Knoxville, city in and seat of Marion County, Iowa, United States
Knoxville is a small city in Marion County, Iowa, centered around Main Street with local restaurants, breweries, and historic buildings like the Grand Theater. The Marion County Courthouse anchors the downtown, while the Knoxville Raceway sits nearby with its half-mile dirt track, along with the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum.
The area was originally home to Sac and Fox tribes until an 1842 treaty opened settlement to newcomers, and the city was founded in 1845 by Joseph Robinson and James Montgomery. In the late 1800s, railroad service and coal mining brought growth, the city was formally incorporated in 1855, and in 1921 resident Dixie Cornell Gebhardt designed the Iowa state flag here.
The city's name comes from General Henry Knox, a hero from America's fight for independence, and the main streets honor the founders Robinson and Montgomery. Today, racing culture shapes local identity, with the Knoxville Raceway drawing visitors from across the country and defining much of how the community sees itself.
The city is easily accessible from larger towns and offers simple lodging like the Super 8 motel and nearby campgrounds for visitors. The local chamber of commerce can provide information about events and attractions, and most downtown sites like the courthouse, theater, and historical village are within walking distance or a short drive.
The city is the birthplace of the Iowa state flag, designed in 1921 by resident Dixie Cornell Gebhardt and even granted a U.S. copyright. This was an extraordinary achievement for a place this size and remains a point of local pride.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
