Stories in the Smokies

Notes from Alex: Discovering East Tennessee

Exploring the history, lore, and beauty of East Tennessee

I had the opportunity to live in Parrottsville, Tennessee, a small community about 90 minutes east of Knoxville and just 20 miles west of the North Carolina border. During that time, I learned a great many things about the area—and quickly realized how rich it is in American history.

East Tennessee is a region full of stories. From Civil War sites to old legends and ghost tales, the past lingers in the hills and valleys. Some of those stories are good, some are great, and some remind us of harder times—but together they weave a picture of a land shaped by generations of people and events.

We lived right by the Great Smoky Mountains, a place of breathtaking beauty, and just a stone’s throw from the Appalachian Trail. The mountains themselves hold countless stories—of settlers, soldiers, families, and wanderers—all layered into the history and lore of the region.

If you ever have the chance, I encourage you to visit East Tennessee. Walk its trails, breathe in the mountain air, listen to the stories, and discover the history for yourself. The region has so much to offer for anyone who is curious.