Our tour of South Knoxville continues down the infamous Chapman Highway. As we continue our weekly journey, I do want to give credit for most of my “tour” information to the Knoxville History Project.
Let’s continue down Chapman Highway, a road built in the early 1930s to connect Knoxville to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is named for Col. David Chapman (1876-1944).
Chapman was a not only a pharmaceutical executive and a Spanish-American War veteran but also a hiker-conservationist who became known as the Father of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Chapman Highway has been traveled by thousands but probably none as famous as when in 1940 a presidential motorcade carried Franklin D. Roosevelt and his entourage down Chapman to a dedication ceremony at Newfound Gap in the Smokies, attended by thousands. For many years, Chapman Highway was the real Gateway to the Smokies, with dozens of motels, restaurants and gift shops aimed at those driving to the most popular national park in America.
Immediately to the right after you cross the bridge is the building that housed the Smoky Mountain Market. No longer open, it remains a South Knoxville landmark. For a great story on its history, see Beth Kinnane’s article from January 24 in Our Town Stories.
Almost hidden from view on the left of Chapman Highway (behind Shoney’s), there is a hill that was the site of Union Fort Stanley, an important defensive fort in 1863. Some of the lines are just perceptible as furrows in woods behind. As we move on down Chapman, we come to Kern’s Bread building next week! What a story it has to tell.
Covenant Health South is open
Congratulations to Covenant Health and the medical professionals who are locating in the new Covenant Health South facility, located on Chapman Highway at Mountain Grove Drive. The ribbon-cutting was Friday, March 3. The facility will provide urgent care, primary care, imaging and diagnostics, physical and occupational therapy, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and specialized medical care. Info here.
Stanley’s Easter Egg Hunt
Mark your calendar for this fun event on Saturday, April 8, starting at 9 a.m. at Stanley’s Greenhouse. Find an Easter egg and get 10 percent off your purchase, a free plant or another prize. Only one egg per customer please, so as many people as possible can join in the fun. The Easter egg event will be in effect all day – or until we run out of Easter eggs!
Susan Espiritu is the ultimate optimist who wants to share amusing, uplifting, optimistic and entertaining stories from your neighbors and youth! Send them to susan@knoxtntoday.com