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| Photo courtesy of Johnson City Press |
Johnson City Press - April 29, 2026: After years of restoration, the Immigrant Trail historical marker has been rededicated and placed outside the Christopher Taylor House in downtown Jonesborough. The State of Franklin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution restored the marker and held a rededication ceremony at the Jackson Theatre, moved indoors because of rain.
Outgoing Regent Allyson Wilkinson said the marker reflects the DAR mission of historic preservation, education, and patriotism. She noted that the chapter originally recognized the importance of marking the Immigrant Trail in the early 1930s.
This section of the trail began in Philadelphia and followed what is now Main Street in Jonesborough, serving as a route for settlers traveling through the Appalachian Mountains in search of new opportunities in the South and West.
The marker originally stood near Second Avenue and Main Street, but deteriorated over time and was damaged around 2014 when a truck reportedly struck it. Wilkinson said the Town of Jonesborough was a strong partner in relocating and reinstalling the marker. Town staff also landscaped the site with azaleas and lilies so that something will always be blooming in its honor.
Outgoing Regent Allyson Wilkinson said the marker reflects the DAR mission of historic preservation, education, and patriotism. She noted that the chapter originally recognized the importance of marking the Immigrant Trail in the early 1930s.
This section of the trail began in Philadelphia and followed what is now Main Street in Jonesborough, serving as a route for settlers traveling through the Appalachian Mountains in search of new opportunities in the South and West.
The marker originally stood near Second Avenue and Main Street, but deteriorated over time and was damaged around 2014 when a truck reportedly struck it. Wilkinson said the Town of Jonesborough was a strong partner in relocating and reinstalling the marker. Town staff also landscaped the site with azaleas and lilies so that something will always be blooming in its honor.