If ever you’ve dreamed of being two places at once, the town of Bristol is a great place to start. You see, if you stand on downtown State Street, you’ll be straddling the state line between Tennessee and Virginia. This quiet small town is known for many other things, such as being the birthplace of Country Music, and yet its distinction as a split downtown is quite possibly the most unique.
Located in the very corner of southwestern Virginia, the town of Bristol is a beautiful destination with loads of history. Although it’s likely the geography of the town that you’ll remember most.
DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
Bristol is the only downtown in the U.S. that’s shared between two states. The twin cities of Bristol, Virginia, and Bristol, Tennessee have long shared this connection.
yorkfoto / Getty Images The conjoining began in 1852 when a man by the name of Joseph Anderson bought land on either side of the border. He founded the town of Bristol on the Tennessee side, but, upon realizing the proximity of Goodsonville in Virginia, decided the two places should share a single downtown. Goodsonville was officially renamed Bristol in 1890.
Driving into Bristol, Virginia, you’ll be greeted by an illuminated sign that shows just how close the state of Tennessee really is.
Brent Moore / flickr Built in 1910, the above sign is one of only 33 of its kind listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Look a little closer at State Street going through downtown Bristol and you’ll discover the literal divide in the road.
Joel Carillet / Getty Images
How fascinating is that? This bizarre boundary is embraced by both towns, which have several businesses celebrating proximity to the neighboring state.
Joel Carillet / Getty Images Stateline Bar & Grill is a prime example of Bristol’s unique placement.
Of course, there are plenty of other things to explore while in Bristol, such as the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and the famous “Crooked Road.”
Wallace Moura / Getty Images
Have you ever visited downtown Bristol? What did you think? Be sure to share your experiences with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!
DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
yorkfoto / Getty Images
The conjoining began in 1852 when a man by the name of Joseph Anderson bought land on either side of the border. He founded the town of Bristol on the Tennessee side, but, upon realizing the proximity of Goodsonville in Virginia, decided the two places should share a single downtown. Goodsonville was officially renamed Bristol in 1890.
Brent Moore / flickr
Built in 1910, the above sign is one of only 33 of its kind listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Joel Carillet / Getty Images
Joel Carillet / Getty Images
Stateline Bar & Grill is a prime example of Bristol’s unique placement.
Wallace Moura / Getty Images
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Address: Bristol, VA, USA
