Over the weekend we divided our time between the towns of Maryville and Knoxville, avoiding the rain and trying to keep ourselves busy.
Sunday this was easier, utilizing all of the allotted two hour parking at the East Tennessee Museum. The museum explored the area's wealth of history, beginning with the war of 1812 when Tennessee got it's "Volunteer State" nickname, with many of the army's volunteer soldiers hailing from the state. During that time the U.S. Army ranks had only 7,000 men and welcomed all the help they could get.
During the Civil War Tennessee was a unique state with the eastern portion of the state (having worked alongside their slaves if they had any) opposed to slavery and in support of the Union. This certainly led to high tensions and caused much bad blood even after the war ended.
A more current display detailed how Americans have a wrong impression about the mountain folk of eastern TN. They claimed this was a stereotype initially exaggerated by the media and in turn by the people themselves to help bring in tourism. We did not personally get to see the hill people of the Appalachians but did see close enough approximations at Walmarts to think the stereotypes might be more than just a fabrication.
Before heading back to Maryville we got to take a shower at one of the best pools yet. Though difficult to find, it was well worth the trouble as it was quiet and the lifeguards were so friendly they introduced themselves and offered us coffee.
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