Damn the Torpedoes: Discover History, Family Fun, and Small-Town Charm in Farragut
The Town of Farragut blends rich history, scenic beauty, and modern amenities into one of East Tennessee’s most welcoming communities.
Long before Admiral David Glasgow Farragut famously commanded, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” during the Civil War’s Battle of Mobile Bay, the area was known as Campbell’s Station. In 1787, Captain David Campbell established a fort and stagecoach stop that became an important waypoint for travelers heading west.
The historic Campbell Station Inn, now owned by the Town of Farragut, welcomed families, hunters, merchants, and livestock drivers making their way through the Tennessee frontier. Notable guests included President Andrew Jackson, who reportedly raced horses nearby in Concord, and Tennessee Governor John Sevier.
Just east of present-day Farragut lies the historic village of Concord, founded in 1854 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Positioned along both the Tennessee River and the rail line connecting Knoxville and Atlanta, Concord became an important transportation hub during the late 19th century, particularly for the region’s thriving Tennessee marble industry. Today, visitors can stroll among picturesque historic buildings, antebellum homes, and some of the area’s oldest churches while enjoying beautiful river views.
Modern Farragut emerged in 1980 when local residents incorporated the town in response to rapid growth and development associated with the construction of Interstate 40. The community chose to honor Admiral Farragut, whose father settled in the area and for whom the town is named.
Today, Farragut offers a perfect blend of past and present. Visitors can explore historic sites, enjoy miles of greenways and parks, and experience the beauty of Fort Loudoun Lake. At Concord Park, families gather to picnic, launch boats, walk lakeside trails, and take in sweeping waterfront views. Combined with Farragut’s shopping, dining, and community events, these outdoor amenities make the town a favorite destination for both residents and visitors.
Don’t Miss:
- Historic Campbell Station Inn
- Concord’s riverfront historic district
- Concord Park, where walking trails, picnic areas, boat launches, and waterfront views make it one of the region’s most popular outdoor destinations
- The shores of Fort Loudoun Lake, perfect for boating, paddling, fishing, and sunset watching
- Farragut’s extensive greenway system connecting parks, neighborhoods, and shopping districts
- Shopping and dining along Kingston Pike
- Seasonal community festivals and events
From frontier forts and stagecoach stops to greenways and modern conveniences, Farragut’s story is one of growth, resilience, and community, a place where East Tennessee history continues to thrive. Learn more here.
