Jonesborough

Jonesborough is a town in northeastern Tennessee situated at 516 meters elevation, with multiple preserved buildings from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. These structures line Main Street and reflect the architectural character of the town's early period.

Founded in 1779, the town became the capital of the State of Franklin in 1784 during a period when the region attempted to establish independence. This brief but significant moment shaped the town's place in regional history.

The International Storytelling Center shapes the town's cultural life through the National Storytelling Festival each October, bringing performers and audiences from around the world. This event has established the place as a hub for preserving and sharing oral traditions across cultures.

The downtown area is easily walkable and the buildings along Main Street are readily accessible. Visitors can take their time to explore the facades and details of the historical structures at a comfortable pace.

Elihu Embree published the Manumission Intelligencer in 1819, the first American periodical dedicated exclusively to opposing slavery. This early publication made the town a center for abolitionist thought in the United States.

Location: Washington County

Inception: 1779

Elevation above the sea: 516 m

Website: http://jonesboroughtn.org

GPS coordinates: 36.29417,-82.47250

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:29