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

S.H. Kress Building

— Elizabethton Walking Tour —

Photographed by Mark Parker, February 12, 2026

1. S.H. Kress Building Marker

Inscription. S. H. Kress & Co. was the trading name of a chain of "five and dime" retail department stores in the United States, established by Samuel Henry Kress, which operated from 1896 to 1981. The Kress chain was known for the architecture of its buildings. (Marker Number 16.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.

Location. 36° 20.861′ N, 82° 13.034′ W. Marker is in Elizabethton, Tennessee, in Carter County. It is on East Elk Avenue east of Elm Street, on the left when traveling east. The marker is attached to the storefront to the left of the main entrance under the awning. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 423 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,

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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: Veterans Walkway and Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Elizabethton Carter County Veterans Walk of Honor (within shouting distance of this marker); Distinguished Service Cross Recipients from Carter County (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 60 Missing in Action and Prisoners of War from Carter County (about 300 feet away); Boone Trail Highway (about 500 feet away); Ritz Theater (about 600 feet away); Public Library (approx. 0.2 miles away); Samuel Tipton (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elizabethton.

More about this marker. The Kress building currently houses Nunley's Furniture Plaza.

Regarding S.H. Kress Building. Further information about the site from the Elizabethton Walking Tour brochure

Samuel H. Kress envisioned his stores

Full view of S.H. Kress Building. Marker left of the main entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, February 12, 2026

2. Full view of S.H. Kress Building. Marker left of the main entrance

as works of public art that would contribute to the cityscape. A number of former Kress stores are recognized as architectural landmarks and many are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Kress emblem at the top of the building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, February 12, 2026

3. Kress emblem at the top of the building

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 51 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 19, 2026, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.