Tennessee's Storytelling Capital of the World

Eastern Tennessee is one of the most beautiful regions within the United States; the Appalachian Mountains help define this area, offering awesome mountain views. Eastern Tennessee also lends itself to American folklore, fairy tales, and fascinating mythology that contribute to the American story. Jonesborough reflects Appalachian culture and relays America's history as the Storytelling Capital of the World.

Jonesborough's tradition is renowned; it draws in vast numbers of visitors with its annual storytelling events, attractions, and the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountain Range. Jonesborough's famous elements include an endangered animal zoo, a tradition among American presidents, and landmark craftsmanship. Jonesborough also has museums that closely document the region's history.

Storytelling

Storytelling is an ancient aspect of social community. The oldest written narratives, for example The Epic of Gilgamesh or the Torah, began as oral traditions passed down through storytellers. As both an ancient human instinct and modern performance art, the flame of storytelling burns brightly today at the International Storytelling Center and the National Storytelling Festival, both located in Jonesborough, Tennessee.

In Jonesborough, one can experience stories in packed rooms during the National Storytelling Festival, held annually in early October. This event provides more than 300 hours of performances in large tents spread throughout Jonesborough. The festival is a three-day event, but visitors can purchase tickets for one, two, or three days, depending on their budget. There are after-hours tickets for late-night stories for those who just can't get enough of the festival. Speaking of October and late nights, the festival also has a horror aspect. Ghost story hour is held on the first and second days of the event.

If one can’t visit during October, there are other ways to experience these stories firsthand, such as by visiting the International Storytelling Center, or the ISC. The ISC is located right in the middle of the historic downtown area. From May through October, 26 storytellers perform Tuesday through Saturday. Visitors can also check out the Jonesborough Storytellers Guild, which holds events weekly.

The International Storytelling Center is dedicated to preserving all sorts of narratives, including those often forgotten. The center sponsors a series alongside the National Endowment for the Humanities called Freedom Stories that highlights the experiences of African Americans in Appalachia, including heartbreak, struggles, and joy. The best stories are not always the happiest, but they showcase humanity's unbreakable spirit.

History

Jonesborough's origins are complex but interesting. Established in 1779 as part of North Carolina, Jonesborough is the oldest town in Tennessee. A year later, town residents joined John Sevier’s Over-Mountain Men to fight the British at the Battle of King's Mountain during the American Revolution.

The independent-minded residents of Eastern Tennessee attempted to form their own state, known as the State of Franklin, with Jonesborough as its capital. The State of Franklin was an autonomous territory that existed from 1784 to 1788, created by settlers in East Tennessee seeking their own governance. However, the Union never recognized this state, and in 1790, North Carolina reclaimed the area. Despite this, residents never forgot about the Lost State of Franklin; its legacy still resonates today.

By 1796, Tennessee was the 16th state of the Union, and Jonesborough became a favorite of U.S. presidents. Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson, and James K. Polk all stayed at the historic Chester Inn. The town also had an early history of agitation for the abolition of the slave trade. Abolitionist Elihu Embree published the periodical The Emancipator at today historic Jacob Howard’s print shop.

Despite Tennessee’s entry into the Confederacy, the town voted against secession and, as a result, saw families torn apart by the Civil War. Like many places in the South, it would witness a struggle for equal rights by African Americans. In a significant milestone, Ernest McKinny became the first African American elected to the Jonesborough Board of Mayor and Aldermen in 1968.

Attractions

Even Jonesborough's popular attractions have rich stories to share. At the Chester Inn Museum, you'll discover a diorama depicting the town in the 1850s, an exhibit on the Lost State of Franklin, and a charming Victorian parlor and dining area upstairs. Children will delight in the museum's scavenger hunt and the historical building coloring book.

For more family-friendly fun, one of the nearby attractions is Brights Zoo, located in Limestone, TN, home to endangered species like scimitar-horned oryx, Bactrian camels,pandas and spider monkeys.Visitors can get up close and personal with penguins through the Penguin Encounter or enjoy playtime in Oliver's Sandbox.

Outdoors

The mountainous region around Jonesborough inspires the human spirit and fuels tales of bravery, adventure, and mystery. Visitors can tap into this inspiration by exploring Jonesborough's walking trails and parks. The town is highly walkable, with many paths accessible directly from the historic downtown area. The Lost State Scenic Walkway (named after the Lost State of Franklin) traverses the downtown area, passing the Chester Inn Museum and the 19th-century Old Jonesborough Cemetery, leading to multiple parks, including the Wetlands Water Park with its lazy river and water slides, and Persimmon Ridge Park.

Persimmon Ridge Park, in particular, features a 2.8-mile loop trail through the woods, a favorite among local hikers, bikers, runners, and dog walkers. Its connection to the Lost State Scenic Walkway allows one to spend an entire day strolling through Jonesborough and imagining what it might have been like if this town had become the center of a new state. Although Franklin may be lost, it is far from forgotten, as reflected in the walkway's name.

Shopping

If you want to bring some of that storytelling spirit back home, one of the best ways is to purchase a souvenir or keepsake. Thankfully, Jonesborough boasts a variety of local businesses selling unique items.

One such place is the Crafty Peddler, a store offering folk art, baskets, jewelry, and home decor housed in a former saloon built in 1888. Another great example is the Doll House, known for its collection of old and new dolls from brands like Raggedy Ann, Ashton-Drake, Precious Moments, Beanie Babies, and more.

If you visit during the Storytelling Festival, you can buy merchandise such as t-shirts, sweaters, cups, or books and journals written by the storytellers themselves. These items are also available at the International Storytelling Center.

Conclusion

Jonesborough is a hidden treasure in Tennessee for those with a taste for Americana. With its dedication to storytelling, visitors can sit back and enjoy an ancient tradition that has been overshadowed in many places by the proliferation of technology.