The idea for a memorial park honoring one of Knoxville ’s most famous authors was first voiced by local musician R.B. Morris and artist Eric Sublett in the 1980s.

A vacant lot in Fort Sanders was deemed an appropriate spot—it is located about one block from the site of Agee’s childhood home, torn down more than 40 years ago.

Important progress was made in 1999 when the University of Tennessee agreed to cede the vacant lot, about one-third acre, at the northwest corner of Laurel Avenue and James Agee (formerly 15th) Street. It had been used for parking. This action was one of several recommendations made in connection with the Fort Sanders Forum, a series of community workshops on improving the area.

An Agee Park Steering Committee organized in 2000 to consider design ideas and fundraising. Members included Morris, state historian Wilma Dykeman, and various community activists, architects, authors, gardeners, and politicians. Eventually, the City of Knoxville joined UT in backing the project, and in May 2003 the asphalt was dug up and replaced with sod.

In December 2003 two full-grown, 80-ton magnolias were salvaged from a nearby lot slated for demolition and moved with a 200-ton crane. Denark Inc. rearranged demolition deadlines to accommodate the move, Powell Construction Company brought the crane, Blaine Construction offered workers and other equipment, Cortese Tree Specialists offered the expertise of several employees, and KUB and Comcast moved lines for free. Cortese has agreed to care for the trees.

Another major event occurred in December 2004 when volunteers applied for and received a grant from Rohm and Haas, a chemical plant near Fort Sanders . The funds were used to straighten existing marble walls on the two street sides…

...and to open up the corner in the form of a stone stairway with columns at the park’s entrance.

A Design Committee worked on two main goals: to make the park a memorial to Agee, and to reflect the spirit of Fort Sanders . To achieve the latter goal, the design incorporated local materials like river rock and native plants for landscaping.

The Perennial Plant Association adopted the park as a summer project. Plants were donated by Karen Petrey, Stanley ’s Greenhouse, and Ellenburg’s. UT students installed a temporary sculpture, “Moment,” and the park was dedicated in April 2005.

The Steering Committee continues to work on additional improvements. A third stone pillar is on order, and committee members would like to build paths linking all three entrances to the park. When more funds are available, they hope to install lighting and perhaps a monument to Agee, along with quotes from some of his work etched in stone.