Founded in 1799 along the banks of the French Broad River, Newport is a rugged mountain town known as the "Gateway to the Smokies" from the Cocke County side. Its history is defined by a fierce independent spirit, from its early days as a river shipping hub to its storied legacy in the Appalachian moonshine trade. Today, Newport offers a authentic mountain lifestyle, serving as a vital link between the Cherokee National Forest and the major commerce corridors of East Tennessee.