Historic Knoxville News #7: Unearthed--the remains of John Sevier

John Sevier died on September 24, 1815, while on a mission in the territory of Alabama. In 1889 his remains were removed from an Alabama cotton field and brought to Knoxville for burial on the courthouse lawn. The articles for this episode describe in detail the excavation of the grave, the pageantry of Sevier Day, the gathering of dignitaries, and the pride of Knoxvillians in discharging "a duty incumbent upon her citizens."

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Additional resources:

Here's a brief biographical article about "Nolichucky Jack" from the Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture.

Treat yourself to a look at the Annals of Tennessee by J.G.M Ramsey, who advocated for bringing General Sevier's remains back to Tennessee but didn't live long enough to see it happen.

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