Historic Dandridge, Tennessee

In Jefferson County, Tennessee lies a quaint small town named Dandridge. It lies at the foothills of the Great Smokey Mountains. Jefferson County is known for its history and Dandridge is no exception. To commemorate this richness, part of the downtown area around the courthouse is now known as Historic Dandridge and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The city is named for Martha Dandridge Washington wife of President George Washington. The town of Dandridge was established in 1783 and is the second oldest city in Tennessee. Downtown, the Jefferson County Courthouse maintains an exhibit area of items that date back to the early days of the county. The courthouse itself was built in 1845.

It was at the courthouse that a marriage bond was issued for the famous explorer Davy Crockett to marry Margaret Elder. A year later, Crockett married someone else in Jefferson County. However, the document is deemed to be an important part of the history of Jefferson County and has been preserved.

My family used to live in Jefferson County. We came to love the area and the rich history. My daughters were young and had the benefit of several high quality teachers while we lived there.

Dandridge sits on the banks of the stunning Douglas Lake reservoir. This helps give the town a tourism boost. Visitors to this town not only enjoy history but spectacular scenery and outdoor activities.

Overlooking the lake at the edge of the historic area is a parking area and picnic tables. Visitors to the downtown area can sit here and enjoy a picnic lunch while relaxing in the East Tennessee Mountains. There is plenty of street parking available and several restaurants are in the downtown area.

When making plans for lunch there is one dining spot that visitors will not want to miss. This is the old-fashioned Tinsley-Bible Drugstore.

Highway 92 is the main highway that leads from the interstate through Dandridge. It makes a right turn directly into the center of town. Take it this right turn and head toward the center of town. Tinsley-Bible Drugstore is on the left as you head into downtown Dandridge. (If you come to the 4 way stop in front of the river you have passed it.)

At the drugstore you can go in and enjoy a by-gone era of simpler times. This drugstore still has a soda fountain. It has been said by some that the best milkshakes in Jefferson County are served right here at Tinsley-Bible. A plain hot dog and a can of icy cold Coca-Cola will set you back about $2. A root beer float is only $2.99 and is the perfect treat for a warm summer day. Just don't forget to tip the counter ladies. They appreciate it.

After you leave Tinsley-Bible Drugstore be sure to drive through the rest of the town. There are two quilt squares hanging in and just off of the historic area. These are part of the Jefferson County Quilt Trail. The quilt squares add beauty and help bring visitors into Dandridge and other parts of Jefferson County. A full list of quilt trail sites can be found here.

A virtual tour of Historic Dandridge is online at this link.

There are 37 sites to see in Historic Dandridge and two quilt squares. Accommodations are available at several motels near I-40 about 10 miles from downtown. The town of Dandridge, Tennessee is located off of I-40 at exit 417.

For more information about historic Dandridge, Tennessee please contact the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce at 865-397-9642.

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Sources
Personal Experience
Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
Town of Dandridge
Carson Newman College