HISTORIC HOLSTON RIVER

The Holston River is rich in history and has played a critical role in the lives and fortunes of those who have lived along its banks.

Native Americans called it the “Hogoheegee,” while early explorers called it the Indian River and the French called it the Cherokee. Eventually the Holston was named for Stephen Holstein who is said to have surveyed the river by canoe. It carried early settlers to East Tennessee from Virginia and North Carolina.

Daniel Boone used the Holston River as he made his way through the Cumberland Gap, and revolutionists gathered along its banks before going to the Battles of Kings Mountain and Cowpens during the Revolutionary War.

The Holston River has its headwaters in Virginia and is comprised of North, Middle and South forks, which join near Kingsport, Tennessee. Just south of the Holston River Preserve, the river converges with the French Broad to become the Tennessee River.

Today, the Holston River is managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and provides electricity, recreation and beauty for all to enjoy. Fly fishing is a popular pastime, as is hiking, photography, canoeing, kayaking, float-boating and rafting. Some of the best bird watching in the Southeast is also available in this area.