Knoxville might not be the first place coming to mind when thinking of the Civil War. Gettysburg, Antietam, Shiloh, Vicksburg, and so many more sites loom large in our memory. But Knoxville has its own story. It was a divided city, in a divided state, in a divided country. Streets, buildings, and even quiet green spaces carry the imprint of a city that was deeply divided during the conflict. In fact, East Tennessee experienced what many historians call a “war within a war,” as Union and Confederate loyalties split families, neighborhoods, and entire communities.
If you want to understand that story, the best way is to follow the path laid out in the Divided Loyalties Civil War Driving Tour—a self-guided journey through some of the most significant sites in and around Knoxville.
Here’s a visitor-friendly guide to the most compelling stops from that brochure—and why they still matter.
East Tennessee History Center: Housed in a former federal building, this is the intellectual starting point for understanding Knoxville’s Civil War story. Exhibits explore how East Tennesseans were torn between Union and Confederate allegiances, often within the same family. It’s not just boring military history and tactical battle strategy, it’s a story that's social, emotional, and deeply human.
Blount Mansion: Just steps away, this elegant home became entangled in wartime intrigue. During the war, Confederate spy Belle Boyd stayed here, mingling with officers and gathering intelligence. It’s a reminder that espionage and politics were as much a part of Knoxville’s story as battlefield action.
Bijou Theatre (Lamar House): After the Union occupation in 1863, it became a hospital and the place where Union General William P. Sanders died after being mortally wounded in a battle less than a few miles west in this very spot. Today, you can catch a show here, but the walls have seen far more dramatic performances.
Knoxville was surrounded by a ring of earthwork fortifications—16 in total—designed to protect Union forces during the 1863 campaign.
Fort Dickerson Park: One of the best-preserved examples, this fort offers a tangible sense of Civil War defenses. It was part of the Union line that successfully repelled Confederate forces during the Knoxville Campaign. Today, walking the trails here feels like stepping directly into a battlefield landscape.
Fort Higley (High Ground Park): Perched above the Tennessee River, this site features remaining earthworks and sweeping views. It’s easy to see why it was strategically important—and why control of Knoxville mattered so much.
Volunteer Landing: While not a fort, the Tennessee River (then commonly called the Holston in this context) was critical for supply lines. A famous story from the brochure recounts a message in a bottle warning Union forces of a Confederate plan—giving them time to defend a crucial pontoon bridge. Whether legend or fact, it reflects how fragile and inventive wartime communication could be.
Homes that became headquarters, hospitals, and battlegrounds
Mabry-Hazen House: This house witnessed both Union and Confederate occupation and sits near key fortifications. It offers one of the most immersive experiences of the Knoxville Campaign.
Bleak House (Confederate Memorial Hall): Associated with the death of General Sanders, this site connects directly to one of the most pivotal moments leading up to the Siege of Knoxville.
Campbell’s Station Inn (Avery Russell House): Just outside Knoxville in Farragut, this inn became a temporary hospital after the Battle of Campbell’s Station in 1863. No visit to Farragut would be complete without a stop to the Farragut Museum, named after the admiral from this area who declared the famous phrase, "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" at the Battle of Mobile Bay. It's home to some of Admiral Farragut's own pieces and a collection of scrimshaw (the art of engraving, carving, or painting intricate designs onto ivory, bone, or teeth).
Knoxville wasn’t the largest battlefield of the Civil War—but it may be one of the most emotionally complex.
The region largely opposed secession, yet contained strong Confederate support
Civilians faced raids, shortages, and violence from both sides
The city changed hands and endured siege conditions
Even after the war, divisions lingered for years
Visiting Civil War sites in Knoxville isn’t about checking off battlefields. It’s about tracing the fault lines of a community pulled apart and slowly put back together. Follow the driving tour. Walk the forts. Stand in the cemetery. As you move from site to site, you'll feel this tension—this divided loyalty—what makes Knoxville’s Civil War sites so compelling.
Author
Kristen Combs
Kristen Combs is the Director of Communications & Social Strategies for Visit Knoxville. With an extensive knowledge of Knoxville as a tourist destination, Kristen is also the author of 100 Things to Do in Knoxville Before You Die, published by Reedy Press and available in the Visitors Center Gift Shop. Find Kristen on Instagram at @100thingsknoxville.
