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Stories from The Strip: How Cumberland Avenue's history could come full circle

Over the last century, Cumberland Avenue has evolved from an affluent neighborhood to a nightclub hotspot to The Strip. New developments may bring it full circle.

Elizabeth Sims, Grace King

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Published: 10:08 AM EST February 8, 2023
Updated: 3:42 PM EST February 10, 2023

The history of Knoxville’s Cumberland Avenue starts more than a century ago. Each decade seemed to bring something new to the Scruffy City.

From a neighborhood of mansions to restaurants and a theater to the place for nightlife, it was always the main route to the west.

“Name a decade and Cumberland Avenue had a different identity in that time than it did the decade before,” Knoxville historian Jack Neely said.

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