Bristol in Sullivan County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Civil War In Tennessee
Taking the Great Valley
Photographed by Larry Gertner, June 15, 2019
1. Civil War In Tennessee - Taking the Great Valley Marker
The Great Valley of Tennessee, the Southern Appalachian breadbasket, stretches from Bristol to Chattanooga and with its major turnpikes and railroads was strategically vital to both North and South during the war.
The better half of the little town of Blountville (Exit 69) was destroyed in a bloody battle on September 22, 1863. Confederate Gen. Alfred. E. Jackson, a native of Jonesborough (Exit 50), controlled the town until late in September 1864. Limestone, where in September 1863 Jackson defeated the 100th Ohio Infantry for control of the railroad, is to the south.
Greeneville (Exit 36) was the center of Tennessee Unionism and home to President Andrew Johnson; the Andrew Johnson National Monument is located there. The Battle of Blue Springs happened nearby in 1863. A year later, a downtown firefight filled Confederate Gen. John Hunt Morgan.
Bulls Gap (Exit 23) was a key railroad junction where Confederate Gen. John C. Breckenridge pushed Union Gen. Alvan C. Gillems forces back toward Knoxville in November 1863. Gen. James Longstreets restored headquarters is located to the west in Russellville, where his
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Follow the route of the armies along the Tennessee Civil War Trails. Colorful markers at each stop tell the story of the wars interesting people, places, and events. A free map guide to the Tennessee Trails network is available in the Welcome Center. Please drive carefully as you enjoy the beauty and history of the Tennessee Civil War Trails.
Erected by Tennessee Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #17 Andrew Johnson, and the Tennessee Civil War Trails series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is September 22, 1863.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 36° 35.694′ N, 82° 14.822′ W. Marker was in Bristol, Tennessee, in Sullivan County. It was on Interstate 81 one mile south of U.S. 58, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 10749 I-81, Bristol TN 37620, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was in East Tennessee and in the
Photographed by Larry Gertner, June 15, 2019
2. The Tennessee Welcome Center
I-81 South, near the Virginia border. A "Blue Star Memorial Highway" marker is visible.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: Tennessee Civil War Trails (here, next to this marker); AMVETS Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Bristol (approx. 0.4 miles away in Virginia); Steel-Seneker Houses (approx. 2.2 miles away); Ralph S. Peer (approx. 3.3 miles away); Bristol, Tenn-VA/Birthplace/Country Music (approx. 3.3 miles away); Solar Hill/Sycamore Street (approx. 3.4 miles away in Virginia); King/Lancaster/McCoy/Mitchell House (approx. 3.4 miles away in Virginia). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bristol.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Birthplace of Country Music (was
Photographed by Larry Gertner, June 15, 2019
3. Civil War In Tennessee - Taking the Great Valley marker
Near the Welcome Center main entrance.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New CWT Marker At This Location titled "Tennessee Civil War Trails".
Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 14, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 855 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 14, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
