Maryville Blount County Court House (Courthouse), Great Smoky Mountains, Maryville, TN, Tennessee

What does it mean to stand before history, with the past behind you and the future stretching out before you?

As I set up my camera on a cool September morning, the first light of sunrise touched the red roof of the Blount County Courthouse in Maryville, Tennessee. The Great Smoky Mountains stretched out in the distance, a soft silhouette against the orange and pink hues of the dawning sky. This courthouse, a steadfast sentinel of justice and history, stood proudly at the heart of this town. In front of the entry steps, the war memorial stood quietly, honoring the sacrifices of so many. The flags fluttered in the early breeze, adding a sense of gravity to the scene.

Photographing government buildings early in the morning is always an adventure. Geo-fencing restrictions prevented me from flying my drone as freely as I’d hoped, but I managed to find the perfect angles to capture the courthouse’s full grandeur from above. The complexity of working with drone technology and local regulations added layers of challenge to the moment, but the beauty of the scene was worth every hurdle.

Standing there, I couldn’t help but reflect on the stories this courthouse must hold. Maryville is a town steeped in history, its roots running deep into Tennessee’s past. The courthouse itself, with its towering clock and bold architecture, was a symbol of resilience and hope for this community. As I captured the first rays of sunlight painting the courthouse’s façade, I felt connected to the town’s legacy, to the people who had walked these streets long before me.

This moment, standing in the stillness of dawn, felt sacred in its simplicity. The grandeur of the Smoky Mountains, the whispers of history through the wind, and the sight of the courthouse standing firm—all of it combined into a snapshot of time that spoke of the past while pointing to the future.

Capturing this scene wasn’t just about the technicalities of photography; it was about preserving a moment where history, beauty, and community converged.

1) Since we create each piece of our custom fine art specifically for you, we don't offer returns. Every image is made-to-order, making it unique and personal. But we want you to love your artwork! If it arrives damaged or there's a problem with it, we'll gladly exchange it or send you a replacement to make things right.

2) The artist's signature on each piece of our fine art, placed in the bottom corner, authenticates the work as a unique creation and adds a personal touch.

3.1) Only framed paper prints, acrylics and aluminum/metal prints will have a 2" white mat border.
3.2) Canvas prints will be a flush mounted (no mat border) to the frame.