10/23/2026
What stories could the Tennessee River tell if its waters could talk?
For centuries, the Tennessee River has been a pathway for exploration, transportation and discovery. And as we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, we're looking back at some of the remarkable journeys that helped shape the history of the Tennessee River Valley.
In 1779, John Donelson and his expedition set out on a challenging journey through the frontier wilderness, traveling by river toward what would become Nashville. More than 200 years later, photographer John Guider retraced that historic route in a small, hand-built boat, documenting the river through photographs and personal experiences.
Then in 2020, Captain Bob Cherry embarked on his own adventure, traveling 652 miles along the Tennessee River from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Paducah, Kentucky, aboard a 21-foot pontoon boat! His journey showed that you don't need a fancy yacht to experience the beauty and history of this incredible waterway.
From the challenges of early exploration to the scenic adventures we enjoy today, the Tennessee River continues to connect people, places and generations.
Our latest Tennessee Valley Story, "A Journal of Discovery on the Tennessee River," takes you along for these fascinating journeys and celebrates the river's lasting legacy.
Read the story:
