Tennessee State Fair History
History of the Fairgrounds
On October 20, 1891 the Tennessee State Fairgrounds, then known as Cumberland Park, opened with all the lavishness of a Broadway production. Originally built to host harness racing, the 270-foot long grandstand could seat 7,000. The stables accommodated 350 horses, including entries from all across the country. An electric car made trips every five minutes from the Wedgewood Avenue gate to the grandstand and clubhouse atop the hill. Admission was $1.00 for men, with ladies admitted for 50 cents each or free when escorted.
In February of 1904, the Retail Merchants Association appointed a committee to explore the possibility of holding a State Fair at the site. The purpose of the organization was to urge the Legislature to appropriate funds for a fair to promote the interest of the livestock business in the state. Also, in 1904, the harness racing track hosted its first automobile race in June. Barney Oldfield, America's most famous racing driver of the period appeared at the track. A new world speed record was established when Herbert H. Lytle averaged 56.58 mph over an eight-mile distance.
On October 8, 1906, the first Tennessee State Fair to be held at Cumberland Park opened. Stock shows were conducted each morning. The Woman's Building was open in the afternoons and horse shows were conducted each night.
Tragedy struck the Fairgrounds in September, 1965 when a $10 million fire destroyed the grandstand, the Woman's Building and other exhibition buildings. The grandstand was rebuilt and the current Creative Arts Building, Exhibitors Building, Annex and Concessions Building were constructed. The Fair Coliseum, built in 1925, was also destroyed by fire in 1970.
Because it is located just 1.0 mile north of I-440 and only .6 miles east of I-65, the Fairgrounds today hosts a wide variety of events including the flea market, consumer shows, trade shows, banquets and many other special events. An estimated 2,000,000 people annually visit the Fairgrounds for one of these events. There is something going on almost every weekend. To see what is going on this weekend, please visit our events page.
History of the Fair
The first Tennessee State Fair, sponsored by the Tennessee Agricultural and Mechanical Association, was held in 1869. The site was the “Old Fairgrounds” located in the Cockrill Springs area at the termination of the West End Avenue streetcar line. Fairs were also held at this location in 1873, 1879, and 1884. Frank James, brother of outlaw Jesse James, claimed to have won a blue ribbon at the Fair for his Poland China hogs during the period when he lived in the Whites Creek area under an assumed name.
Since 1906, with the exception of 1942 thru 1945 (World War II), the Fair has been held annually at its current location in the Vine Hill area.