KINGSPORT

city, Sullivan and Hawkins counties, northeastern Tennessee, U.S., on the Holston River, near the Virginia border, 90 mi (145 km) northeast of Knoxville. The first settlement there developed in about 1750, and Ft. Robinson was built there in 1759. The settlement became a boat landing, and the site was variously called Island Flats, Boat Yard, and Christiansville. In 1774 Col. James King established a mill at the mouth of Reedy Creek, and the place became known as King's Mill Station and subsequently King's Port. King later built an ironworks and a nail factory there. The railroad did not arrive until 1909. After 1915 Kingsport achieved a reputation as a pioneer in planned industrial development through the designs of John Nolan, a professional city planner. Its industry is now well diversified. Kingsport Press is one of the largest book plants in the United States, and Tennessee Eastman Company (synthetics for home and business) is in the city. Other manufactures include bricks, paper, explosives, glass, leather, textiles, and machinery. Nearby mountains and Tennessee Valley Authority lakes provide recreational facilities. Inc. 1917. Pop. (1990) city, 36,365; Johnson CityKingsportBristol MSA, 436,047.