Knoxville, Tennessee was inhabited by the Cherokee before Europeans came to explore and settle around the region, eventually establishing James White Fort in 1786 as the beginning of permanent settlement. It was named after Revolutionary War general and Secretary of War, Henry Knox, and became Tennessee’s first state capital until 1817. It was also the battleground for some significant battles during the Civil War. In today’s times, Knoxville stands as the third largest city in Tennessee with a population of around 179,000 in the city. Some iconic landmarks and locations include the University of Tennessee, which was established in 1794; Gay Street, which holds many of the important businesses and shops of downtown Knoxville; the Knoxville Municipal Airport, also known as McGhee Tyson; and the Knoxville Courthouse, which is the seat of the Tennessee Supreme Court in East Tennessee.