Elizabethton in Carter County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Ritz Theater

— Elizabethton Walking Tour —

Photographed by Mark Parker, February 12, 2026

1. Ritz Theater Marker

Inscription. Originally one of four movie theaters in downtown Elizabethton, this building was constructed in the late 1920's by local building contractor, Thomas Construction Company. The Art Nouveau style building is the only one of its type in Elizabethton. (Marker Number 15.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings.

Location. 36° 20.876′ N, 82° 12.922′ W. Marker is in Elizabethton, Tennessee, in Carter County. It is on East Elk Avenue west of North Sycamore Street, on the left when traveling east. The marker is attached to the brick storefront to the left of the main entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 527 E Elk Ave, Elizabethton TN 37643, 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

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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: Elizabethton Carter County Veterans Walk of Honor (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Veterans Walkway and Monument (about 300 feet away); Distinguished Service Cross Recipients from Carter County (about 400 feet away); 60 Missing in Action and Prisoners of War from Carter County (about 400 feet away); Public Library (about 400 feet away); Samuel Tipton (about 400 feet away); Betsy Walkway (about 400 feet away); City of Elizabethton Bicentennial (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elizabethton.

Regarding Ritz Theater. Further information about the site from the Elizabethton Walking Tour brochure

Note the masks of comedy and tragedy and the decorative pattern in the concrete.

Ritz Theater Marker near the main entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, February 12, 2026

2. Ritz Theater Marker near the main entrance

Full view of the Birchfiel Building, former home of Ritz Theater image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, February 12, 2026

3. Full view of the Birchfiel Building, former home of Ritz Theater

"Birchfiel" inscription at the top of the building. Note comedy/ drama masks by the windows image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, February 12, 2026

4. "Birchfiel" inscription at the top of the building. Note comedy/ drama masks by the windows

Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2026, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 63 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 19, 2026, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.