When the World Came to Knoxville: The Complete Story of the 1982 World's Fair

Mr Knoxville

Published on: 08/04/2026

How a scruffy little city on the Tennessee River pulled off one of the most ambitious events in American history -- the complete story of the 1982 World's Fair from the original idea to its lasting legacy, with hyperlinked sources throughout.

History

#ScruffyCity: How a Wall Street Journal Insult Became Knoxville's Badge of Honor

Mr Knoxville

Published on: 08/04/2026

On December 29, 1980, the Wall Street Journal called Knoxville a scruffy little city. Here is how those two words went from front-page insult to Knoxville's most beloved badge of honor.

History