Introduction to Bristol, Tennessee
Bristol, Tennessee, in Sullivan county, is 21 miles NE of Johnson City, Tennessee and 121 miles NW of Charlotte, North Carolina. The city benefits from easy access to the nearby cities and towns that it shares the Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol metropolitan area with.
Bristol History
Bristol is located in Sullivan County. It is said that the city was named after Bristol, England. Bristol was formerly known as Sapling Grove. In 1852, Joseph R. Anderson laid out a plot of land of about 100 acres as the original town of Bristol. The official incorporation of Bristol occurred in 1856. The Virginia and East Tennessee railroads reached Bristol in 1858. Bristol is also home to the King College.
Bristol and nearby Attractions
- William King Regional Arts Center
- Sycamore Shoals State Park
- Fields-Penn 1860 House Museum
- Warriors Path State Park
- Hands On! Regional Museum
- Audubon Park
Things To Do In Bristol
The Volunteer Plaza Shopping Center, Southgate Crossing Shopping Center and the Virginia Avenue Shopping Center are the popular local shopping destinations. The Fields-Penn 1860 House Museum, the Hands On! Regional Museum and the William King Regional Arts Center provide insight into the area’s history. Local churches include the South Bristol United Methodist Church, the First Church of the Brethren and Rosemont Presbyterian Church. Patterson Park, Rotary Park and Steele Creek Park are in the area as well. The city hosts the Rhythm and Roots Reunion every September.
Bristol Transportation
Knoxville McGhee Tyson is the nearest major airport.
Bristol Higher Education
King College is the local institution of higher education. Other nearby institutions include East Tennessee State University, Southwest Virginia Community College and Walters State Community College.
