Kingsport in Sullivan County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

The Gem Theatre

Photographed by Stanley and Terrie Howard, September 25, 2009

1. The Gem Theatre Marker

Inscription. The old Gem Theatre was one of the first buildings in downtown Kingsport. Built in 1915, this building has been used for everything from a country-western bar to a church. It was originally a movie theater that showed a variety of films including old westerns. Kingsport's own Congressman James Quillen sold tickets here. In 1994, the Downtown Kingsport Association purchased the building and later renovated it for their offices.

Erected by Downtown Kingsport Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1915.

Location. 36° 32.745′ N, 82° 33.774′ W. Marker is in Kingsport, Tennessee, in Sullivan County. It is on Main Street near Shelby Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 188 W Main St, Kingsport TN 37660, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East Tennessee

and in the Tri-Cities Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

the State of Franklin,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Kingsport Drug (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Doyle Lawson (about 300 feet away); Bank Of Kingsport (about 400 feet away); Train Depot (about 400 feet away); State Theater (about 700 feet away); Western Union Building (about 700 feet away);

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Barry Bales (approx. 0.2 miles away); Charles Wright (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kingsport.

Photographed by Stanley and Terrie Howard, September 25, 2009

2. The Gem Theatre Marker

Sculpture near the Gem Theatre Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Stanley and Terrie Howard, September 25, 2009

3. Sculpture near the Gem Theatre Marker

A plaque marker the sculpture "Embrace," near the Gem Theatre Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Stanley and Terrie Howard, September 25, 2009

4. A plaque marker the sculpture "Embrace," near the Gem Theatre Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2009, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,712 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 27, 2009, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.