Elizabethton: Museums, Exhibitions & Discounts

Elizabethton is a historic city located in Carter County, Tennessee, situated in the eastern part of the state near the Appalachian Mountains. The city takes its name from Elizabeth Carter, the daughter of the early settler John Carter. Founded in the late 18th century, it holds the distinction of being the site of the first permanent American settlement outside the original thirteen colonies, known as the Watauga Settlement.

The city's downtown area features well-preserved historic architecture, including the covered bridge over the Doe River, which was built in 1882 and stands as one of the oldest covered bridges in Tennessee. Elizabethton's cultural heritage is deeply rooted in Appalachian traditions, with strong connections to early American frontier history, traditional music, and crafts. The area played a significant role in early American history, particularly during the American Revolution, with the nearby Sycamore Shoals being the site of the Transylvania Purchase and the mustering point for the Overmountain Men before the Battle of Kings Mountain.