FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 17, 2026
CONTACT: Jon Luttrell
Directory of Community Relations
City of Bristol, Tennessee
jluttrell@bristoltn.gov
Piney Flats, Tenn. – Officials from across Sullivan County today announced the official kickoff of Sullivan 250, a countywide initiative to commemorate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. The announcement was made at Rocky Mount State Historic Site, a location deeply rooted in the region’s Revolutionary-era history and symbolic of Sullivan County’s early contributions to the American story.
Sullivan 250 will serve as a unifying effort among the county’s municipalities, cultural institutions, and community organizations to honor the nation’s semiquincentennial through a series of events, educational programs, and heritage tourism opportunities.
A key component of the initiative is the launch of a dedicated website, Sullivan250.com, designed to serve as a central hub for all America 250-related activities taking place throughout Sullivan County. Development of the site was overseen by Visit Kingsport, and it will feature an up-to-date calendar of events, historical resources, and opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the commemoration.
The selection of Rocky Mount as the site of the kickoff underscores the county’s Revolutionary War-era significance. Once serving as the capital of the Southwest Territory in the 1790s, the site stands as a tangible connection to the founding period of the United States and provides a fitting backdrop for the launch of this historic initiative.
Sullivan 250 represents a collaborative partnership among the county’s incorporated communities, including Bluff City, Bristol, and Kingsport alongside Sullivan County officials, as well as local historians, tourism leaders, and civic organizations. Together, these partners aim to showcase the region’s heritage while fostering civic pride and regional unity.
More information, including event listings and ways to get involved, can be found on the official Sullivan 250 website throughout the year. To continue the celebration, Rocky Mount will also be offering a Free Family Day with a full slate of activities on Saturday, April 18. More information on that event is available at rockymountmuseum.com.
“I proudly join the community in celebrating Sullivan County and America’s 250th Anniversary, honoring a legacy of perseverance, community, and shared history. The Town of Bluff City will participate in countywide events that highlight local heritage, strengthen community connections, and celebrate this historic milestone. I encourage residents and visitors alike to take part in the festivities, and reflect on the county’s legacy while looking ahead to a bright future.” – Bluff City Mayor Lori Staton
“This moment reflects what makes communities like Bristol and all of Sullivan County so special. When we come together, we honor not just our shared future, but our deep roots in America’s earliest story. Sullivan 250 is a powerful reminder that this region helped shape the nation we celebrate today.” – Bristol Mayor Vince Turner
“It has been an honor for me to represent Kingsport on the Sullivan 250 committee alongside so many wonderful people from across the county. Working together to celebrate our nation’s anniversary, while showcasing the role this area played in our early history, is a great representation of the strong partnerships that exist in Sullivan County.” – Kingsport Mayor Paul Montgomery
“Sullivan County is the second oldest county in Tennessee, with a history dating almost as far back as that of our nation itself. Even decades before our official founding as a county, the earliest settlers of our region traversed the frontier land here that would eventually give rise to the communities we call home today. It is only fitting that we all come together here where it all began to celebrate Sullivan County’s role in 250 years of American independence.” – Sullivan County Mayor Richard Venable