Knoxville in Knox County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Gay Street
The Center of Celebrations
— Betsey Beeler Creekmore —
From that day to this, Gay Street has been Knoxville's traditional parade route. It has been the line of march for departing volunteers and for returning veterans of all wars beginning with Indian uprisings in territorial days. It has seen horse races and torchlight processions. There have been livestock parades, circus parades, U.T. Homecoming floats, Santa Claus parades, and Dogwood Arts Festival band competitions. In the past, families in new Spring finery joined the Easter Parade, and families brought costumed children to stroll the brightly lighted street on Halloween. Now Knoxville's extended family gathers for Saturday Night on the Town.
Gay Street changes with the changing times, but it remains the heart of Knoxville.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical date for this entry is July 4, 1793.
Location. 35° 57.868′ N, 83° 55.079′ W. Marker is in Knoxville, Tennessee, in Knox County. Marker is on South Gay Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is about 165 feet north of Clinch Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 531 South Gay Street, Knoxville TN 37902, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Charles Christopher Krutch (here, next to this marker); Tennessee Ernie Ford (a few steps from this marker); Gay Street and the Civil Rights Movement (a few steps from this marker); Creation of the Southeastern Conference (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of John H. Crozier Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Blount College (within shouting distance of this marker); Tennessee Theater (within shouting distance of this marker); Catherine Wiley (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Knoxville.
Also see . . . Gay Street (Knoxville). (Submitted on June 8, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 4, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 212 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 8, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 3. submitted on March 4, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.