James White Fort Association, Knoxville

About James White Fort Association

James White's Fort in downtown Knoxville preserves the 1786 log cabin of James White, the founder of Knoxville. Visitors tour the original two-story residence and the stockade-enclosed compound that White built to protect his family and domesticated animals including horses, cows, pigs and sheep. The self-guided tour includes a printed guide provided at admission. Hands-on interpretation allows visitors to experience frontier life through open hearth cooking, blacksmithing and spinning demonstrations. The Fort hosts special events throughout the year including Knoxville Homecoming, Statehood Day, HearthScares Ghost Tours, an Annual Halloween Bash and Christmas Open House. The site attracts more than 10,000 visitors annually who learn about White's negotiations with Cherokee Indians, his role in establishing the town, and his prominent descendants including a U.S. Senator and Tennessee Williams the playwright. The Fort offers free parking and lies within walking distance of Market Square and other downtown attractions.