Residents

Features of Bristol

Imagine living in a city rich with history and adventure filled with warm and welcoming people. Imagine swimming in a still lake or exploring an old Indian cave hideout. Imagine biking or hiking in one of the state's largest parks with trails winding through wilderness or along a peaceful lake.

Imagine strolling through a unique downtown full of history or taking a break at one of the outdoor cafes and listening to live music being performed at an outdoor venue as the sun sets on extraordinary storefronts along a street split between two states.

Imagine living in a wonderful city like this, everyday.

History

Bristol was incorporated in 1856, and is nestled in the mountains of northeastern Tennessee. It is 100 miles east of Knoxville and occupies land area of 32 square miles with a population of 25,500. Recognized as an All-American City, Bristol is a beautiful and peaceful community where you will find a quality of life that supports all ages from children to retirees. Bristol has a brand new public library featuring over 150,000 books for all ages to enjoy. It also has a highly acclaimed school system, an acknowledged medical center and an exceptionally low crime rate.

Birthplace of Country Music

Bristol was declared by the U.S. Congress as the Birthplace of Country Music and is known world wide as the "Big Bang of Country Music". In 1927 Ralph Peer of RCA came to Bristol and made the first recordings of the Carter Family, Jimmy Rogers, and the Stoneman Family. The city remains true to its roots by keeping music alive with performances most nights in the historic downtown and with the Rhythm and Roots Reunion Festival in September of each year.

Bristol Motor Speedway

One cannot hear the name Bristol without thinking about the world's fastest half mile race track at Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway. With its 160,000 seats, Bristol becomes one of the state's largest cities twice a year during the spring and fall races.