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

Founder of Bristol

Photographed by Don Morfe, July 31, 2013

1. Founder of Bristol Marker

Inscription. Erected in 2010 in honor of Joseph Rhea Anderson (1819-1888) who founded the original Town of Bristol, Virginia/Tennessee in 1852. Both sides of the town were given recognition on the official records of the time. He erected the first building in the town and became the first merchant, postmaster and banker. As the town grew he became a prominent business, civic and church leader and so remained throughout his lifetime. On the day before his death Anderson was nominated for Governor of Tennessee. In 1856 a group of citizens combined the original Bristol Virginia with adjoining Goodsonville to form the composite Town of Goodson. A point of confusion resulted since the depot, and for most years the post office, remained in Bristol. In 1890 all the Virginia side returned to the name Anderson had given it in 1852, was re-incorporated as such and so remains today.

Erected by City Historian of Bristol.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 2010.

Location. 36° 35.67′ N, 82° 10.338′ W. Marker is in Bristol, Tennessee, in Sullivan County. It can be reached from East Hill Cemetery Drive north of East State Street, on the left when traveling

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north. Marker is located in East Hill Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bristol TN 37620, 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: City Historian (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line in Virginia); First Burial in East Hill Cemetery (about 400 feet away in Virginia); Slave Section of East Hill Cemetery (about 400 feet away in Virginia); East Hill Cemetery Confederate Veterans Monument (about 600 feet away in Virginia); East Hill Cemetery (about 600 feet away); Evan Shelby (approx. 0.3 miles away); First Baptist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away in Virginia); Confederate Hospital (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bristol.

Photographed by Don Morfe, July 31, 2013

2. Founder of Bristol Marker

Photographed by Don Morfe, July 31, 2013

3. Founder of Bristol Marker

Grave marker of Joseph R. Anderson, Founder of Bristol

Founder of Bristol Marker, Bristol City flag, Joseph R. Anderson obelisk image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 17, 2024

4. Founder of Bristol Marker, Bristol City flag, Joseph R. Anderson obelisk

Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,050 times since then and 37 times this year. Last updated on May 5, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 4, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 4. submitted on October 17, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.