KNOXVILLE CITY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Misbehaving Women: A Walking Tour of Knoxville’s Suffrage Reckoning
A 1.5‑hour walking tour that traces the local stories, sites, and showdowns that helped propel Tennessee and the nation toward the 19th Amendment.
Misbehaving Women: A Walking Tour of Knoxville’s Suffrage Reckoning.
On this page
Explore Knoxville’s rich suffrage history on a focused 1.5‑hour walk that brings to life the local women who refused to accept the status quo, visiting statues, courthouse steps, and buildings where the movement’s work was begun and built upon.
Knoxville, located in eastern Tennessee, offers a vibrant backdrop for those interested in American history and social change. The city's streets are lined with stories of resilience, particularly through the inspiring narrative of women who fought tirelessly for voting rights. Misbehaving Women specializes in a 1.5-hour walking tour that puts these remarkable stories front and center. Unlike typical city tours, this experience dives deep into Knoxville’s suffrage history, showcasing key sites where local women challenged societal norms and paved the way for future generations.
The tour starts at prominent landmarks that witnessed pivotal moments in the women’s rights movement. As guides bring history alive, visitors gain insight into the courageous women who defied expectations, each step revealing stories of activism, perseverance, and change. It’s a compelling journey through time that contextualizes the fight for equality within Knoxville’s unique cultural fabric.
What makes Misbehaving Women stand out in Knoxville is the blend of historical accuracy and engaging storytelling. The tour not only informs but also encourages reflection on today’s ongoing struggles for gender equality. Perfect for history buffs, educators, or anyone curious about the local roots of a national movement, this walk offers both education and empowerment.
Situated in a city rich with historical significance, the experience underscores Knoxville's role as a leader in civil rights history in the South. Visitors leave with a renewed appreciation for the contributions of local women and a deeper understanding of how grassroots activism can spark lasting change. This tour is a must-do for travelers eager to connect with the past in an authentic, meaningful way.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic
Stops visit key monuments, former meeting houses and civic buildings tied to Knoxville’s suffrage history.
Suffrage Statue on Market Square
A focal stop to hear the story of three women who led the fight across the state and beyond.
Farragut Building
An early home of East Tennessee’s not‑so‑secret weapon in the movement, noted on the tour for its local significance.
Old Courthouse
Scene of an exciting showdown between suffragist Maud Younger and the Knox County Sheriff, recounted as a dramatic episode in Knoxville’s story.
Female Institute
A stop focused on the Female Institute, where young women studied subjects including science and mathematics and where speaking up was fostered alongside formal education.
The Lyceum and Park House
Sites where the groundwork of women’s rights in Knoxville was begun and built upon, highlighted on the walk.
Harry and Febb Burn Statue
The tour culminates with the Burn statue and the story of the decisive vote and the pressures surrounding it.
This is a guided city walking tour of approximately 1.5 hours; participants should be prepared for an on‑foot route across downtown Knoxville.
What the day feels like
What the Tour Feels Like
This compact city walk compresses over 70 years of local suffrage effort into a concentrated 1.5‑hour narrative: guide‑led stops connect statues, former meeting places and civic sites to the personal stories and confrontations that underpinned Tennessee’s role in the national movement.
THE MONUMENTS
Suffrage Statue on Market Square
Hear the story of three women who led the fight in different parts of the state and beyond at the Suffrage Statue on Market Square, a focal point of the tour’s narrative about local leadership in the movement.
THE DRAMA
Old Courthouse Showdown
Stand where an exciting confrontation unfolded between nationally known suffragist Maud Younger and the Knox County Sheriff—a story the tour highlights to illustrate the tensions that accompanied the campaign for votes for women.
THE DECISIVE VOTE
Harry and Febb Burn Statue
The tour recounts the dramatic Burn moment—the victory where every vote counted—and the intensified pressure from opposing forces that marked the final push toward ratification.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits best — and the practical age/pricing buckets to know.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour runs for 1.5 hours.
No specific gear requirements are listed; standard comfortable walking attire and weather‑appropriate layers are implied for a city walk.
Adult (13+): $20. Child (ages 6–12): $14.
Meeting location details are not specified in the provided data; check the operator for exact departure point and arrival instructions.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Misbehaving Women tour?
The tour duration is 1.5 hours.
What are the ticket prices?
Adult (13+): $20. Child (ages 6–12): $14.
What age is considered an adult or child for ticketing?
Adults are age 13 and up; child pricing applies to ages 6–12.
What will the tour cover?
The tour explores Knoxville’s suffrage history, visiting key sites and recounting pivotal moments and local leaders who contributed to the movement.
Who operates the Misbehaving Women tour?
The tour is operated as a Knoxville walking tour.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-10-31T00:42:22.237Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.