soldier (10th U.S. Cavalry, Colored), later in Cuba and the Philippines. Born a slave on the Ray farm near Jonesboro, he purchased Woodrow Avenue property in 1904. Alfred M. Ray is buried in College Hill Cemetery." It is marker number 1A-109 and it was erected by the Tennessee Historical Commission. Standing here, the story feels more immediate than a line of text can suggest. Ray's life spanned Reconstruction, westward conflict, overseas war, and the long struggle for recognition that followed. Seeing his name in Jonesborough, not far from where he was born enslaved, underscores the distance he traveled in both geography and circumstance. Having visited the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument in Wilberforce and spent time with the broader history of the regiment, this marker carries an added weight. It ties the national narrative back to a single Tennessean whose service and sacrifice deserve to be remembered in the very place his journey began. [Review 92 of 2026 - 595 in Tennessee - 25282 overall]

Just northeast of downtown, this marker offers a compact but surprisingly rich window into the…read moreearly story of Jonesboro, a place that has worn its age and significance with quiet confidence for well over two centuries. It stands along a calm stretch of road where the modern town gives way to older rhythms, and it rewards a short stop if you enjoy seeing how the earliest threads of Tennessee history were woven. It reads, "Jonesboro, Oldest Town in Tennessee. Formally established in 1779, by the General Assembly of North Carolina, as county seat of Washington County, first county west of the mountains. In 1784, the State of Franklin was organized here, with Jonesboro as its first capital." It is marker 1A-81 and it was erected by the Tennessee Historical Commission. If you're already exploring downtown or visiting the nearby courthouse, it's an easy and worthwhile detour, offering a moment to stand where some of the earliest chapters of Tennessee's civic life began. [Review 90 of 2026 - 593 in Tennessee - 25280 overall]

Erwin feels like that in‑between place, big enough to have a bit of bustle but still small enough…read morethat its history sits right out in the open, and this marker is a good example of that rhythm. It highlights a mid‑century business that once shaped the town's identity before fading into memory. The marker reads, "Beginning operations in 1917, Southern Potteries, Inc. was fostered by the Carolina, Clinchfield, and Ohio Railroad. For many years, it was one of the nation's largest producers of hand-painted-under-the-glaze pottery, sold under the name "Blue Ridge". Located on Watauga Avenue, the factory hired hundreds of local artists to paint the pottery. Department stores had their own designs, and breakfast cereals offered starter sets. In January of 1957, the board of directors voted to close the pottery. Collectors still seek out examples of this pottery from Erwin's past." It is marker number 1A-151 and it was erected by the Tennessee Historical Commission. There is room to pull over to read the marker and a large parking lot. [Review 103 of 2026 - 601 in Tennessee - 25293 overall]

The Unicoi County Library. Beautiful location. Used to be the train station for Erwin, TN, a town…read morebuilt around the railroad, so this is a historical landmark. The building was bought and donated to the county. Excellent staff. Not the largest library around, though the computers here can be used to access the collections of the Johnson City and the Bristol libraries, and books quickly delivered here, no charge, for you to check out. Also have DVDs and audio books. Friendly staff. They just added an aquarium with very large frogs in it. Pretty good selection of thrillers, including some surprises (excellent selection of Elmore Leonard) lots of classic novels, and local history. A library often visited by Appalachian trail through hikers, as Erwin is a well known trail town.