Discovering Westmoreland Hills: Knoxville’s Storied Sanctuary
Tucked gracefully along Kingston Pike, just a few miles west of downtown Knoxville, the Westmoreland Hills neighborhood stands as an enduring testament to the city’s blend of heritage and community spirit. For generations, mature trees, elegant homes, and quiet, curving lanes have preserved the charm of one of Knoxville’s most beloved neighborhoods. As a longtime resident, let me take you on a journey through the fascinating history and ongoing legacy of Westmoreland Hills.
Origins: A Neighborhood Rooted in Vision
The story of Westmoreland Hills begins in the early 20th century, a period of vibrant growth for Knoxville. Following the expansion of streetcar lines and the rise of the automobile, development began to push westward past Sequoyah Hills. The area that would become Westmoreland Hills was once rolling farmland—part of sprawling estates owned by prominent families such as the Fowlers and the Tyrrells.
Development began in earnest after land speculators and developers saw the potential for a planned community nestled away from the city bustle. In the 1920s, the Westmoreland Land Company was formed, and with intention and care, streets like Westmoreland Drive, Lyon Drive, and Kenesaw Avenue were platted. The city’s growth and the promise of a suburban idyll attracted physicians, attorneys, business owners, and university professors—laying the foundation for a vibrant, enduring community.
How Westmoreland Hills Got Its Name
There’s a touch of poetic nostalgia in the name “Westmoreland.” Although there are several Westmorelands scattered across the U.S., Knoxville’s Westmoreland is believed to be named for the gentle hills rolling west of downtown and possibly as an homage to the historic English county of Westmorland, known for its picturesque countryside. The addition of “Hills” highlighted the area’s topography—offering sweeping vistas and elevated, breezy lots compared to the neighborhoods in the older part of the city.
Key Milestones: From Estates to Enclaves
As the 1930s and 1940s ushered in new prosperity, notable architects—among them Charles Barber and Francis Keally—began leaving their mark on the neighborhood. Westmoreland Hills soon became synonymous with stately residences that blend Colonial Revival, Tudor, and Mediterranean styles. These homes, many of which still stand today, were designed to impress and endure.
Some key milestones in the neighborhood’s development include:
- The paving of Kingston Pike, turning what was once a rural thoroughfare into a suburban artery.
- The establishment of Westmoreland Elementary School (now the site of private residences and green space) as a community hub for young families in the mid-20th century.
- The creation of neighborhood parks and green spaces, most notably in the area around Lyon Drive and Sherwood Drive, which continue to be gathering spots for families and children.
Notable Landmarks and Buildings
Westmoreland Hills boasts several iconic landmarks that tell the story of its past:
- Westmoreland Water Tower: Situated atop one of the highest elevations in Knoxville on Westmoreland Drive, this Art Deco structure has stood sentinel over the neighborhood since the 1930s. Its streamlined silhouette is visible from many vantage points and is a favorite local landmark.
- Historic Homes: Many original residences along Kenesaw Avenue boast hand-carved woodwork, wrought iron fencing, and slate roofs. One particularly adored house is the former “Fowler Mansion” on Westmoreland Drive, with its grand columns and sprawling lawns.
- Kingston Pike: Not just a boundary, Kingston Pike served as a link between the neighborhood and downtown Knoxville, fostering close ties with the wider city and ensuring Westmoreland’s growth and influence.
- Little Post Oak Park: A green oasis tucked between the neighborhood’s winding streets, this small park offers trails, picnic areas, and a tranquil spot for reflection—a legacy of the planners’ vision for accessible, communal green space.
The Neighborhood Through the Decades
In the mid-1900s, Westmoreland Hills continued to thrive as one of Knoxville’s premier addresses. The post-WWII housing boom brought new families and a smattering of more modest homes, yet the area retained its distinctive character. Community associations arose to protect architectural standards and ensure the maintenance of common spaces and trees.
The 1970s and 80s saw a new generation of residents devoted to restoration and preservation, even as shopping centers and the burgeoning West Town Mall brought suburban conveniences nearby. Throughout these decades, Westmoreland remained a welcoming enclave, beloved for its walkability, sense of safety, and shared pride in its history.
Today, you’ll find longtime Knoxville families living alongside young professionals, drawn by the neighborhood’s reputation for hospitality and its blend of tradition and progress. Annual events, from spring garden tours to holiday luminary walks on Lyon Drive, weave a sense of community that endures from one era to the next.
Westmoreland Hills Today: Heritage Meets Modern Living
Strolling through Westmoreland Hills today, you’ll hear laughter from playgrounds, spot neighbors walking dogs under a cathedral of oaks, and catch the scent of flowering magnolias in spring. The neighborhood association remains active, championing everything from historic preservation to traffic safety on busy Kingston Pike. Newer residents honor traditions while also infusing Westmoreland with fresh energy—restoring older homes, planting pollinator gardens, and fostering a vibrant spirit of inclusivity.
Perhaps what has sustained Westmoreland Hills, more than its landmark homes or leafy streets, is the enduring belief that a neighborhood is so much more than its address: it is the shared memory, treasured stories, and lasting friendships that turn houses into homes.
Final Thoughts: Celebrating a Knoxville Legacy
Westmoreland Hills is a living tapestry woven from history, architecture, and the laughter of generations. As Knoxville continues to grow, this venerable neighborhood welcomes the future while cherishing the past—a beautiful example of what makes our city so special.
If you ever find yourself wandering along Westmoreland Drive, pausing by the iconic water tower, or chatting with neighbors in Little Post Oak Park, you’ll quickly discover why so many are proud to call Westmoreland Hills “home.”