Johnson City
Have you ever heard of Johnson City, Tennessee? Most people have only heard of it in the song, “Wagonwheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show. It's a charming little city nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, and it's got a rich history that's worth exploring. Most importantly to me, it’s the home of the Harvey Family, my husband’s “people”, as us Southerners refer to family members. Scott’s family was here long before Johnson City was founded.
The city was founded in the late 19th century as a railroad hub, with the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad passing through the area. Originally known as Johnson's Depot, the city was named after Henry Johnson, a conductor for the railroad.
In the early 20th century, Johnson City became a center for industry, with a number of factories and mills opening up in the area. The city's population grew rapidly, and it soon became a thriving community.
During the Prohibition era of the 1920s and 1930s, Johnson City gained a reputation as a hotbed of bootlegging and moonshining. The city was home to a number of notorious moonshiners and bootleggers, and it became a popular destination for those looking for a stiff drink during the dry years.
In the mid-20th century, Johnson City underwent a period of urban renewal and redevelopment. The city government invested in a number of projects, including the construction of new highways, the renovation of historic buildings, and created new parks and public spaces.
Today, Johnson City is a thriving city with a diverse economy and a strong sense of community. We are home to East Tennessee State University, which has a nationally recognized health sciences program, and my favorite, a Bluegrass program! It's also a hub for healthcare, with a number of hospitals and medical centers located in the area. We also have quite a few galleries, theaters, and music venues, and it seems like we get new ones every day.
One of the most notable attractions in Johnson City is the Tweetsie Trail, a 10-mile rail-trail that connects the city with Elizabethton, Tennessee. The trail is popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists, and if you take a ride on it, you’ll get stunning mountain views.
Something that’s interesting to me is how many people are moving to Johnson City. We’ve been named one of the top places to retire in America, and our population sure is growing!
At Harvey Family Farm, we love serving Johnson City & our local community with beautiful, fresh, flowers & herbs!
Johnson City is a city with a rich history and a bright future. If you're ever in the area, be sure to stop by and experience it for yourself, and don’t forget to come pick your own flowers at Harvey Family Farm!