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

Speedway Circle

Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 24, 2021

1. Speedway Circle Marker

Inscription. Speedway Circle traces the route of Cal Johnson’s Racetrack, a half-mile oval famous for horse racing, from ca. 1897 to 1915. Born enslaved, Calvin F. Johnson (1844-1925) became one of Knoxville’s most creative businessmen, owning real estate and a chain of saloons. A horseman and ultimately one of the state’s wealthiest African American businessmen, he developed this track. In 1910, Johnson’s Racetrack accommodated Knoxville’s first airplane landing. Later, it saw early automobile races. The track was redeveloped in 1926 for houses.

Erected 2020 by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 1E 135.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Air & Space • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1897.

Location. 36° 0.009′ N, 83° 52.446′ W. Marker is in Knoxville, Tennessee, in Knox County. Marker is at the intersection of Holston Drive and Speedway Circle, on the right when traveling east on Holston Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4041 Holston Dr, Knoxville TN 37914, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured

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as the crow flies. Buffat Mill (approx. 1.7 miles away); Alfred Buffat Homeplace (approx. 2 miles away); First African American Church (approx. 2 miles away); Odd Fellows Cemetery (approx. 2.2 miles away); Knoxville (approx. 2.2 miles away); Magnolia Avenue History (approx. 2.3 miles away); Ruth Cobb Brice (approx. 2.3 miles away); Confederate Cemetery (approx. 2.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Knoxville.

Also see . . .
1. Off to the Races: Cal Johnson's track from slavery to speedways. (Submitted on July 25, 2021, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)
2. Cal Johnson (businessman). (Submitted on July 25, 2021, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 24, 2021

2. Speedway Circle Marker

Cal Johnson Mural image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 24, 2021

3. Cal Johnson Mural

Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2021, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,188 times since then and 246 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 25, 2021, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.