Knoxville was first settled in 1786, becoming the first state capital of Tennessee. Throughout the early 19th century, Knoxville struggled with geographic isolation. This affected its development rate significantly. However, the arrival of the railroad in 1855 led to a major economic boom in the city. Even though there was steady development in the 1860s, the city experienced various challenges. For instance, Knoxville was bitterly divided over the secession issue in the course of the American Civil War. During this time, it was occupied alternatively by Union and Confederate armies. The build-up of weapons culminated in the Battle of Fort Sanders in 1863. After the end of the war, Knoxville experienced significant development as it became a major manufacturing and wholesaling center. With many people moving into the city, real estate for sale in Knoxville, Tennessee was in high demand. However, in the 1920s, Knoxville experienced economic stagnation as the manufacturing industry collapsed. Most of the city leaders became entrenched in political fights as the downtown area failed economically. Knoxville went through a tough economic period for several years up to 1952, when normalcy resumed. Knoxville found a major economic breakthrough by hosting the 1982 World's Fair. This event helped reinvigorate the city, restoring its former glory as a major economic hub in Tennessee. Revitalization efforts by private developers and city leaders also had a huge impact on Knoxville's economy. During this time, the city experienced significant changes, especially in the downtown area. New structures were also built in the city, significantly improving its cityscape.

Knoxville has a lot of things you can do and see. There is more to it than just being a convenient academic marvel and pit stop. The World's Fair Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Knoxville. Conveniently set at the heart of Knoxville's downtown, this enormous green space was the fairgrounds of the inaugural 1982 World's Fair. Currently, the park serves as a major public park and a top attraction in Tennessee. With scenic walkways and gorgeous lawns, this is a great place especially if you love photography. Even better, the park has a laid-back oasis where you can relax after a busy day.

Zoo Knoxville is another great attraction in Knoxville. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best places to visit with your child. From gigantic giraffes to extremely exclusive red pandas, there is access to a plethora of captivating creatures that both adults and kids will love. You can let your child ride the Zoo Choo Train while you feed the elegant giraffes. There is also a camel ride at the zoo, giving you a wild and unforgettable experience.