Settled in 1786, Knoxville was twice the state capital – from 1796-1812 and from 1817-1819. Located on the Tennessee River, it has served as a vital industrial port and is still the site of the Tennessee Valley Authority, which was formed in 1933. The city is also home to the University of Tennessee. As for the city, Knoxville offers plenty of cultural and historical attractions. Be sure to visit the Old City that surrounds Central and Jackson and the World's Fair Park, which was the site of the 1982 World's Fair. Other attractions include the Ramsey and Mabry-Hazen houses, both of which are listed on the National Historic Register. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is only forty miles away.