On This Day in Kingsport History

With a story for each day of the year, Kingsport City archivist and author Brianne Wright illuminates the significant people, places and events of the Model City. Charley Grubb evaded his prison sentence when he slyly escaped from the courtroom during the jury deliberations on May 25, 1929. On June 5, 1936, the Rotherwood Bridge collapse nearly claimed five lives. After four decades, the State Theater officially aired its last film on March 26, 1978. The city's first "Fun Fest," held on August 8, 1981, aimed to bolster community unity. From its early days as Boatyard to the modern-day Kingsport, colorful characters and quirky events shaped the city's unique history one day at a time.