Knoxville in Knox County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Sarah Hawkins

First Wife of Gov. John Sevier

— 1746-1780 —

Sarah Hawkins Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 10, 2019

1. Sarah Hawkins Marker

Inscription. She was the love of his youth, the inspiration of his manhood, a gallant, courageous Colonial and Revolutionary patriot. Her descendants number many notable leaders of men.
Tennessee’s first Five Star Mother
(south side)
Sarah Hawkins Sevier, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Marlin Hawkins. Born in Shenandoah County, Virginia, 1746; Died in Washington County, Tennessee, 1780. She had an unusual education and great strength of character. Married to John Sevier at fifteen, she was for the nineteen creative and formative years of his life the greatest single factor in his spectacular early rise to fame and fortune. A wise, capable understanding wife and mother who commanded her husband’s post in his absences. Made the hazardous journey down the Shenandoah Valley in Dec. 1773, with seven children under eleven years of age. The mother of ten. Giving five fighting sons to the protection and building of Tennessee. Finally giving her life during an Indian uprising.

Erected by
Sarah Hawkins Chapter, D.A.R.
Tennessee Historical Commission
and Sevier descendants

Erected by Sarah Hawkins Chapter, D.A.R., Tennessee Historical Commission, and Sevier descendants.

Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists:

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Colonial Era • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary • Women. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list.

Location. 35° 57.688′ N, 83° 54.977′ W. Marker is in Knoxville, Tennessee, in Knox County. Memorial can be reached from the intersection of Main Street Southwest and South Gay Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located on the old Knox County Courthouse grounds, near the northeast corner of the courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 Main Street Southwest, Knoxville TN 37902, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Governor John Sevier (here, next to this marker); Katherine Sherrill Sevier (here, next to this marker); Site of First Block House (a few steps from this marker); Knox County Spanish American War Monument (a few steps from this marker); Captain Charles T. McMillan II (a few steps from this marker); Knoxville (a few steps from this marker);

Sarah Hawkins Marker (<i>south side</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 10, 2019

2. Sarah Hawkins Marker (south side)

The Knoxville Girl (a few steps from this marker); C. Kermit "Buck" Ewing (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Knoxville.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Governor John Sevier, Sarah Hawkins Sevier & Katherine Sherrill Sevier

Also see . . . Sarah Hawkins Sevier: Tennessee's "forgotten heroine". Sarah Hawkins' grave has never been found, and over time historians have neglected her presence in John Sevier's life. Perhaps she died too soon for history to record the important contributions that she made to her famous spouse? John Sevier's stature within the region was only beginning to take shape when Sarah Hawkins died in 1780. In 1945, near the end of World War II, Sarah Hawkins' descendants began an effort to memorialize her as a tribute not only to her, but also by extension to women throughout our nation's history. (Submitted on June 4, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Sarah Hawkins Monument on right (<i>view from south showing adjacent monuments for Kate & John</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 10, 2019

3. Sarah Hawkins Monument on right (view from south showing adjacent monuments for Kate & John)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 631 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 3, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2, 3. submitted on June 4, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.