News Summary
Gay Street in Knoxville boasts a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s, once bustling with businesses and activities. This thoroughfare has witnessed numerous significant events, including the Million Dollar Fire and the return of Civil War veterans. The area has evolved over the years, with landmarks like the East Tennessee National Bank and Miller’s Department Store marking its architectural heritage. The Knoxville History Project aims to preserve and promote the historical significance of this vibrant street.
Knoxville – The colorful history of Gay Street in Knoxville has unraveled through a rich tapestry of vibrant street life dating back to the late 1800s. An installment of the “Ghost Walking” series by Paul James from the Knoxville History Project offers a glimpse into this historic thoroughfare, particularly at the intersection of Gay Street and Union Avenue. This section of Knoxville was once a bustling hub filled with an array of businesses including jewelers, music shops, movie theaters, and department stores.
The East Tennessee National Bank, established in 1872, emerged as a key player in Knoxville’s financial landscape, quickly gaining significance by 1885. Its first president was R.C. Jackson, likely named after Major Richard Jackson, after whom Jackson Avenue is named. Two future Knoxville mayors, Joseph Jaques and Reuben Payne, also served as presidents of the bank. The bank attracted notable citizens such as Vice President William Wallace Woodruff, who owned a nearby hardware and furniture store. The name of the store still graces the Downtown Grill & Brewery’s awning today.
In the 1930s, the East Tennessee National Bank was rebranded as Park National Bank, reflecting local enthusiasm for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The bank’s building underwent reconstruction in the early 1970s and is now the site of the Embassy Suites Hotel.
Welcoming patrons and passersby just south of the bank was Hope Brothers Jewelers, which housed an elaborate street clock that now resides at Lilou Brasserie. The area also welcomed thousands of veterans in 1890 during a significant Blue-Gray reunion, marking their first return to Knoxville since the Civil War. This event was marked by lavish decorations, with buildings around Gay and Union decorated with banners to celebrate the occasion.
Tragedy struck on April 8, 1897, when the Million Dollar Fire consumed much of the 400 block on the east side of Gay Street and the west side of State Street. Young photographer Jim Thompson documented the blaze and its aftermath, capturing the intense destruction as well as the resilience of the city recovering from the disaster.
By the turn of the 20th century, around 1905, the intersection of Gay Street and Union Avenue was alive with activity. Crowds of pedestrians, horse-drawn vehicles, and early motorcars filled the streets, while hack cabs were available for hire. City ordinances established a standard fare of 25 cents within city limits, which was the focus of the Knox County Humane Society’s concerns regarding the welfare of the horses used for transport.
In 1903, Miller’s Department Store opened and quickly expanded into surrounding buildings. Remarkably, in 1905, plans were announced to demolish a building nearby. Miller’s remodeling involved a grand Beaux-Arts structure showcased with striking Greek-style Caryatids adorning its exterior. Since the late 1990s, efforts to restore the building’s original design have taken place, marking the beginning of a revitalization of downtown Knoxville.
Acknowledging the city’s heritage and historical preservation efforts underlines the importance of maintaining Knoxville’s architectural legacy. The layers of history along Gay Street intertwine notable inhabitants and events that contributed to the vibrant character of the area. The Knoxville History Project aims to enhance public awareness and appreciation of Knoxville’s historical landmarks and narratives, reflecting the ongoing journey of the city’s evolution.
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Additional Resources
- Inside of Knoxville: Ghost Walking Gay Street at Union
- Google Search: Knoxville history
- Inside of Knoxville: Ghost Walking Market Square
- Wikipedia: Gay Street (Knoxville)
- Knox News: Most Haunted Spots in Knoxville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Haunted places in Tennessee
- Inside of Knoxville: Ghost Walking a Section of Walnut Street
- Google News: Haunted locations Tennessee
