Welcome
Welcome to the official web page for the Bristol Historical Association.
Become part of our history and help celebrate the 39th anniversary of the Bristol Historical Association! Click here to go to news page for more information about the celebration and the new BHA Cookbook. Or Click here to visit our store page to BUY.
Preserving and retelling the story of Bristol is the ongoing mission of the association. As we embark into the thirty-ninth year of the BHA there is a renewed focus to be faithful to our founding principles and broaden our efforts to educate a new generation.
To see previous versions of Inside History go to our newsletters page - click here
Wanna know the big deal about Big Creek that fabled community at what is now the bottom of South Holston Lake?Click here to read the article.
"We would love to hear from those interested in this article about Big Creek. If you want to share your personal stories or photos about Big Creek and/or Anne W. Armstrong, please send them to us via email, using the "Contacts' tab on this web site"
A traditional highlight of the holiday season, this year's luncheon will feature noted author John Flood who will present an exciting program entitled, Buffalo Bill Returns to Bristol.
William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody was one of the most colorful figures of the American Old West. At only 11 years of age, in order to support his family, he was in the saddle and employed by gruff wagon bosses on the Western Frontier. In the middle of nowhere and quite alone, he rode the dangerous trails of the Pony Express as a 14 year old. By his 20's he had been in multiple Indian fights, had scouted much of the American West, and was so proficient at killing bison he had earned the name he would be known by for generations to come, "Buffalo Bill." From 1883 until 1916, William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody and his spectacular Wild West exhibition toured the nation, the world, and, yes, even came right here to Bristol on not one, but FOUR visits between 1897 and 1913.
Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, a described combination of circus, vaudeville and rodeo, featured sharpshooter Annie Oakley, storyteller Calamity Jane, and Lakota Sioux Chief Sitting Bull accompanied by a band of 20 Native American"braves." His Wild West show toured around the world, including a performance before Queen Victoria and many heads of state.
More 2018 Christmas Luncheon Information
ROBERT PRESTON HOUSE
Preston House Report & Pictures
Led by Isabelle Ladd and Jan Rainero.
Current Projects include, but are not limited to:
- Restoration, establishment, and accreditation of Robert Preston House as a regional museum
- Continued restoration and maintenance of the birthplace home of Tennessee Ernie Ford
- Recognition of historically significant buildings through placement of BHA markers / plaques
- Collection, preservation, and exhibition of memorabilia
- Continued promotion / celebration of area sites and interest
Members of the Bristol Historical Association enjoy a variety of service and fellowship opportunities, receive quarterly newsletters, and, most importantly, take pride in the part they play in preserving and promoting the history of our area. Please consider lending your support to this worthwhile endeavor by becoming a member of our Association.
Thank You.
Sid Oakley, President.
Our History
History is told through the buildings and homes in a city. The intention of the Bristol Historical Association is to promote an interest in the history of Bristol by designating properties with historical significance.
In 1988 the Bristol Preservation Society launched a program to mark structures and sites throughout Bristol which would date back seventy-five years or more. Historian, V .N. (Bud) Phillips initiated a search for sites which would qualify for designation and receive a plaque. Markers were placed on four sites at that time: Troutdale Restaurant at 412 Sixth Street, the Billy Wood house on the corner of Locust and Sixth Street, East Hill Cemetery, and the Tennessee Ernie Ford House on Anderson Street.
In 1999 the Bristol Preservation Society and the Bristol Historical Association merged. The combined organization has continued the marking program with renewed interest. A generous contribution from Mr. William W. Walling has enabled the program to move forward. Mr. Walling has financed the cost of the first twenty-five plaques. Much credit is due to Mr Walling for his vital part in the promotion of the Landmark Designation program.
