My Hometown
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I was born 1957 in Knoxville, the major city in East Tennessee. I know Knoxville and Knox County better than most locals because I prefer to explore my stomping grounds on foot.
This collection introduces you to My Hometown. I hope it will make my neighbors proud, and compel others to visit Knoxville often.
Words to live by: My hometown is the greatest place I know.
(From a song by Earle Hagen featured in an episode of The Andy Griffith Show.)
SMH51H Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Holston Gases contributed this attractive mural to its end of Suttree Landing Park in South Knoxville TN.
SMH50H Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
A view of my hometown, Knoxville TN, from James White Parkway Bridge which spans the Tennessee River.
SMH46H Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
On June 24 2024, The University of Tennessee defeated Texas A&M to win its first ever College Baseball World Series.
Shortly thereafter, The Rock on UT’s campus announced the glad tidings.
CONGRATULATIONS to Vols head coach Tony Vitello and his squad of champions!
SMH45H Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
This view of Augusta Quarry Lake is seen from an overlook at the entrance to Fort Dickerson Park near downtown Knoxville TN.
Lake access was discontinued during 2024 while improvements were made to the popular swimming site.
SMH43H Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
This ornate doorway leads from the Lotus Pond to the Fuji Garden at Baxter Gardens in the Fountain City area of North Knoxville.
SMH42V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Reeds and Lily Pads created this striking image.
Seen at Baxter Gardens in Fountain City when the private gardens were open to visitors during Knoxville’s Dogwood Arts Festival.
SMH41V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Read. Play. Learn. Discover.
We will do well to follow this advice from Lawson-McGhee Library in downtown Knoxville TN.
SMH40H Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Seen shortly after sunset in South Knoxville.
During daylight hours, I enjoy walking near this tower at High Ground Park and River Bluff Wildlife Area.
SMH39V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
My hometown is the greatest place I know.
One of my favorite places in Knoxville is Ijams Nature Center. You will understand why when you walk the trails within the nature preserve.
Look for this manmade waterfall when you visit the Ijams family homesite.
SMH38V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Snow-covered steps lead from Mary Vestal Greenway to Vestal United Methodist Church in the South Knoxville community.
The sign indicates Vestal UMC is one of Knoxville’s warming centers, providing a welcome place to sleep for those who need it on a cold winter’s night.
SMH37H Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
I often park at my downtown Knoxville church, and walk along Volunteer Landing to the arena to watch our Lady Vols play basketball.
This is my best view of Henley Street Bridge in years. It made me glad to walk in the cold night air.
SMH36H Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
Driving through the Vestal community of South Knoxville reminded me to hike to the bluff that affords this view of my hometown.
Walk the wide, gentle trail in River Bluff Wildlife Area to observe how Knoxville developed beside the Tennessee River.
SMH35H Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
A rare glimpse of the Tennessee River between Downtown Island Airport and the Knoxville Tennessee skyline at dawn.
SMH34V Copyright 2020 Steven L Madden
Light from a setting sun filtered through tall trees in late October.
I captured this image at The University of Tennessee Gardens in Knoxville.
SMH33V Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
This is Little House Under the Maple three days after I cleared leaves from my roof and front yard.
I hope you live someplace where you observe leaves falling in Autumn. There is nothing quite like being outdoors when wind blows and leaves swirl about then settle at your feet. What fun!
SMH32V Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
For a few weeks each Autumn, I observe and enjoy brilliant leaves in my yard and South Knoxville neighborhood.
This Maple stands about ten feet from my living room window, and towers above my small home which I call Little House Under the Maple.
SMH31H Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
It was quite dark outside around 7am. A light, bright as a lamp bulb, caught my eye. I went outside to investigate, and the realization hit me. It’s the Harvest Moon!
I shot this image through the limbs of my neighbor’s Maple tree.
It’s a decent photo, considering I used a smart phone camera and no tripod.
SMH30H Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
I was the first man in my family to attend college. I applied to only one school, and I was fortunate to be accepted by The University of Tennessee.
I commuted from home while attending UT for six years. I lived close enough that I sometimes rode my bike to campus.
This orange and white flower garden fronts Neyland Drive next to The University of Tennessee Veterinary College.
SMH29H Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
The Tennessee River begins here, where the Holston (left) and French Broad Rivers flow together.
You can see this confluence of East Tennessee rivers by walking Will Skelton Greenway through Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area in South Knoxville Tennessee.
SMH28V Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
Until recently, I was unaware of city-block sized Racheff Park & Garden just northwest of downtown Knoxville.
Ivan Racheff, a Bulgarian immigrant, life-long bachelor, and imminent metallurgist, created the park in the late 1940s while president of Knoxville Iron Works.
My first visit to the arboretum, I strolled the property following a map that identifies more than 75 species of trees. My next visit to Racheff, I will take a picnic lunch and a book to enjoy as I soak in the natural beauty of this Scruffy City oasis.
SMH27H Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
While walking along Volunteer Landing to a Lady Vols basketball game in early February, I noticed this ever-present tribute to Pat Head Summitt was adorned with a red rose and white flower petals. I wondered who placed the flowers on her marker, and what the special occasion was.
I learned later that Pat Summitt’s granddaughter, Patricia Lakelyn Summitt, was born to Brooklyn and Tyler Summitt on February 7 2023.
SMH26V Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
Fog was thick one January day, prompting me to explore downtown in my hometown of Knoxville Tennessee.
I walked the pedestrian lane of Gay Street Bridge above the Tennessee River when I noticed this ghostly image.
SMH25V Copyright 2022 Steven L Madden
Sunshine and shadows combined to make this image photo worthy.
In the foreground is Knoxville Civic Auditorium which hosts theatrical productions and concerts. The 27 story glass enclosed skyscraper is called First Horizon Plaza.
SMH24V Copyright 2022 Steven L Madden
I hope you attend college basketball games occasionally. Vols and Lady Vols games are great entertainment for me.
In addition to University of Tennessee sports venues, Knoxville also is home to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, pictured here.
SMH23V Copyright 2022 Steven L Madden
It seldom happens in my neck of the woods.
I was surprised by snowfall when I returned home from Kentucky where I witnessed Princess Falls when it was frozen solid.
I awoke next morning to about two inches of snow in South Knoxville. I walked midday at Ijams Nature Center where I photographed routine scenes made festive by a fresh white blanket of snow.
This play house is in a children’s play area near Ijams’ visitor center and gift shop.
SMH22H Copyright 2022 Steven L Madden
This view of distant ridges beneath streaks of clouds is from a hilltop in my South Knoxville neighborhood in East Tennessee.
Buildings on the University of Tennessee campus are visible beyond barren maple trees in this late winter scene.
SMH01H Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
The Tennessee River flows through my hometown, separating South Knoxville from other parts of town.
In the foreground of this image is Volunteer Landing which features a riverside greenway.
SMH02H Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
I happened onto this view of Knoxville’s skyline while exploring East Knoxville near the Holston River.
The University of Tennessee owns the farm land in the foreground of this image.
SMH03V Copyright 2016 Steven L Madden
My Alma Mater, The University of Tennessee, was founded as Blount College in 1794, two years before Tennessee became USA’s 16th state.
Since 1921, Ayres Hall is the most prominent building on this “hallowed hill in Tennessee.”
SMH04V Copyright 2020 Steven L Madden
The University of Tennessee’s agricultural college cultivates one of our city’s most beautiful and fascinating public gardens.
I spotted this colorful vine while strolling through UT Gardens one October evening.
SMH05H Copyright 2020 Steven L Madden
I walk many days in Woodlawn Cemetery near my South Knoxville home. The cemetery is dotted with grand trees and, from the top of the hill, offers fantastic views.
I was blessed by this rainbow while walking alone through the cemetery on my wedding anniversary.
SMH06H Copyright 2017 Steven L Madden
I noticed this rainbow while walking to Thompson Boling Arena for a basketball game.
Clouds look more ominous here than I recall. Rather, I remember how the sun spotlighted downtown Knoxville.
SMH07V Copyright 2022 Steven L Madden
High Ground Park is incredibly well designed and maintained, thanks to Aslan Foundation.
The park informs visitors about the strategic significance of Knoxville’s hills for Union and Confederate troops during the Civil War.
SMH08V Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
This view looks south along Market Street toward Howard H. Baker Jr. United States Courthouse.
SMH09H Copyright 2020 Steven L Madden
Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness attracts mountain bikers from across the nation. I am fortunate to live near Urban Wilderness Gateway.
This metal sign was enhanced by snow on Christmas Day. A white Christmas in my hometown; how delightful!
SMH10V Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
My hometown hosted the Knoxville International Energy Exposition (a.k.a. World’s Fair) in 1982.
Reflected in a pool at World’s Fair Park is the iconic structure we call The Sunsphere.
SMH11H Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
If my hometown is famous, it is mostly for The University of Tennessee athletics. On football Saturdays, 100,000 fans crowd into Neyland Stadium to cheer for, or against, our football Vols.
“Rocky Top, you’ll always be home sweet home to me!”
(From the song by Boudleaux and Felice Bryant.)
SMH12H Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
This was my view from inside Neyland Stadium on November 13, 2021 when the #1 ranked Georgia Bulldogs came to Knoxville. It was a perfect evening for Southeastern Conference football.
SMH13H Copyright 2020 Steven L Madden
My most-visited sanctuary is Ijams Nature Center in South Knoxville. Trails there are mostly easy, with a few moderate miles, and Tharp Trace that is short but challenging.
I captured this sunrise image while hiking at Ijams one December day.
SMH14V Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
The Tennessee River reflects a full moon’s glow on a winter evening.
I captured this scene while walking along Gay Street Bridge one night in late January.
SMH15H Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum is an absolute treasure that is only a few minutes drive from downtown.
I captured this image, and many others, while walking there one Spring afternoon.
SMH16H Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
I enjoyed an Autumn afternoon at Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum where, among countless plant varieties, I spied this colorful collage.
Plants amaze me!
SMH17H Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
This snippet of Knoxville’s skyline features two bank buildings and Andrew Johnson Hotel which now serves as administrative building for Knox County Schools.
Almost hidden (bottom left) is Blount Mansion, the historic home of U.S. Constitution signatory William Blount.
SMH18V Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
The National Register of Historic Places includes First Baptist Knoxville, which is situated between Main Street and Hill Avenue.
If you are impressed by the marble exterior, you should see the sanctuary!
SMH19V Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
This iconic sign fronts Gay Street, grabbing attention and announcing upcoming attractions.
A lavishly ornamented Knoxville landmark, The Tennessee Theatre hosts live performances and sometimes presents classic films.
SMH20V Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
Two Knoxville bank buildings, built by the infamous Butcher brothers in the 1970s and 1980s, are framed by bicycle frames. How weird is that?!
SMH21V Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
This memorial stands proudly beside East Tennessee History Center in downtown Knoxville.
To Febb Ensminger Burn and her son, Harry, who made Tennessee the state whose ratification of the 19th amendment enfranchised American women…
After reading the bitter anti-suffrage speeches and vicious attacks on the Suffragists, Febb Burn was inspired to write a letter to her 24 year old son (legislator from Niota) urging him to “do the right thing” and vote for woman suffrage. Although (Harry) believed his constituents opposed woman suffrage, faced with a tie that would defeat his mother’s hope, he switched his vote, broke the tie and thereby cast the final, necessary vote to make East Tennessee the place where woman suffrage came of age.