TiptonHaynes Living History Farm
This state-owned historical site and working farm offers a peek into the lives of the two families that once lived there. For more than 200 years they worked the land, through one war after another. The farm buildings, now restored to their pre-Civil War appearance, are open to the public.
The farm is just off Highway 23 south of the city. It is open on weekdays from 10 am until 6 pm, and from 2 until 6 pm on weekends.
KINGSPORT
Hanging an Elephant
Kingsport has a somewhat dubious claim to fame. It was in 1916 that an elephant by the name of Mary, part of a visiting circus, killed two people. And the people of the city demanded justice. The poor elephant was put on trial forthwith and, and after due process, was found guilty as charged. The beast was then sentenced to death for its crimes. But that was not the end of the story. Elephants are tough creatures, and five pistol shots had little effect on the animal. A great debate ensued, and it was decided to transport the unfortunate beast to the nearby town of Erwin where, in the railway yards, it would be hung to death from a large crane. Large numbers of people turned out to see the execution. Mary was duly dispatched. Erwin and Kingsport have yet to live down their ignominious reputations.
Kingsport is an industrial city and home to such commercial giants as Eastman Kodak and Mead Paper. The commercial center of the Tri-Cities, it's a busy little place where the advantages brought by the advent of big business and big money have not come without cost: dirt, pollution and a new shopping mall led to the demise of the downtown shopping district. With one small exception, the downtown district is still something of a wasteland. Efforts are being made to revitalize it, but there is still a long way to go before it becomes the pleasant shopping area that is the vision of many local residents and business owners.
Kingsport also has several nearby attractions.
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