Erected in 2010 in honor of Joseph Rhea Anderson (1819-1888) who founded the original Town of Bristol, Virginal/Tennessee in 1852. Both sides of the town were given recognition on the official records of the time. He erected the first building in the town and became the first merchant, postmaster and banker. As the town grew he became a prominent business, civic and church leader and so remained throughout his lifetime. On the day before his death Anderson was nominated for Governor of Tennessee. In 1856 a group of citizens combined the original Bristol Virginia with adjoining Goodsonville to form the composite Town of Goodson. A point of confusion resulted since the depot, and for most years the post office, remained in Bristol. In 1890 all the Virginia side returned to the name Anderson had given it in 1852, was incorporated as such and so remains today.

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Show me all markers in:  Bristol, TN  |  Sullivan County  |  37620  |  Tennessee  |  United States of America

City Historian
Slave Section of East Hill Cemetery
East Hill Cemetery
Evan Shelby
Bristol Union Railway Station
Historic Bristol
Civil War Memorial
Vance Klondike Derby
Bristol
Birthplace of Bristol

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