Reviewed by Jeanne
As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, it’s a good time
to also reflect on our local origins. Piney Flats is at the center of some of that
history: it was the first seat of government for the Southwest Territory in
1790 when Tennessee Governor William Blount had his headquarters here until
moving to Knoxville in 1792.
Many may be familiar with Rocky Mount, where pioneer William
Cobb built a house that is now a popular tourist site. Other familiar names show up in Piney Flats
history, including King, Masengill, and DeVault. Less familiar to me was the name Wolfe, so I
was intrigued to learn that about the furniture factory set up by the Wolfe
Brothers. Their primary product was customized church furniture.
The book is entertainingly written as well as being a wealth
of information, and well-illustrated with photographs. There are some brief
family histories, as well as information about businesses, churches, schools,
and other local attractions such as Bristol Motor Speedway and Boone Dam. Sorrells received the “Project Excellence
Award” from the East Tennessee Historical Society for this book, and it’s easy
to see why.
If you have any interest in local history, this may be a book
for you!
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