Jonesborough Historic District
Jonesborough, TN
The oldest town in the state, with brick storefronts along Main Street and a well-known storytelling tradition. Park near the visitor centre, stroll the historic blocks, and stop at a local cafe.
Jonesborough was founded in 1779 and is regarded as the oldest town in Tennessee. It lies in Washington County in the northeast of the state at about 530 m (1,730 ft), surrounded by the Ridge-and-Valley landscape of the Appalachians. The historic district has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1969. Older buildings include the Chester Inn of 1797 and the Christopher Taylor House of 1777, which was moved into the historic district in 1974.
The town is known for storytelling: it is home to the International Storytelling Center, and the National Storytelling Festival takes place on the first full weekend in October (2026: October 2 to 4). At that time Jonesborough is much busier, and lodging and parking are scarcer. An hour or two is enough for a stroll through the old town; allow more if you visit museums. The streets in the core are compact, so park on the edge and walk.
- Nearest town
- Jonesborough, TN
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 36.2940, -82.4739
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July and October. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Woodsmoke CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Jonesborough Historic DistrictTentsCaravansWi-Fi
- Riverside RV ParkMotorhome stopover14 mi from Jonesborough Historic DistrictMotorhomes
- Lakeview RV ParkMotorhome stopover16 mi from Jonesborough Historic DistrictMotorhomes
- The Hamptons RV ParkMotorhome stopover16 mi from Jonesborough Historic DistrictMotorhomes
- Bristol Campground & Event ParkingCampsite20 mi from Jonesborough Historic DistrictTentsCaravans
- Dennis Cove CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Jonesborough Historic District · 14 pitches
All campsites in Tennessee · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Jonesborough Historic District?
Jonesborough Historic District is in Jonesborough, TN, at GPS 36.2940, -82.4739. It is about 40 mi from Abingdon.
Can you camp near Jonesborough Historic District?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is River View, about 7 mi away; within 25 mi there are 26 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Jonesborough Historic District?
Places worth a stop nearby: Natural Tunnel State Park (32 mi), Hot Springs (34 mi), Grandfather Mountain (38 mi) and Mount Mitchell State Park (38 mi).
When is the best time to visit Jonesborough Historic District?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)