Kingsport

Kingsport sits along the Holston River at 369 meters elevation and forms the center of the Kingsport-Bristol metro area. The settlement spans parts of Sullivan and Hawkins counties in northeastern Tennessee.

The area was founded in 1822 as a shipping point on the Holston River and developed into a transport hub for freight moving downstream to Knoxville. In the early 20th century, planner John Nolen redesigned it following garden city principles.

The name recalls its former role as a river port along the Holston, where goods once changed hands. Today locals gather in downtown parks or stop by shops that serve as meeting points for the community.

The local transit system, Kingsport Area Transit Service, connects different parts of town, with minivan routes and Dial-A-Ride options available. Downtown areas are walkable, while outlying destinations require a car or public transport.

John Nolen designed the layout following garden city concepts, separating residential areas, business districts, and industrial zones into distinct sections. This planning from the 1910s still shapes the overall layout and spatial order today.

Location: Sullivan County

Location: Hawkins County

Inception: 1822

Elevation above the sea: 369 m

Website: https://kingsporttn.gov

GPS coordinates: 36.55025,-82.55944

Latest update: December 12, 2025 23:36