Bristol

Bristol is a town in Sullivan County in northeastern Tennessee, sitting 511 meters above sea level. It covers 85 square kilometers (33 square miles) and directly borders its sister town of the same name in Virginia.

The town received official incorporation in 1856 and grew as a major rail hub. In 1927, recording sessions held here were later recognized as the birthplace of country music.

The state of Tennessee shares this town with Virginia along a single central street, creating two separate municipal governments. Visitors today see shops and buildings that literally sit in both states at once.

The local school district runs public schools, while King University and Graham Bible College offer higher education. Visitors find most facilities and shops along the main street, which marks the state line.

The main street carries a painted line on the pavement that marks exactly where Tennessee ends and Virginia begins. Pedestrians can literally stand with one foot in each state at the same time.

Location: Sullivan County

Inception: 1856

Elevation above the sea: 511 m

Website: https://bristoltn.org

GPS coordinates: 36.56914,-82.19749

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:34