Exploring historical maps can send you down a fascinating rabbit hole—especially when you're trying to trace streets that existed before the interstate reshaped the city.
Fortunately, the Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection at the East Tennessee History Center offers thousands of maps to explore—on walls, in books, online, and by request.
The collection spans Knoxville, East Tennessee, Southern Appalachia, and beyond, covering nearly every kind of map you can imagine. Whether you're researching your grandmother's old neighborhood, tracking the evolution of downtown Knoxville, or studying Tennessee before it became a state, there’s something here for every history enthusiast.
The 1891 Cherokee addition map of what is now Sequoyah Hills is particularly interesting. It shows an early plan for the neighborhood, and it's nothing like the current layout. Careful of that rabbit hole!
In this edition of the McClung Minute, we’re highlighting a few standout maps. Dive into our online collection and start your journey through time.